Gillian D Francis

Gillian D Francis

About Gillian D. Francis


Venture Capitalist, Rapid Ventures | Board Advisor, Pollentia Inc.

Gillian D. Francis is a venture capitalist at Rapid Ventures, where she invests in and accelerates climate-forward and deep-tech companies redefining the future of energy, mobility, and infrastructure. Through her role at Rapid Ventures, Gillian has brought Pollentia into the firm’s ecosystem, supporting its growth as a transformative force in electric marine technology.

Her expertise lies in connecting breakthrough ventures with the right networks — from institutional capital and sovereign wealth groups to strategic corporate partners — and guiding founders through the challenges of scaling globally in high-impact sectors.

Investment & Ecosystem Building

Venture Capital & Rapid Ventures

  • Partnered with Pollentia as part of Rapid Ventures’ climate and mobility ecosystem.
  • Focused on identifying and nurturing companies that sit at the intersection of sustainability, autonomy, and infrastructure.
  • Deep experience structuring capital raises and aligning early-stage companies with long-term strategic investors.

Advisory & Governance

  • Serves as a board advisor to Pollentia, providing guidance on fundraising, capital efficiency, and market positioning.
  • Advises the executive team on governance, scaling strategy, and aligning investor narratives with global climate objectives.
  • Skilled in helping founders bridge the gap between early product validation and large-scale commercialization.

Role with Pollentia

At Pollentia, Gillian strengthens the company’s:

  • Investor Ecosystem — embedding Pollentia within Rapid Ventures’ portfolio of clean-tech innovators.
  • Capital Strategy — advising on venture funding, partnerships, and long-term growth planning.
  • Global Market Entry — leveraging Rapid Ventures’ networks to accelerate Pollentia’s presence in U.S., Gulf, and European markets.

Leadership Philosophy

Gillian believes that climate innovation requires both capital and conviction. Her work is centered on building ecosystems where companies like Pollentia can scale not only with financial support, but with the strategic partners and market access needed to redefine entire industries.

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