ABOUT
Leah Busque Solivan is an American entrepreneur and investor, best known for founding TaskRabbit in 2008, an online marketplace connecting individuals with local freelancers for various tasks. Prior to founding TaskRabbit, she worked as a software engineer at IBM, contributing to the development of Lotus Notes and Domino. In 2017, she transitioned into venture capital, becoming a General Partner at FUEL Capital, where she focuses on early-stage investments across consumer technology, hardware, education, marketplaces, and retail sectors.
BEFORE RICHES
Leah Busque Solivan began her career as a software engineer at IBM, where she contributed to the development of Lotus Notes and Domino. Her tenure at IBM spanned several years, during which she honed her technical skills and gained valuable experience in software engineering. This period not only solidified her expertise in technology but also sparked her interest in creating solutions that address everyday problems, setting the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey.
HOW SHE MADE 1st MILLION
In 2008, Leah faced a common household dilemma—running out of dog food for her Labrador, Kobe. This inconvenience led her to envision a platform where neighbors could assist each other with everyday tasks. Motivated by this idea, she left her stable position at IBM to develop the concept, leading to the creation of TaskRabbit, an online marketplace connecting individuals with local freelancers for various chores and errands. Her innovative approach to the gig economy garnered significant attention, resulting in TaskRabbit's expansion across multiple cities and its eventual acquisition by IKEA in 2017.