The Top Women Leaders in Growth Investing 2025

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 this network, 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 New York City designed to foster meaningful connections among women in Lead Edge’s network and across 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.

“I’m honored to be recognized by GrowthCap again this year, especially among such a powerful group of leaders. What continues to drive me is the opportunity to build lasting relationships across our investor base—an incredible community of entrepreneurs, executives, and operators. At Lead Edge, collaboration isn’t a catchphrase—it’s how we help companies grow. I’m proud to have been part of our journey since inception, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.” – Emila Damjanovic

Award issued on June 25, 2025, and covering the period of June 2024 through June 2025. A fee was paid for these award entries; however, no compensation was paid in connection with the ranking or award.