In a changed VC landscape, this exec is doubling down on overlooked founders | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Connie Loizos

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Stacy Brown-Philpot, a veteran of Google and TaskRabbit, is challenging Silicon Valley’s obsession with mega-rounds and buzzy AI deals by running Cherryrock Capital as a throwback to venture capital’s earlier days. Instead of chasing the next big thing, Brown-Philpot focuses on writing smaller Series A and B checks for underinvested entrepreneurs building software companies. This approach fills a critical gap she identified after leaving TaskRabbit: the lack of access to capital for founders who don’t fit the traditional Silicon Valley mold. Brown-Philpot’s decision to launch Cherryrock was inspired by her experience as an investor in SoftBank’s Opportunity Fund, which aimed to back underserved entrepreneurs. However, when SoftBank divested from its diversity-focused initiative, Brown-Philpot saw an opportunity to double down on her mission. Her fund, which closed its debut round in February 2025, is taking a deliberate and measured approach to investing. With more than 2,000 companies already in its pipeline, Cherryrock plans to make just 12 to 15 investments from its first fund—a stark contrast to the seed funds that spread bets thin or the massive funds writing nine-figure checks. Despite the political and cultural shifts in tech, Brown-Philpot remains unfazed. She believes her strategy is sound: back entrepreneurs who can generate returns, regardless of their background. Cherryrock’sLP roster includes major financial institutions like JPMorgan, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, and Melinda Gates’s Pivotal Ventures—investors who recognize the potential in backing diverse founders. In an era where diversity and inclusion have become flashpoints, Brown-Philpot’s focus on underinvested entrepreneurs aligns with a new California law requiring VC firms to report demographic data on their portfolio companies. This transparency mandate positions Cherryrock as a leader in a changing landscape, where measuring diversity is no longer just a moral imperative but a business necessity. Brown-Philpot’s approach not only challenges the status quo of Silicon Valley investing but also highlights the potential rewards of betting on overlooked talent. As the VC landscape continues to evolve, her strategy offers a refreshing alternative for founders and investors alike—one that

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/14/2026