Emila Damjanovic Named to GrowthCap's Top Women Leaders in Growth Investing of 2026

Growth Investing continues to be one of the most promising segments of the private capital markets. Its focus on proven business models and operational strategies to accelerate company scaling is relevant and applicable across all stages of the economic cycle.

Notably, it has also become an area where many exceptional women choose to focus their careers and as a result the growth investing field benefits tremendously. We at GrowthCap are privileged to be able to recognize and shine a light on the women leaders playing a pivotal role in shaping the asset class while driving it forward.

In our fourth year conducting this awards process, hundreds of nominations were received. We spent considerable time reviewing each candidate to ensure a methodical and consistent approach was applied. Ultimately, awardees were selected based on demonstrated success in leadership roles, breadth of experience, longevity in the field, and consistency in performance, among other factors.

We reviewed feedback received on nominees from their colleagues, portfolio company executives and/or others in the industry. While we were not able to recognize all those who were nominated, we want to acknowledge each nominee’s contributions to the growth investing field.

Please join us in congratulating this year’s awardees.

EMILA DAMJANOVIC
Firm: Lead Edge Capital
Title: Partner and Head of Investor Relations

Emila Damjanovic is a Partner and the Head of Investor Relations at Lead Edge Capital, where she oversees the Firm’s unique investor base, a network of 700+ executives, entrepreneurs, and dealmakers who have built and run some of the world’s most successful companies. Investor Relations at LEC is not just a function; it’s the cornerstone of the firm’s strategy. In this role, Emila has masterfully grown the Investor Relations team into a best-in-class function, managing communications, reporting and relationships with over 700 individual investors. For over a decade, Emila has cultivated and maintained relationships that have been pivotal to Lead Edge’s fundraising and portfolio support efforts. Since joining Lead Edge, the Firm has raised six funds from 700+ investors, totaling $5 billion in capital commitments.

As part of her role managing 700 investors, Emila helps to curate tailored in-person experiences and facilitate introductions throughout Lead Edge’s LP network. Emila is also committed to championing women in the VC/PE industry. She spearheaded the “Women of LEC” initiative, organizing events in San Francisco and NYC designed to foster meaningful connections among women in Lead Edge’s network and throughout the industry. Prior to Lead Edge, Emila was the Head of Investor Relations and Assistant COO at Eastern Advisors, a global crossover hedge fund funded by Tiger Management. Emila was raised in Slovenia before immigrating to New York City and speaks three languages.

"This award is especially meaningful this year following the close of our seventh fund. Building enduring partnerships and earning the trust of investors has been the most rewarding part of my career.

As we begin this next chapter, I'm excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing to strengthen the community that has been so central to our success." - Emila Damjanovic

The award referenced herein is the opinion of the party conferring the award and not of Lead Edge Capital. The award was issued by GrowthCap on July 1, and covered the period of 2025 - 2026. Lead Edge Capital submitted a nomination and once selected, paid a publishing and copyright fee, however no compensation was paid in connection with the ranking or award.