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Laycilates utilizes her comprehensive knowledge of classical Pilates when curating each clients’ private studio session. At its core, the Laycilates method promotes muscular endurance, balance, flexibility & mobility. By incorporating small controlled but impactful movements, her unique modern method is proven to tone, lengthen & strengthen.
LACY LOONEY
Pilates Instructor, private personal trainer, and founder of Laycilates.
Investment Associate at New Media Ventures
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How did you get into the private equity and finance space?
I’ve been working across various social justice issues for as long as I can remember. My interest in specifically both politics and racial justice began in college, after leaving a small mostly-white suburban town that I grew up in and having to confront my mixed Asian-American and white identity. I also started to pay attention to how toxic the church tradition of white evangelicalism was that I grew up in, and its ties to the far-right movement, which activated a lot of my passion for seeking liberation for other people of color, queer people, and other oppressed people. My current role combines those interests with the world of investing, which wasn’t an area I was interested in until I got this job, but I’ve become really interested in how redistributing capital can unlock pathways to equity.
Among our different investment areas, I’m probably the most passionate about media. While political change is always important, I believe that so much change we want to see happen needs to start with culture first. That’s why I think that media is such a critical investment right now, whether it’s local journalism, the creator economy, or cultural media.
Which area of your field are you most passionate about?
At New Media Ventures & New Rising Ventures, I lead our portfolio support programs. As a part of this role, I meet with many of our founders to better understand how we can support them after we invest in them, whether it’s feedback on their pitch or introductions to potential co-investors or funders. Conversations with founders are the most meaningful to me and are at the heart of why we do what we do, so I’m always trying to figure out how to get them the resources they need to succeed.
What do you love most about what you do?
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Our overall mission at New Media Ventures & New Rising Ventures–c4 and c3 arms, respectively–is to invest to build social and political power, which we believe will eventually lead us to our collective liberation.
If you have a business or brand, what would you say is the overall mission for your business or brand?
Tell me about your background and what inspired you to go into this field?
How do you envision the future of your industry? What role do you see yourself playing in that vision?
Impact investing plays an important role in the near future as many people’s rights are coming under attack. It’s important that as an industry we continue to invest in radical, impactful ideas and underrepresented founders. My team and I plan to continue to fund entrepreneurs working towards our collective liberation, even in the face of rising pressure to back down.
As a young woman of color in an industry that is overwhelmingly run by white men, I’ve often struggled with imposter syndrome, not feeling like I belong or that I’m qualified enough, especially coming from a nontraditional background. Key to me overcoming this were mentors that understand what it means to be underrepresented in this field who have been supportive and encouraging on the journey. Earlier in my career, I struggled with understanding what kind of career I was interested in, only knowing I was broadly interested in social impact work. I’ve been able to overcome this by learning to pay attention to what parts of my work excite me, and previously when I’ve been applying to jobs, what kinds of work sounds interesting.
What are two challenges or obstacles that you've faced along your career journey? And how did you overcome these?
I led the diligence process for our first investment in the creator economy, Social Currant, a platform that connects BIPOC creators with social impact brands and nonprofits. Their work is shifting narratives around policies, such as the Child Tax Credit, and mobilizing voters. I also launched our first ever podcast earlier this year, where I am interviewing founders working on various issues from civic engagement, to land justice, and even barriers in philanthropy. I previously had no podcasting experience, so I'm particularly proud of this achievement! Check out “Powerbuilding: Fund the Future” on Spotify!
What are two major accomplishments that you've achieved?
I hope to inspire others to think about how they can use their careers to make change. Impact investing feels like an oxymoron, especially in late-stage capitalism, however I believe radical impact is still possible. And I believe this to be the same for many other careers, and even outside of our work lives, we can all find ways to organize and create change.