Bernstein had joined Aquiline Capital Partners in November 2008, and led its financial technology investment efforts. Before that she had spent more than seven years focused on financial services for venture capital firm Pequot Ventures (later renamed FirstMark Capital). She was a partner with both firms.

In a statement, Aquiline said: “With great sadness we wish to inform you that our partner and beloved friend, Deborah Bernstein, has passed away after a long and courageous fight with cancer. Deborah has been an integral part of Aquiline since 2008. She made a lasting impact on the firm including building our Financial Technology group and developing our talented team. We will miss Deborah and her indomitable spirit.”

Bernstein previously spent time with both Thomas Weisel Capital Partners and Goldman Sachs, and had served on Lighthouse International, a nonprofit foundation focused on vision loss.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lighthouse International, the ASPCA, Dress for Success or Neighborhood Cats.

Services will be held tomorrow, May 14, at 3:30 pm at the Riverside Memorial Chapel at the corner of Amsterdam Ave. and 76th Street in New York City.