Alicia Hanf

About Alicia Hanf

I specialize in building and scaling innovation ecosystems that drive meaningful impact. With over a decade of experience in leadership, corporate venture capital, and strategic partnerships, my work focuses on aligning groundbreaking startups with capital, resources, and institutional support. I am passionate about creating high-value networks that foster collaboration between investors, corporations, and visionary entrepreneurs.At LG NOVA, I lead efforts to forge strategic institutional partnerships and expand a dynamic ecosystem for innovation. Our team thrives on capital alliances and ecosystem development, a space where I bring expertise in startup ecosystem development, multi-family office operations and long-term venture strategies.Previously, I founded Dear Mama Ventures, a platform dedicated to improving access to capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Our industry-agnostic investment approach focuses on diverse founders tackling global challenges, reflecting my commitment to inclusive progress and systemic change.Notable Achievements: • Innovation Ecosystem Leadership: Built and managed a global pipeline of startups and 40 partners across three continents. • Corporate Venture Capital Execution: Led the development of corporate venture arms for two Fortune 500 companies, contributing to investment theses and overseeing $300M+ in deployed capital across 30+ deals. • Capital & Fundraising Strategy: Played a pivotal role in raising over $50M for high-impact startups. • Thought Leadership & Recognition: Featured in Forbes, Yahoo Finance, and The Washington Post for expertise in venture capital, innovation ecosystems, and inclusive investing.Core Focus Areas • Corporate Venture Capital Strategy • Startup Ecosystem Development • Strategic Partnership Creation • Capital Deployment & Fundraising • Leadership & Mentorship • Business Development & Scaling • Process Optimization & Change ManagementI believe in the power of innovation to drive change, and I’m committed to building platforms that connect capital with ideas, transforming industries, and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Experience

1. Venture Partner

   Desert Forge Ventures

   May 2025 — Present

Education

• University of Baltimore

  Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

  2012 — 2014

• Pierce College

  Business Management/ Business Admin

  2010 — 2012

Skills

• Brand Development
• Dod
• National Security
• Management Consulting
• Product Marketing
• Sales Management
• Military
• Higher Education
• Project Management
• Advertising Sales
• Leadership Development
• Personnel Management
• Microsoft Word
• Integrated Marketing
• Marketing Communications
• Team Leadership
• Human Resources
• Security Clearance
• Direct Sales
• Customer Service
• Government
• Army
• Branding
• Management
• Team Building
• Policy
• Recruiting
• Employee Training
• Leadership
• Inbound Marketing
• Operations Management
• Contract Management
• Program Management
• Military Experience
• Marketing
• Government Contracting
• Relationship Building
• Process Improvement
• Account Management
• Proposal Writing