Maria D. Toler

Maria D. Toler is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the Founding and Managing Partner of SteelSky Ventures, a leading AI technology venture fund advancing the future of healthcare by backing companies that are creating new markets and setting the standard for modern healthcare innovation. 

Under Maria’s leadership, SteelSky Ventures has grown into one of the leading healthcare technology funds globally, managing a portfolio now valued at over $7 billion. The firm’s investments span transformative companies that are building the next generation of healthcare infrastructure, AI-driven platforms, and technology-enabled care models. Among its standout portfolio companies are Zipline, the autonomous drone logistics platform expanding access to critical medical products and supplies, and MIDI Health, the leading virtual clinic for midlife care. SteelSky’s strategic investor base includes major healthcare systems, corporations, and financial institutions aligned with its mission to accelerate innovation and access across global markets. 

Maria’s entrepreneurial journey began at Wake Forest University, where she founded the school’s first student-run business, Wakeboxes (now Collegeboxes, acquired by U-Haul). This early success sparked her passion for building scalable, impactful ventures. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Maria has held diverse operational roles across marketing, strategy, and technology, developing a deep understanding of innovation, execution, and sustainable growth. Her cross-sector experience has positioned her to identify emerging trends early and to back visionary founders building enduring companies.

A respected voice in venture capital and healthcare innovation, Maria is frequently invited to speak at leading global forums such as the Milken Institute, Aspen Institute, HLTH, GITEX Global, and the American Hospital Association. Her insights bridge the worlds of technology, policy, and investment, helping shape the future of healthcare delivery and digital transformation. She has also served as an advisor to the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research, contributing to national efforts to accelerate innovation and funding for women’s health and research equity.

Maria’s influence extends beyond venture capital. She serves on several high-impact boards, including the Yale Center for Health and Innovation, MassChallenge, and the National Patient Advocate Foundation, where she helps guide strategy and amplify innovation within healthcare systems and startup ecosystems. Her leadership is grounded in a belief that technology, when paired with mission-driven entrepreneurship, can unlock extraordinary outcomes for both investors and society.

Throughout her career, Maria has been recognized for her visionary leadership and commitment to advancing innovation. Her honors include the Eisenhower Fellowship, Forbes Top VC to Watch, the NYU Stern Alumni Changemaker Award, and multiple features in major media outlets, including The Today Show. These accolades reflect not only her professional achievements but also her broader mission to drive impact at scale through intelligent investment and purposeful innovation.

Maria holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from Wake Forest University and an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from the NYU Stern School of Business.