Laura Sims

Why do you do what you do?

What drew me to my career in investing is not the transactions – it’s the companies. I love learning what makes an organization and an industry tick, forming a vision for where it can go, and working alongside leadership teams to achieve those goals. That drive for insight and impact motivates both my professional work and my nonprofit Board service.

What drew you to serving on the board?

I moved to San Francisco more than 25 years ago and am now raising my family here. Over that time, I’ve seen the city navigate some of its most vibrant – and most challenging – periods. Despite these ups and downs, I’ve never stopped believing in the immense potential of the Bay Area.
What drew me to the Foundation is my conviction that the city and region can only thrive when their communities are thriving. That means people having access to stable housing, to economic opportunity, and to neighborhoods where they can put down roots and build a life. The Foundation approaches that work with both rigor and heart, and I wanted to be part of advancing that mission.

How would you describe your role as a board member?

Given my background as an investor, one of my primary contributions is bringing that expertise to the Foundation’s Investment Committee. My predecessors on the committee not only generated best-in-class returns but also established the Foundation as a leader in mission-aligned investing. I look forward to helping steward that legacy in terms of both performance and purpose.

Full Biography

Laura Sims has spent more than two decades in private equity investing at firms based in the Bay Area. She is currently a Senior Partner overseeing direct investments for a family office and was previously a Partner at Sageview Capital and an Associate at TPG Capital. Her investment experience spans sourcing, due diligence, deal execution, capital markets, investment oversight and board service. She began her career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs in San Francisco.

Laura holds a B.A. in economics and government from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. She currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Bouldering Project, Dentologie, Limitless Fitness Group (a Crunch Fitness franchisee), and Small Door Veterinary. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of Children’s Day School in San Francisco, where she previously chaired the Advancement Committee for five years.