Leslie Goldman Tepper, a former corporate lawyer with over 25 years of legal experience, is a seasoned investor, a sought-after advisor to entrepreneurs and angel investors, and an expert in board governance. Her success with her personal investment portfolio of 70+ companies and 12 VC funds led her to establish The Artemis Fund, a highly successful venture capital fund investing in female founded companies. Leslie started her professional career facilitating M&A transactions as a lawyer in Amlaw 100 firms, where she served public and private companies in negotiating and closing mergers, acquisitions, and other transactions. As outside counsel, she honed the legal and analytical skills required to provide exceptional service to clients. Her career as a corporate attorney culminated in her role as the General Counsel of several Thermo Fisher Scientific businesses, where, as a member of the executive team, she was called upon for her judgment, business acumen, and strategy, skills critical to collaborating with teams on strategic planning and execution. A prominent figure in the early-stage landscape, she guides and mentors founders through the intricacies of fundraising, hiring, strategic planning, forecasting, cap table management, and other strategic and operational issues. Her extensive experience in board governance has made her an invaluable asset to companies seeking a high functioning and value-add board. Notably, Leslie's commitment to upholding corporate best practices and championing diversity led her to become a board member of two chapters of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) and an active member of its private company governance steering committee. She also serves as a board member to five privately held companies.Leslie’s experience in investment, entrepreneurship, and board governance combined with her ability to connect with diverse audiences and impart actionable knowledge has made her a sought-after speaker at conferences, industry events, and educational platforms. She frequently takes the stage as a speaker to empower individuals through her compelling storytelling and practical advice. Beyond her professional achievements, Leslie is a proud mother to a blended family of seven children, highlighting her exceptional ability to balance her personal and professional life. Leslie holds a B.A. from Yale University, an M.A. from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.