Before entering venture capital, Nuria Cuadrat founded HWA Cosmetics, a Korean skincare e-commerce company. Her entrepreneurial experience gave her firsthand insight into how startups operate and the challenges they face when scaling. This experience sparked her interest in the venture capital ecosystem, motivating her to explore it further and start her career at Angels Capital in Valencia, Spain, where she began as an intern and recently joined full-time as an Investment Analyst.
Her career trajectory accelerated thanks to the VC Academy programme by EIT Community Supernovas, a specialised training initiative designed to equip junior women venture capital investors with both technical knowledge and insider insights into how the industry truly operates, from investment analysis to ecosystem dynamics. As Nuria highlights, it goes beyond traditional learning by providing direct exposure to industry experts and practical perspectives.
Building a network that matters
One of the most transformative aspects of the programme was the emphasis on professional networking and ecosystem awareness. Nuria quickly realised the importance of connecting with founders, investors, and peers early in her career. Through VC Academy, she met industry leaders who provided guidance, insights, and perspectives that would have taken years to discover independently.
Learning from a proven investment philosophy
Angels Capital operates with a distinctive investment approach shaped by Juan Roig, the founder of Mercadona, Spain’s largest supermarket chain, and Lanzadera, a startup accelerator programme. Roig transformed Mercadona from a regional retailer into a national powerhouse using the Total Quality Model, which focuses on efficiency, customer satisfaction, and team development.
“At Angels Capital, we invest in startups accelerated through Lanzadera, where entrepreneurs receive training and tools to scale their ventures sustainably. Juan Roig’s work has had a real impact on the Valencian startup and investment ecosystem, creating a framework where talent, capital, and knowledge converge.”
Since its launch, Angels Capital has invested €40 million and already returned the same amount, and currently holds 70 startups in its portfolio, reflecting a disciplined approach to sustainable growth and impact that mirrors Roig’s philosophy.
Evaluating startups with ambition and vision
VC Academy has influenced how Nuria evaluates companies and founders. Ambition, market potential, and scalability are key. She looks for founders who can envision growth over the next several years, seeing small ventures as potential engines of significant impact. Nuria balances high expectations with empathy.
“I understand the challenges founders face, but I also want them to stretch their potential. I am demanding, but I stay alongside them to navigate the path.”
Why VC Academy makes a difference
Nuria is a strong advocate for VC Academy, emphasising its unique combination of practical knowledge and ecosystem insight. She encourages aspiring investors to join the programme:
“Even if you’ve been in venture capital for a few years, this programme allows you to move from one stage to the next. It provides access to knowledge and insights you won’t get elsewhere, including how to track portfolios, evaluate startups, and understand the dynamics of the ecosystem.”
Her story demonstrates that VC Academy is not just a training programme. It is a career accelerator, giving participants the tools, insights, and networks to grow confidently in venture capital.
A future shaped by learning and connection
Nuria Cuadrat’s journey highlights the transformative power of guidance, insight, and connection. Thanks to VC Academy, she has developed the skills to evaluate startups strategically, build meaningful professional relationships, and contribute to a thriving ecosystem in Valencia.
For those entering venture capital or looking to advance their careers, her story is a compelling invitation: VC Academy is where ambition meets opportunity.
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Discover the positive experience at the VC Academy by Benedetta Mariani
