Kathe Shillo Beardsley is the Managing Partner at Upslope Ventures in Denver, Colorado.

In the first third of this episode, we talk about how Kate balances her role as Managing Partner of Upslope Ventures with her role as a new mom to two toddlers.  And also, the business lessons Kate learned as the executive assistant of Martha Stewart and Huffington Post co-founder, Ken Lerer.

Then, we discuss the difference between offensive and defensive venture investing and the characteristics that early startup founders should look for in an investor beyond the offer of capital.

In the final third, we break down three of Upslope’s portfolio companies and what they are doing to change the world, including Billie, the female razor subscription service just acquired by Proctor and Gamble this past week.