Kookai is an ESG Partner at UpperStage Capital, an impact-focused private equity fund investing in Canadian SMEs driving sustainability impact in climate resilience and community. Prior to joining UpperStage, Kookai’s career spanned from launching an award-winning technology start-up, forming SDG partnerships at the United Nations, and integrating an impact lens to invest in breakthrough technologies at a hard-tech Venture Capital fund. When not investing, Kookai is active in community building and mentorship. She’s an advocate for the democratization of finance and for change makers who have been underserved or underestimated. She currently serves as a Co-Chair of the Vancouver Entrepreneurs Forum (VEF), an advisory committee member for the Canadian Women in VC, and a Faculty Advisory Board for the UBC Sauder School of Business.