Shilpa Yarlagadda

Shilpa Yarlagadda is the Founder of Shiffon Co. and the Startup Girl Foundation, as well as an Investor at StartHer. Originally a computer science major, she launched the direct-to-consumer fine jewelry brand from her Harvard University dorm room in 2017, capitalizing on $5,000 in personal savings and a $20,000 high school grant. The company's signature Duet Pinky Ring has achieved significant cultural visibility, having been worn by prominent public figures including Michelle Obama, Serena Williams, and Meghan Markle. Through the nonprofit Startup Girl Foundation, Yarlagadda systematically directs 50% of Shiffon's profits toward funding female-led startup companies, supported by an advisory board featuring former executives from Elle magazine. Her current professional focus centers on bridging the gender gap in venture capital by leveraging consumer retail success to finance and mentor early-stage women entrepreneurs across multiple industries.