Initiative’s Fourth Leader Will Build on Two Impactful Years Led By Anna Barber of M13
LOS ANGELES – The leaders of PledgeLA, a coalition of hundreds of venture capital (VC) and tech leaders dedicated to making Los Angeles a global tech hub, have named Noramay Cadena, Managing Partner at Supply Change Capital, as its fourth chair. With continued support from the Annenberg Foundation and the Office of Mayor Karen Bass, PledgeLA has been a driving force for increasing access to capital, fostering talent, and strengthening the city’s innovation ecosystem since 2018.
Noramay Cadena takes the helm from Anna Barber of M13, a founding force behind PledgeLA’s bold mission to break down systemic barriers in tech who will continue shaping its future as Chair Emerita. During Barber’s tenure, PledgeLA achieved transformative milestones, including:
- The Venture Capital Data Report – A groundbreaking analysis of access to capital in Los Angeles, produced with UCLA Luskin School.
- The Venture Capital Fellowship – A nationally-recognized program launching new leaders into investing, with two alumni now working at the partner level.
- The GP + LP Connections Series – A catalyst for growth, facilitating over 80 meetings between VCs and potential backers in 2024.
- The PledgeLA Catalyst Awards – L.A.‘s premier honor for leaders driving capital access, innovation, and ecosystem growth.
PledgeLA’s Advisory Committee praised Cadena’s longstanding commitment to expanding access in tech and venture and her trajectory as a leader in Los Angeles.
“I’m thrilled to pass the baton to Noramay Cadena,” said Anna Barber. “She has a 10-year track record as an investor, and has worked for decades to foster a stronger and more diverse LA tech ecosystem. Her strategic vision and deep ties to the ecosystem make her the perfect leader to propel PledgeLA forward through its next phase of transformation and growth.”
Cadena co-founded Supply Change Capital in 2020 and raised an inaugural $40M venture capital fund to invest in technology to transform the food system. With offices in Los Angeles and Chicago, Supply Change has deployed over $20M across 23 companies to date – including eight in California.
Entering its seventh year, PledgeLA is deepening its commitment to making Los Angeles a thriving tech ecosystem. This summer, a new cohort of VC Fellows will join local firms, helping to develop the next generation of investors who will fuel the region’s innovation economy. Additionally, building on the success of the GP + LP Connections Series, PledgeLA will expand its efforts to connect high-net-worth family offices with venture opportunities, ensuring that more capital stays in Los Angeles to support local leaders.
As part of its broader mission, PledgeLA remains dedicated to community resilience. PledgeLA members including Wonder Ventures kick-started the L.A. Tech Community Cares Fund, which has raised more than $1.1 million to aid individuals, families, small businesses, and workers affected by the January 2025 wildfires.
