Who is Sharon Waggoner?

Sharon Waggoner is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with over two decades of experience in the technology industry. She is the Co-founder and CEO of the venture capital firm, Sway Ventures, and is also the Founder and Executive Chair of the technology company, Coravin. Waggoner is known for her innovative ideas and her ability to identify and invest in promising early-stage technology companies.

Waggoner began her career as a software engineer at Microsoft, where she worked on the development of the Windows operating system. She later founded her own software company, Blue Nile, which was acquired by Oracle in 2005. In 2007, she co-founded Sway Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. Waggoner is also the Founder and Executive Chair of Coravin, a company that has developed a patented wine preservation system.

Waggoner is a strong advocate for women in tech and has been recognized for her contributions to the industry. She was named one of the "Most Powerful Women in Tech" by Forbes in 2016 and was inducted into the Women in Technology Hall of Fame in 2017.

Name	Sharon Waggoner
Occupation	Entrepreneur, Business Leader
Known For	Co-founder and CEO of Sway Ventures, Founder and Executive Chair of Coravin
Awards and Recognition	"Most Powerful Women in Tech" by Forbes, Women in Technology Hall of Fame

Sharon Waggoner

Sharon Waggoner is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with over two decades of experience in the technology industry. Her key aspects include:

Co-founder and CEO of Sway Ventures
Founder and Executive Chair of Coravin
Software engineer at Microsoft
Advocate for women in tech
Forbes "Most Powerful Women in Tech"
Women in Technology Hall of Fame
Investor in early-stage technology companies

Waggoner's success in the tech industry is due to her innovative ideas, her ability to identify and invest in promising early-stage companies, and her commitment to diversity and inclusion. She is a role model for women in tech and an inspiration to all entrepreneurs.

1. Co-founder and CEO of Sway Ventures

Sharon Waggoner is the Co-founder and CEO of Sway Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. Sway Ventures has invested in over 100 companies, including Bird, Lime, and Modern Fertility. Waggoner's role as Co-founder and CEO of Sway Ventures is significant because it demonstrates her:

Investment acumen: Waggoner has a track record of identifying and investing in successful early-stage technology companies. Sway Ventures' portfolio companies have a combined valuation of over $10 billion.
Leadership skills: As CEO of Sway Ventures, Waggoner is responsible for the firm's overall strategy and operations. She has built a team of experienced investors and operators who share her vision for investing in early-stage technology companies.
Commitment to diversity and inclusion: Waggoner is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She is a member of the board of directors of the National Center for Women & Information Technology and the co-chair of the VC Inclusion Lab.
Passion for innovation: Waggoner is passionate about investing in companies that are developing new and innovative technologies. She believes that technology has the power to solve some of the world's biggest challenges.

Waggoner's success as Co-founder and CEO of Sway Ventures is due to her combination of investment acumen, leadership skills, commitment to diversity and inclusion, and passion for innovation. She is a role model for women in tech and an inspiration to all entrepreneurs.

2. Founder and Executive Chair of Coravin

Sharon Waggoner is the Founder and Executive Chair of Coravin, a company that has developed a patented wine preservation system. Coravin's system allows wine enthusiasts to pour a glass of wine without removing the cork, preserving the rest of the bottle for later. Waggoner's role as Founder and Executive Chair of Coravin is significant because it demonstrates her:

Entrepreneurial spirit: Waggoner saw a need in the market for a wine preservation system and developed a solution. She founded Coravin in 2011 and has since grown the company into a global leader in wine preservation.
Innovation: Coravin's wine preservation system is a patented technology that is unique in the market. Waggoner's commitment to innovation has led to the development of a product that has revolutionized the way wine is enjoyed.
Business acumen: Waggoner has led Coravin to become a successful and profitable business. The company has raised over $100 million in funding and has a global distribution network.

Waggoner's success as Founder and Executive Chair of Coravin is due to her combination of entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and business acumen. She is a role model for women in tech and an inspiration to all entrepreneurs.

3. Software engineer at Microsoft

Sharon Waggoner's experience as a software engineer at Microsoft was a significant factor in her success as an entrepreneur and business leader. At Microsoft, Waggoner worked on the development of the Windows operating system, one of the most widely used software programs in the world. This experience gave her a deep understanding of software development and the technology industry. It also helped her to develop the skills and knowledge that she needed to be a successful entrepreneur.

After leaving Microsoft, Waggoner founded her own software company, Blue Nile, which was acquired by Oracle in 2005. She then co-founded Sway Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. Waggoner's experience as a software engineer at Microsoft has been instrumental in her success as an entrepreneur and investor. Her deep understanding of software development and the technology industry has allowed her to identify and invest in promising early-stage technology companies.

The connection between "software engineer at Microsoft" and "sharon waggoner" is significant because it demonstrates the importance of technical skills and experience in the technology industry. Waggoner's experience as a software engineer at Microsoft gave her the foundation she needed to be a successful entrepreneur and investor. It also highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Waggoner is a woman in a field that is still predominantly male, and her success is an inspiration to other women who are interested in pursuing careers in technology.

4. Advocate for women in tech

Sharon Waggoner is a strong advocate for women in tech. She is a member of the board of directors of the National Center for Women & Information Technology and the co-chair of the VC Inclusion Lab. She is also a frequent speaker at conferences and events on diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

Role Model and Mentor: Waggoner is a role model and mentor for women in tech. She is passionate about helping women to succeed in the tech industry and is always willing to share her advice and support. She is also a strong advocate for policies that promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
Investor: As an investor, Waggoner is committed to investing in companies that are founded by women or that have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. She believes that diversity and inclusion are essential for innovation and success in the tech industry.
Speaker: Waggoner is a frequent speaker at conferences and events on diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She is a powerful voice for change and her insights are always well-received. She is also a strong advocate for policies that promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

Waggoner's advocacy for women in tech is significant because it is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. She is a role model for women in tech and her work is making a real difference in the lives of women in the tech industry.

5. Forbes "Most Powerful Women in Tech"

Sharon Waggoner was named one of the "Most Powerful Women in Tech" by Forbes in 2016. This recognition is a testament to her success as an entrepreneur and investor in the tech industry. It also highlights her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

As a Co-founder and CEO of Sway Ventures, Waggoner has invested in over 100 early-stage technology companies, including Bird, Lime, and Modern Fertility. Her track record of success in identifying and investing in promising early-stage companies is one of the reasons why she was named one of the "Most Powerful Women in Tech" by Forbes.

In addition to her success as an investor, Waggoner is also a strong advocate for women in tech. She is a member of the board of directors of the National Center for Women & Information Technology and the co-chair of the VC Inclusion Lab. She is also a frequent speaker at conferences and events on diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

Waggoner's recognition as one of the "Most Powerful Women in Tech" by Forbes is a reflection of her success as an entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for women in tech. She is a role model for women in tech and an inspiration to all entrepreneurs.

6. Women in Technology Hall of Fame

The Women in Technology Hall of Fame recognizes women who have made significant contributions to the technology industry. Sharon Waggoner was inducted into the Women in Technology Hall of Fame in 2017 for her success as an entrepreneur and investor in the tech industry, as well as her commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Entrepreneurship: Waggoner is the Co-founder and CEO of Sway Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. She has also founded several other successful companies, including Blue Nile, which was acquired by Oracle in 2005.
Investment: Waggoner has a track record of success in identifying and investing in promising early-stage technology companies. Sway Ventures' portfolio companies have a combined valuation of over $10 billion.
Diversity and Inclusion: Waggoner is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She is a member of the board of directors of the National Center for Women & Information Technology and the co-chair of the VC Inclusion Lab.
Role Model: Waggoner is a role model for women in tech. She is a successful entrepreneur and investor who is also committed to diversity and inclusion. She is an inspiration to all women who are interested in pursuing careers in technology.

Waggoner's induction into the Women in Technology Hall of Fame is a testament to her success as an entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for women in tech. She is a role model for women in tech and an inspiration to all entrepreneurs.

7. Investor in early-stage technology companies

Sharon Waggoner is an investor in early-stage technology companies. She is the Co-founder and CEO of Sway Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. Waggoner has a track record of success in identifying and investing in promising early-stage technology companies. Sway Ventures' portfolio companies have a combined valuation of over $10 billion.

Waggoner's investment in early-stage technology companies is significant because it helps to fuel innovation and growth in the tech industry. Early-stage technology companies are often the ones that develop new and innovative technologies that have the potential to change the world. Waggoner's investment in these companies helps to bring these technologies to market and make them available to consumers.

In addition to her investment in early-stage technology companies, Waggoner is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She is a member of the board of directors of the National Center for Women & Information Technology and the co-chair of the VC Inclusion Lab. Waggoner's commitment to diversity and inclusion is important because it helps to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry, which is essential for innovation and growth.

Overall, Sharon Waggoner's investment in early-stage technology companies is a significant factor in her success as an entrepreneur and investor. Her investment in these companies helps to fuel innovation and growth in the tech industry, and her commitment to diversity and inclusion helps to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry.

FAQs about Sharon Waggoner

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Sharon Waggoner's life, career, and contributions to the tech industry.

Question 1: What is Sharon Waggoner's background and education?

Answer: Sharon Waggoner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley. She also has an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Question 2: What are Sharon Waggoner's most notable accomplishments?

Answer: Sharon Waggoner is best known for her work as the Co-founder and CEO of Sway Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies. She is also the Founder and Executive Chair of Coravin, a company that has developed a patented wine preservation system.

Question 3: What is Sharon Waggoner's role in the tech industry?

Answer: Sharon Waggoner is a prominent figure in the tech industry. She is a successful entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for diversity and inclusion. She is also a member of the board of directors of the National Center for Women & Information Technology and the co-chair of the VC Inclusion Lab.

Question 4: What are Sharon Waggoner's thoughts on the future of the tech industry?

Answer: Sharon Waggoner believes that the future of the tech industry is bright. She is optimistic about the potential of technology to solve some of the world's biggest challenges. She also believes that it is important to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry.

Question 5: What advice does Sharon Waggoner have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Answer: Sharon Waggoner advises aspiring entrepreneurs to be passionate about their work, to be persistent, and to never give up on their dreams. She also believes that it is important to build a strong team and to surround yourself with people who support you.

Summary: Sharon Waggoner is a successful entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She is a role model for women in tech and an inspiration to all entrepreneurs.

Transition to the next article section: Sharon Waggoner's contributions to the tech industry are significant. She is a role model for women in tech and an inspiration to all entrepreneurs. Her work is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry, which is essential for innovation and growth.

Conclusion

Sharon Waggoner is a successful entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She is a role model for women in tech and an inspiration to all entrepreneurs. Her work is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry, which is essential for innovation and growth.

Waggoner's journey is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a passion for making a difference. She is an inspiration to us all to dream big and to never give up on our dreams.