Maria Springer

Maria Springer is a fundraising strategist, social entrepreneur, and investor focused on helping founders access capital at scale. As Founder and CEO of Capital Department, she has helped startups raise over $250 million from retail investors, guiding companies through the complexities of modern capital formation. With a background that spans venture investing, media, and global development, Maria brings a unique, cross-sector perspective to fundraising—combining financial expertise with storytelling and market positioning to support high-growth, mission-driven ventures.

Earlier in her career, Maria co-founded LivelyHoods, a nonprofit that created a distribution network for clean energy products across informal settlements in Kenya, generating economic opportunity for women and youth while expanding access to sustainable technologies. She has also worked with investment funds in post-conflict regions, produced internationally recognized documentary films, and advised innovative startups. A Skoll Scholar and graduate of Oxford’s Saïd Business School, Maria continues to champion inclusive finance and entrepreneurship as powerful tools for global impact.

Founder & CEO, Capital Department