She became a VC for a green card. Now she's backing billion-dollar AI bets.

Oana Olteanu's path to becoming a venture capitalist is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Initially faced with the challenge of obtaining a green card, Olteanu opted to remain in the investment sphere rather than join an artificial intelligence lab, Poolside, which had recognized her potential in machine learning. Instead of accepting their offer to help build a tech team, she took a risk by investing personally in Poolside, a decision that has since paid off, as the company is now valued at an impressive $12 billion. This successful investment has paved the way for her new venture, Motive Force, a seed fund that focuses on early-stage startups in sectors such as artificial intelligence, enterprise software, and robotics. Olteanu's mission is clear: to identify technical outsiders and overlooked founders who have the potential to succeed before they gain widespread attention from Silicon Valley. However, launching a first-time fund in today's market presents challenges. Olteanu notes that fundraising is increasingly difficult, with capital consolidating into larger rounds led by major firms, making it tough for smaller funds to compete. Yet, she remains optimistic, believing that the current market dynamics create opportunities for nimble investors like herself who can spot promising founders early, often before they even consider seeking formal investment. So far, her strategy appears to be working. In addition to Poolside, Olteanu has successfully backed Inngest, a company providing tools to software teams, and MaintainX, which is valued at $2.5 billion and assists industrial teams in equipment maintenance. Her ability to connect with underrepresented innovators stems from her own background; having grown up in rural Romania without a computer, she made her way to the U.S. after winning a NASA contest at 18. Olteanu's journey into venture capital began through an unexpected connection while consulting for Scale Venture Partners. Her technical acumen caught the attention of investors, leading her to a position that ultimately facilitated her permanent residency. Now, with Motive Force, she aims to support founders who embody the drive and determination she values. One such example is Jemima Meyer, a self-taught coder and dietitian who developed software to screen for malnutrition. Olteanu met her before she launched her fundraising efforts, recognizing her potential and tenacity. With customers like Cedars-Sinai and Penn Medicine already on board, Meyer's success illustrates the type of founder Olteanu wants to uplift. In her view, while traditional credentials like a Stanford degree can be advantageous, they do not define a founder's potential. Olteanu believes that every entrepreneur deserves support, and with Motive Force, she is dedicated to creating a fund that champions those who dare to innovate without waiting for validation.