Shila Nieves Burney

Shila Nieves Burney is an investor, operator, and strategist dedicated to driving economic growth by investing in high-potential early-stage companies. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Zane Venture Fund, she supports alpha-generating entrepreneurs leveraging technology to build scalable, revenue-driven businesses, particularly in underfunded markets like the Southeast.
Under her leadership, Zane Venture Fund and its portfolio companies have secured millions in capital, driving substantial revenue growth and economic impact. Shila has cultivated a robust network of investors, operators, and industry leaders, positioning Zane as a catalyst for venture success beyond traditional capital hubs.

A recognized leader in venture capital, Shila has served as an Executive-in-Residence at Harvard Ventures, a VC mentor for Pipeline Angels, and a trusted advisor to emerging fund managers and founders nationwide. She has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, TechCrunch, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and has presented at premier investment conferences across the country.

Recognizing the critical gap in early-stage capital formation, Shila launched Zane Access, which has evolved from a traditional accelerator into a technology-driven capital readiness platform. This AI-powered platform integrates automated assessments, personalized investment-readiness training, and data-driven funding matches to increase funding success rates and reduce business failure. Through this model, Zane Access helps founders become investor-ready faster, optimizing their chances of securing capital and scaling efficiently.

The impact of this strategic shift is measurable: founders who have completed Zane Access programs have collectively raised significant capital, generated millions in revenue, and created new jobs.

Her expertise in capital formation and market expansion is complemented by over two decades of experience in operations and strategic partnerships. Before launching Zane, she held roles at major nonprofits, including the American Cancer Society, the Black Women’s Health Imperative, and Points of Light, and spent years in public school administration.

Shila is a Florida A&M University alumna, where she studied Business Administration. She continues to shape the future of venture capital by championing companies that drive strong financial returns while transforming critical industries such as preventative health and access, education and workforce development, food security, housing stability and the built environment.