JANET ESCOBAR
VENTURE CAPITAL | TECHNOLOGY | POLICY
I'm the founder of Rokdove, an innovation lab focused on New York’s technology economy. We research what is changing, bring together the people closest to the problem, and turn that work into whatever the moment calls for: research, policy, pilots, partnerships, or new ventures.
I’ve worked across startups and Fortune 500 tech companies, advising Microsoft’s Defense & Intelligence and AWS Security teams on AI and GTM strategy. I also scouted early-stage startups for LvlUp Ventures.
ABOUT ME
I grew up in Hawthorne, CA, a predominantly Latino and Black community, raised by a single mom who immigrated from Mexico and worked multiple jobs to support four kids. It shaped my ambition and conviction: the future can’t just be built for some, it has to be built for everyone.
I know what it’s like to grow up in a place where the future feels out of reach. That’s why every step of my career has been about more than moving forward myself; it’s been about creating access for others. Over the years, that work has taken many forms: mentoring first-generation college students through Braven’s career accelerator program, and inspiring emerging entrepreneurs through my book, The Latina Trailblazer.
Today, I serve as the New York City Chapter Lead for La Familia Foundation, where I actively build community, programming, and resources for Latino founders and investors.
