Shayna Harris brings deep operating experience from building sustainable food companies like Farmer's Fridge and Mars' sustainable commodities program, giving her hands-on knowledge of supply chains and scaling food products that most finance-first VCs lack. She focuses her investing on the intersection of food, climate, culture, and technology, driven by the insight that 75% of the world's food comes from just 12 plants and five animal species, and includes a six-month leadership cohort program for portfolio founders as part of her investment approach.

• Strong focus on the future of food and alternative proteins. Actively defends the sector against skepticism, pushing back on negative media narratives regarding major plant-based meat companies while acknowledging the need for better nutrition and business models. Frequently shares specific industry wins, such as a report noting that one-third of sausages served at Oktoberfest were meat-free.
• Deep engagement with the Chicago and Midwest tech ecosystem. Frequently promotes the region as a hub for innovation, often celebrating local funding milestones and coordinating meetups for investors and founders in the area. She highlights statistics showing how the region outperforms national averages in funding diverse founders.
• Advocacy for underrepresented founders and diverse leadership. Highlights data regarding the low percentage of venture capital going to Black and Latinx founders and discusses the structural barriers women face in the industry. This extends to her personal habits, where she actively seeks out and promotes women and POC-owned venues for professional gatherings.
• A commitment to climate action and biodiversity. Often shares data regarding the urgency of renewable energy adoption and the limited time remaining to mitigate global warming impacts. She draws connections between leadership demographics and environmental progress, sharing research suggesting that female leaders are more likely to act with urgency on climate issues.
• Interest in the intersection of public health and food systems. Notes alarming statistics regarding diabetes rates in the US and discusses the role of alternative proteins in preventing future health crises, specifically citing the reduction of zoonotic diseases as a major benefit of shifting away from traditional animal agriculture.