CyberWire Daily Chenxi Wang: Overcoming the obstacle of fear. [Venture Capital] [Career Notes]
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Nov 16, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Chenxi Wang, founder of Rain Capital and a seasoned expert in cybersecurity, shares how she overcame personal fears to achieve her professional goals. She reflects on her journey from China to the U.S. and her pivotal shift from academia to the venture capital world. Chenxi emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community, detailing her work with the women's executive network. She also addresses breaking glass ceilings and how she aims to leave a legacy rooted in kindness and support for underrepresented groups.
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Scholarship Redirected Her Career
- Chenxi Wang moved from China to the U.S. on a scholarship that shifted her path from architecture to computer science and cryptography.
- She spent over 20 years in cybersecurity after studying, researching, and teaching before moving to industry and startups.
From Academia To Silicon Valley
- After a PhD at UVA Chenxi became an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon and spent six years teaching and researching computer engineering.
- She left academia because she wanted to see real-world impact and moved to Silicon Valley to join startups and industry roles.
VC Work Balances Diligence And Fundraising
- Venture investing combines sourcing, diligence, and post-investment operational support to help startups scale.
- Fundraising is itself a major part of a VC's job and competes for time with portfolio work.