Emily Kramer, a well-known figure in the marketing world, has made headlines in recent years for her professional expertise and her voice. The entrepreneur was formerly the Vice President of Marketing at Carta and sparked controversy when she filed a lawsuit against the company in 2020, accusing it of gender discrimination, retaliation, wrongful termination, and violating the California Equal Pay Act.
A Settlement Reached
Three years after the lawsuit was first filed, Kramer has revealed that the "matter was resolved." Filings show that the settlement came just a month ahead of the case’s impending trial date. Kramer declined to comment further on the matter.
"It definitely impacted where I am now in the sense that this was an inflection point," said Kramer, who is one of many former Carta employees embroiled in legal battles with the company. "I want to do something on my own terms, and I want to do something that I think matters and can have an impact. And I want to invest in companies that I think care about DEI."
Enter MKT1 Capital
MKT1 Capital is a venture firm founded by Emily Kramer alongside Kathleen Estreich, who previously led marketing and operations teams at Box, Facebook, and Scalyr. The firm has closed $5 million in investment capital from over 85 individuals last year and has announced that it is pivoting to a 506(c), which allows for publicly soliciting fundraising, with the hopes of raising another $5 million.
A Shared Vision
Estreich emphasizes that their plan was always to start with a private fundraise, then switch to a raise that would allow accredited investors outside of their community to invest. This strategy is similar to that of Sophia Amoruso and Turner Novak, who have successfully raised funds publicly after building strong online followings.
Reframing Tech’s Messaging Around Marketing
The two founders want to reframe tech’s messaging around marketing by investing in companies that need support and on-ramping a network of marketing professionals into the angel investing world. "You have to be as good at distribution as you are at building a product," Kramer said.
"We really think of marketing as a strategic lever and, in some ways, it is underutilized and undersupported," Estreich added. Part of the reason behind that, she noted, is because marketing results are harder to measure and can lead to longer-term revenue goals rather than immediate short-term results.
Closing the Gap for Marketing Professionals
Kramer believes that there is eagerness in the cohort of marketing professionals to not just shape stories but also write checks. "Marketers aren’t investing because they’re not getting the opportunity to invest," Kramer said, citing stats that show less than 1% of angel investors on Crunchbase are marketers.
"They don’t know where to start or how to get involved in investing," Estreich added. This gap is what MKT1 Capital aims to bridge by providing a platform for marketing professionals to invest and learn about the startup ecosystem.
MKT1 Capital’s Investment Strategy
The firm focuses on investing in companies that have a strong understanding of their target market, effective distribution channels, and a clear path to revenue growth. Kramer and Estreich believe that this approach can help drive returns and create a more sustainable future for startups.
"We’re not just investing in companies; we’re investing in the people behind them," Kramer said. "We want to see entrepreneurs succeed and grow their businesses into something truly remarkable."
Conclusion
MKT1 Capital is an exciting venture firm that aims to reframe tech’s messaging around marketing and provide a platform for marketing professionals to invest and learn about the startup ecosystem. With a strong team, a clear investment strategy, and a shared vision, MKT1 Capital has the potential to make a significant impact in the world of startups.
About Emily Kramer
Emily Kramer is a well-known figure in the marketing world with over a decade of experience leading high-growth teams at companies like Carta and Box. She is also an advocate for women in tech and has spoken publicly about her experiences as a female entrepreneur.
About Kathleen Estreich
Kathleen Estreich brings extensive expertise in marketing and operations, having led teams at companies like Facebook and Scalyr. She is committed to helping entrepreneurs succeed and grow their businesses into something truly remarkable.
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