Stacy Cumberbatch (Blended Impact): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Stacy Cumberbatch is the Managing Director and Founder of Blended Impact, an innovation lab based in Southern California. Founded in 2019, Blended Impact is recognized for its public-private partnership model aimed at fostering inclusive economic development. Stacy's journey, from a career in real estate finance to venturing into impact investing, showcases her commitment to creating pathways for investment in under-resourced communities. With a background in finance and a passion for bridging the gap between technology and community needs, Stacy is a formidable presence in the field of economic sustainability. Here, we delve into 10 key aspects of Stacy Cumberbatch and her work with Blended Impact.

1. Early Life and Education

Stacy Cumberbatch was born in Trinidad & Tobago and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She pursued higher education in the United States, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Georgia. Stacy further advanced her qualifications with a Master’s degree from the University of Southern California in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Her educational background laid the foundation for her career in finance and venture development.

2. Career Beginnings

Prior to founding Blended Impact, Stacy had over 12 years of experience in real estate finance, having worked at institutions like First Republic Bank and Bank of America. Her roles involved underwriting over $1.7 billion in loan transactions, equipping her with a robust understanding of financial mechanisms and investor relations.

3. Transition to Venture Capital

Stacy Cumberbatch made a significant career shift by moving into venture capital, becoming a Principal at Quake Capital Partners. She co-launched the firm's Los Angeles office, contributing to the management of a $33 million seed fund and accelerator program, and provided investments in over 30 early-stage companies. This marked her transition from traditional finance to the dynamic world of startup investments.

4. Founding Blended Impact

In 2019, Stacy founded Blended Impact as a response to the growing need for sustainable economic solutions. The lab works by leveraging public-private partnerships to drive innovation and economic growth in opportunity zones and under-invested communities. Blended Impact aims to create scalable, tech-driven solutions through strategic partnerships with government bodies, nonprofits, and private investors.

5. Focus on Opportunity Zones

Under Cumberbatch's leadership, Blended Impact emphasizes investing in Opportunity Zones—economically distressed communities where new investments can receive preferential tax treatment. Through Blended Impact, Stacy is dedicated to increasing capital access in these zones, encouraging entrepreneurship, and facilitating job creation.

6. Public-Private Partnerships

Stacy's work is distinguished by her ability to forge strong partnerships between public entities and private investors. Her efforts have involved collaborating with federal and local government agencies, academic institutions, and major foundations to enhance project development and resource accessibility.

7. Achievements with Blended Impact

Since its inception, Blended Impact has developed several initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainability. Noteworthy achievements include strategic collaborations with the University of California Riverside Center for Social Innovation and participation in national economic development programs.

8. Advocacy for Inclusive Economic Development

A central tenet of Stacy's work is her advocacy for inclusive economic development. She aims to dismantle barriers to capital for minority and rural communities, promoting a more equitable economic landscape through initiatives that support minority entrepreneurship and community development.

9. Recognition and Influence

Cumberbatch has gained recognition for her thought leadership and influence in the fields of venture capital and economic development. She serves on leadership committees for organizations like the Alliance for SoCal Innovation and the Inland Empire Growth & Opportunity Coordinating Council, where her insights contribute to shaping regional economic strategies.

10. Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Stacy Cumberbatch continues to expand the influence and reach of Blended Impact. With ongoing projects in technology integration, sustainable urban planning, and cooperative investments, Stacy is at the forefront of creating economically viable and environmentally sustainable solutions for communities across Southern California and beyond.

Conclusion

Stacy Cumberbatch's journey from finance to founding Blended Impact highlights her dedication to fostering sustainable economic growth through innovative public-private partnerships. By focusing on Opportunity Zones and inclusive development, her efforts pave the way for future advancements in economic investment strategies. Through her leadership, Stacy inspires a new paradigm in venture capital that balances financial returns with impactful socio-economic benefits. Her work encourages continued exploration and engagement in creating long-lasting economic resilience and innovation.