Her name speaks for itself - no formal bio or introduction is needed. On this edition of the Voice of Business Podcast presented by ALTRES, Jo McGarry interviews Meli James, Co-Founder of Mana Up and President of Hawaii Venture Capital Association. McGarry and James discuss Mana Up’s origin story, and how her Silicon Valley experience spurred her passion to help Hawaii’s businesses stay here and thrive here.
“If you got that hustle, you really can make anything happen.”
Listen and learn more about microbrand trends and how effective storytelling can positively impact your bottom line. Help Mana Up’s efforts to support local businesses thrive by purchasing products whose headquarters are in Hawaii or serve as an entrepreneur mentor in their Accelerator Program. For more information or to learn how your business can take part in the Accelerator Program, email aloha@manaup.com.
Bio:
Meli James is the cofounder of Mana Up, a Hawaii-based product accelerator and venture fund building the state’s next generation of consumer brands. She is also the president of the Hawaii Venture Capital Association.
Born and raised in Honolulu, Meli lived in Silicon Valley for more than 10 years where she co-founded numerous startups including Nirvino – a #1 ranked wine app and Apple Platform Top 100 App, during its time.
Meli has been recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of five Women to Watch and as one of eight Women Leaders Who Are Disrupting Entrepreneurship. She serves on the board of UHA Health Insurance, board of regents for Chaminade University and is a 2020 Omidyar Fellow. Meli is a graduate of Punahou School and Cornell University.