Richel Liu, left a secure post as CEO of a comprehensive IT group to start a VC with a focus on early-stage ophthalmology and optometry companies. She’s now one of a growing number of successful women entrepreneurs in China,  a country that’s home to two-thirds of the richest women in the world.

The move from IT CEO to eye care VC isn’t as dramatic of a detour as it sounds. To Liu, ophthalmology is a multidisciplinary therapeutic area—it involves not only medical device and clinical practice, but also advanced technology, the latter of which she knew well. She also saw the potential, as eye care applies to people of all ages, from the perfectly healthy to those with chronic conditions, she explains.

With host Rob Rothman, MD, a practicing ophthalmologist and managing partner of VC firm InFocus Capital Partners, Richel shares how she transitioned from the top of the corporate ladder to running her own business. She also discusses the goals of her VC, Rimonci Capital, and why she believes its work will help improve eye health for people everywhere.

Listen to the podcast today to find out:

• How she did it—From a student in engineering and economics, to enterprise CEO, to VC founder with an eye toward ophthalmic devices, Richel took risks that many individuals shy away from.
  
  
• The regulatory hurdles involved in getting a drug or device approved for use in China.
  
  
• The funds that comprise Rimonci Capital, including a business fund, an incubator fund, and a general fund for early-stage startups in ophthalmology and optometry.
  
  
• What “stifled” Richel about leading a large company in China.

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