Full Name
Phillip Sanders
Job Title
Co-president
Company
New Media Rising/ New Rising Ventures
Speaker Bio
“Phil is the Co-President of New Rising Ventures (NRV) and New Media Ventures (NMV), where he leads investments in early-stage startups and mission-driven organizations that are reshaping progressive infrastructure. With a deep background in venture capital, financial strategy, and ecosystem building, Phil is dedicated to expanding opportunities for underrepresented founders and scaling transformative solutions in the media landscape.
Previously, as Partner at NMV, Phil spearheaded initiatives to broaden partnerships, grow the fund’s investment capacity, and support high-impact startups. His career spans roles at Ernst & Young and Rockwood Capital, where he managed financial strategy across technology, real estate, and venture capital. He also held positions at Kapor Capital and the Kapor Center, overseeing investment operations and supporting funds that back entrepreneurs tackling systemic inequities.
Beyond his investment work, Phil is a trusted advisor to early-stage founders and is a former Board Chair at the Ella Baker Center in Oakland, bringing together investors, changemakers, and thought leaders to design communities and ventures that drive social impact.
A Chicago native, Phil holds a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from Bethune-Cookman University. When he’s not working, you can find him searching for the world’s best cappuccino with oatmilk
Phillip Sanders