Reema Shah’s path through the worlds of finance, education, and social impact reflects a steady commitment to thoughtful analysis and purposeful action. Over more than twenty-five years, she has contributed to a range of fields, including investment management, early-stage ventures, philanthropy, and advisory work, always grounding her efforts in careful evaluation and long-term impact.
Her career began at Stern Stewart & Co. in New York, where she evaluated companies from different industries using the EVA framework. This early position introduced her to structured financial assessment and helped shape the disciplined approach she would later apply as an investor. She continued to strengthen her understanding of corporate fundamentals through roles at Morgan Stanley and Fayez Sarofim & Co., where she gained experience in sector research, valuation, and direct engagement with executive teams.
After completing her MBA from the Kellogg School of Management in 2000, Reema joined Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette as an equity research analyst. Her work involved conducting research on public companies and offering investment recommendations to institutional clients. This stage solidified her skill set in market evaluation and reinforced her reliance on data-driven decision-making.
Reema later advanced into leadership at JWS Technology Funds, eventually becoming managing director and partner. She began as an analyst and ultimately co-managed a multi-billion-dollar technology-focused mutual fund. She also invested in software and consumer companies for the firm’s hedge fund, which expanded from $10 million to over $1 billion. Her ability to navigate volatile markets and identify opportunities in fast-changing sectors helped establish her reputation as a capable and disciplined investor. Over time, she grew increasingly interested in applying her financial experience to work that carried a broader social purpose.
That interest led her to co-found Foundze, Inc., an online platform created to help parents and educators identify top-rated educational apps for children. This venture represented her growing commitment to mission-aligned projects. From 2014 to 2017, she served as an advisor at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, where she played a key role in launching the Social Impact Collective in 2016. The program helped professionals deepen their understanding of philanthropy and impact investing.
Reema also contributed to advancing women-led innovation through her role as managing director at Golden Seeds in Silicon Valley. She helped lead investment rounds and form partnerships that connected investors with high-growth companies led by women. At Stanford University’s Center for Social Innovation, she mentored StartUp Garage students as they explored solutions to real-world challenges.
Her later work included investing with ARA Family LLC, where she oversaw a diverse portfolio of public companies and multi-asset funds. She also supported small business owners by serving as a consultant and Chairperson of the West Coast Advisory Board for The Acceleration Project (TAP).Reema remains deeply engaged in educational and community programs. She volunteers with Peninsula Bridge, the Ravenswood Foundation, Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, and the University of Pennsylvania, and she has supported organizations such as the San Francisco Food Bank and There With Care. Her service on advisory boards, including the Menlo School and the Netter Center at the University of Pennsylvania, reflects her belief in connecting education with civic involvement.
Her philanthropic interests focus on expanding access, providing mentorship, and enriching students and families. Outside her professional life, she enjoys hiking, cooking, playing pickleball, and exploring her interests in the arts, fashion, and technology.
Throughout her work, Reema Shah continues to show how financial insight and community-minded purpose can move forward together, contributing to meaningful progress over time.
