Episode 14: Annie Lamont - Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Oak HC/FT

This week, I had the honor of speaking with Annie Lamont, one of the most respected investors in healthcare and fintech. As the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Oak HC/FT, Annie has built a reputation for identifying and backing transformative companies that have reshaped industries. With over 30 years in venture capital, she has led investments in some of the most innovative companies in healthcare, financial services, and technology. Annie’s journey began with a strong foundation—after attending Stanford, she started her career at Hambrecht & Quist, where she gained exposure to high-growth technology and healthcare companies. She later joined Oak Investment Partners, where she spent decades honing her investment philosophy before co-founding Oak HC/FT, a firm dedicated to healthcare and fintech innovation. In this conversation, we dive into Annie’s early career, the lessons she learned navigating venture capital as a young investor, and the turning points that led her to build Oak HC/FT. She shares how she evaluates new industries, her approach to investing in cutting-edge fintech and healthcare startups, and how the increasing overlap between these sectors is shaping the future. We also discuss the principles that guide her investments, the biggest changes in venture capital over the last two decades, and the qualities that define great entrepreneurs. Finally, Annie offers invaluable advice on breaking into venture capital, navigating market cycles, and the lessons she would share with her younger self. This episode is packed with insights from one of the most influential investors in the industry—I hope you enjoy it!