The Remarkable Journey of Kelly Barton: From Athlete to Venture Capitalist
Kelly Barton, a rising star in the venture capital world, has recently added another feather to her cap: becoming an IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion. As a vice president at CapitalG, Google’s growth equity investment fund, Barton has made a name for herself in the fintech and software sectors. Her journey from being a collegiate athlete to a world-class triathlete and a successful investor is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and ability to balance multiple high-demand pursuits.
From Rowing to Triathlons: The Making of a Champion
Barton’s athletic career began during her time at MIT, where she was a member of the crew team. After seven years of competitive rowing, she decided to explore new challenges. She transitioned to running, completed a marathon, and eventually discovered her passion for triathlons. Her first triathlon, an Olympic-distance event, saw her emerge as the overall winner. This success propelled her to compete in more demanding races, including the half IRONMAN, where she qualified for the 2021 World Championships. By 2022, she was consistently winning her age group, and in 2023, she started dominating the overall women’s field, earning her professional triathlete license.
Balancing Athletics and Venture Capital: A Unique Perspective
While many might see the worlds of elite athletics and venture capital as incompatible, Barton believes her athletic background has made her a better investor. The discipline, focus, and strategic thinking required to train for triathlons have translated seamlessly into her professional life. Barton often credits her rigorous training regimen with providing her the mental space to reflect on her investments. She mentions that stepping away from the daily grind for two-plus hours of training allows her to think critically about the companies she backs and their future trajectories. This ability to step back and see the big picture has been instrumental in her success at CapitalG.
A Deep Dive into Fintech and Software Investments
Barton’s professional journey at CapitalG began in 2021, and she quickly made her mark by leading investments in notable startups such as Coupa, Duck Creek Technologies, and Further. Her promoted to vice president in early 2024, she has focused on growth-stage fintech and software companies. One of her most significant investments was in Farther, a tech-enabled wealth management firm that raised $72 million in a Series C round co-led by CapitalG and Viewpoint Ventures. Barton’s interest in fintech stems from her belief in the massive profit pools within financial services, particularly the $100 trillion wealth management industry in the U.S.
The Evolution of Digital Banking: A Global Perspective
Looking ahead to 2025, Barton is excited to explore the future of digital banking. She is particularly interested in how regional differences influence the adoption of digital banking solutions. For instance, while Monzo has succeeded in the U.K. with its consumer-centric approach, the same model has not been equally effective in other markets with different cultural attitudes toward money. Barton is eager to identify opportunities in regions where cash-based transactions remain prevalent, believing that 2025 will be a pivotal year for answering big questions about market evolution and trend adoption.
The Future of Fintech and Beyond
As Barton continues to build her reputation as a leading voice in fintech, she remains committed to working with founders who share her passion for solving complex problems. Her dual identity as an elite athlete and a venture capitalist gives her a unique perspective on both her personal and professional goals. For Barton, the journey is about more than just winning races or closing deals—it’s about the pursuit of excellence in every aspect of her life. As she looks to the future, Kelly Barton is poised to make an even greater impact in both the world of sports and the world of finance.
