Alexa Von Tobel

Alexa von Tobel is an influential American businesswoman and the founder of Inspired Capital, a venture firm dedicated to supporting early-stage startups. Her entrepreneurial journey began when she dropped out of Harvard Business School to create LearnVest, a fintech company aimed at democratizing financial planning. The success of LearnVest culminated in its acquisition by Northwestern Mutual for nearly $375 million, a significant milestone in the fintech industry. Alexa’s vision was to make financial education accessible, a mission that resonated with many and led to her becoming a bestselling author with titles like “Financially Fearless” and “Financially Forward.

Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Alexa’s background in psychology from Harvard College laid the foundation for her understanding of consumer behavior. Her career began at Morgan Stanley, where she recognized a gap in personal finance education, inspiring her to launch LearnVest. After the acquisition, she became Northwestern Mutual’s first Chief Digital Officer, where she played a pivotal role in integrating technology into traditional financial services, ultimately driving significant revenue growth.

Throughout her career, Alexa has faced challenges, including the initial struggle to secure funding for LearnVest. However, these experiences fueled her determination to become the kind of investor she wished had existed during her journey. Her commitment to empowering entrepreneurs has made her a sought-after mentor and speaker at various prestigious events, including TEDx and SXSW.

Alexa’s impact extends beyond her ventures; she has been recognized as a leader in her field, earning accolades such as Fortune’s 40 Under 40 and being named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Her dedication to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs continues to inspire many in the business community.