Amanda Hesser

First Close Partners backs venture funds owned by underrepresented managers (“URMs”) -- especially to help them get to a “first close.”  We invest in venture capital firms owned and operated by URMs who are people of color, women, LGBTQIA+, Indigenous people, people with disabilities, and members of other groups that have been historically underrepresented, especially (but not solely) in the venture capital industry.

Barcelona Wine Bar is a warm and welcoming tapas bar inspired by the culture of Spain. The ever-changing menu is focused on clean flavors, seasonal ingredients, specialties from Spain and the Mediterranean, and rustic small plate presentations created by chefs with tremendous talent. Barcelona offers an award-winning selection of wines from Spain and South America—and boasts one of the largest Spanish wine programs in the U.S.

Food52 is a next-generation cooking and home company that was named one of the world’s most innovative companies by Fast Company in 2022, with a monthly reach of more than 30 million people. From the beginning, the brand challenged the models of traditional media companies and retailers, combining content, commerce, and community around the belief that the kitchen is the heart of the home and food is the center of a well-lived life. Food52 connects a global community of experts and amateurs, supporting them with inspirational, useful content — recipes, videos, podcasts, cookbooks and more — and outfitting them with products that make them happy. In addition to a highly curated Shop representing hundreds of makers, the Food52 community of brands includes its in-house product line Five Two, lighting and lifestyle goods company Schoolhouse, and the heritage home brand DANSK.

First Close Partners backs venture funds owned by underrepresented managers (“URMs”) -- especially to help them get to a “first close.”  We invest in venture capital firms owned and operated by URMs who are people of color, women, LGBTQIA+, Indigenous people, people with disabilities, and members of other groups that have been historically underrepresented, especially (but not solely) in the venture capital industry.