VCWoman Achieve 2025 Mentee Spotlight – Praveena Ravanavarapu

Posted on January 29, 2025
Share via

Name: Praveena Ravanavarapu | Business/Profession: Real Estate Development & Data Innovation, Good Neighbor Realty and Properties LLC

Please share a little about your background, personally and/or professionally.

I bring a unique blend of expertise in real estate and data analytics. Professionally, I serve as a Senior Director of Data at a leading retail company, where I focus on leveraging analytics and technology to drive strategic decisions. My background includes building robust data platforms, ensuring data governance, and fostering innovation through machine learning operations.

On the real estate side, I have started getting my feet wet in mixed-use developments and have a deep passion for creating sustainable and community-focused projects. Currently, I am actually working on a development in Bentonville, Arkansas, where I aim to blend modern living with smart urban planning.

Personally, I am a proud parent of two college-going kids and enjoy balancing my professional pursuits with family life. I am honored to be selected as a VCWoman Achieve Mentee, where I hope to enhance my real estate skills and also identify innovative opportunities and one day support other entrepreneurs in achieving their vision.

Please share about your business, where it’s located, and what led you to starting it.

My business focuses on real estate development, specifically creating innovative and sustainable mixed-use developments. Currently, I am working on a significant project in Bentonville, Arkansas, where the emphasis is on blending modern living spaces with community-centric urban design.

What goals do you hope to achieve for your business during your time in VCWoman Achieve?

Leverage the Mentorship Opportunity and gain some insights into the VC landscape, Curious on ideas of state and other funding models, ideas on deal evaluation, and scaling businesses. Explore proper tech and other real estate innovations to apply for my real estate business with the help of mentors. Also build a Network by establishing strong connections with other mentees, VC professionals, and entrepreneurs to position myself as a thought leader in real estate investments. One last thing I would also learn is how do we be organized enough to manage multiple balls that are in the air.

What drew you to being part of a mentorship group specifically curated for non-men? How has being a woman or non-binary individual impacted your journey as an entrepreneur?

What drew me to being part of a mentorship group specifically curated for non-men was the opportunity to connect with a community that understands the unique challenges and perspectives. This space helps collaboration, empowerment, and the exchange of ideas in a supportive environment. Being a woman in traditionally male-dominated fields like real estate has been a challenge. There are moments where I had to work harder to prove my expertise or overcome biases. The world out there is not favorable to women, but these experiences have sharpened my resilience and determination. They’ve also inspired me to advocate for inclusivity and representation, not just for myself but for others who may feel underrepresented.

This mentorship offers a chance to share stories, and learn from trailblazers who’ve navigated similar paths. It’s an empowering step forward in my journey, equipping me to make an even greater impact in my industry while uplifting others along the way.

What are three things you enjoy doing outside of work?

Mentoring, volunteering, reading financial books.

What is your favorite part about being an entrepreneur?

The freedom to innovate and take calculated risks keeps me motivated, and every challenge presents an opportunity to learn and grow. I also deeply value the connections I make with like-minded individuals—collaborating with passionate people who share a vision is incredibly fulfilling.