“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” — Helen Keller
Lani’s career has been shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and an instinct for bringing people together. From advising future healthcare professionals to supporting leaders in private equity and venture capital, she has consistently gravitated toward work that combines thoughtful relationship-building with the behind-the-scenes coordination that helps teams thrive.
Born and raised in San Jose, California, Lani is a second-generation Vietnamese American. She studied Health Science and Communications at San Jose State University, inspired by her grandmother, who instilled in her the value of community and the importance of helping others.
Her start in investment operations began right after college, when she joined a South African venture capital firm establishing its presence in the Bay Area. There, she began building her experience in administration while discovering a passion for the energy and creativity of entrepreneurial teams.
She later went on to serve as an advisor at a nonprofit medical school, helping students navigate their programs and prepare for careers in healthcare. After three years, missing the dynamic pace and collaborative spirit of the investment world, she returned to venture and private equity. She spent five years at H.I.G Capital as an Executive Assistant, further developing her expertise in executive support, operations, and relationship management.
Today, Lani serves as Executive Assistant at Founders Circle Capital, where she supports the firm’s leadership and helps manage the office, executive schedules, and daily workflows that keep the team moving. She thrives on building authentic relationships, creating structure and making it easier for people to work effectively together. Founders Circle’s relationship-driven culture felt like a natural fit for someone who has always valued connection, trust, and collaboration.
Outside of work, Lani is an avid traveler and self-described foodie who loves researching new restaurants and experiencing different cultures through their cuisine. She has participated in cultural exchange programs in Morocco and South Korea, where she lived with local families, taught English, and studied Korean and Moroccan Arabic. A competitive figure skater for nearly a decade, she still teaches private skating lessons and also enjoys running and playing soccer.
