Pictured: Isabelle Tashima, Senior Associate at Volition Capital
Volition Press: Can you share a bit about your career journey to date and what led you to Volition?
Isabelle Tashima: I joined Volition in July 2024 after graduating from MIT Sloan with my MBA. Before Sloan, I spent two years at Goldman Sachs in Investment Banking on the Middle Market M&A team in New York, where I worked closely with founder-led companies across a range of industries and business models. That experience made me realize I wanted to be part of founders’ journeys for longer – not just at the point of exit, but as they were building and scaling their businesses as well. While at Sloan, that conviction was reinforced when I heard Larry Cheng, one of Volition’s co-founders and Managing Partners, speak in my Scaling Entrepreneurial Ventures class about the firm’s investment in Chewy. I was inspired by Volition’s role in backing a truly transformational business that helped shape the broader pet industry, and that experience ultimately set me on the path to joining the team.
VP: What excites you most about the road ahead at Volition?
IT: For me, it’s all about the types of companies we get to work with. A lot of them are right at the edge of meaningful market shifts – building in spaces where change is happening fast and seams are opening up in the market. The founders we partner with are often taking real risks because they see something others don’t yet, and they’re incredibly passionate about bringing that vision to life. Being able to help support them during those moments is an honor and one of the most fulfilling parts of this job to me.
VP: Are there particular sectors or themes you’re especially focused on right now
IT: I’m continually excited about the creator economy and the infrastructure developing around it. Today, individuals can build businesses and brands in ways that would have been unimaginable a decade ago, supported by rapidly advancing tools for monetization, analytics, and back-end infrastructure. The rise of AI is accelerating this shift – making it easier to create, distribute, and personalize content at scale – while also reshaping how creators connect with their audiences. As technology continues to redefine the ways people interact, it’s unlocking an entirely new set of opportunities across the market.
VP: Why do you think founders should want to partner with Volition?
IT: What has resonated with me the most is how we show up as thoughtful partners. We’re not just writing a check – we’re rolling up our sleeves, bringing our experience and network, and working alongside founders on the big decisions and the tough challenges. Our approach is very collaborative and long-term oriented – we want entrepreneurs to feel like they have someone in their corner who’s invested in their success, not just financially but personally as well.
VP: Do you have a favorite book you’d recommend?
IT: One of my favorite books is The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. It highlights the power of determination and teamwork through the story of the 1936 US Olympic rowing team. Sports were a big part of my life growing up, and I have always tried to embody that mindset – working hard, pushing through challenges, and being a good teammate – not only in an athletic context, but also throughout my professional career as well.
VP: Outside of work, how do you enjoy spending your time?
IT: Outside of work, I love traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with family and friends. I also have a 4-year old miniature pomsky named Pepper who can almost always be found tagging along with me.
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