Derek Norton photo
Investor profile

Derek Norton

Managing General Partner, Watertower Ventures

About

Derek Norton brings a rare 360° perspective to venture investing, having operated as founder, VC, investment banker, and fund manager across multiple cycles, including building Digital Boardwalk as one of the early internet service providers and Netscape's second commercial partner. He runs Watertower Ventures alongside an active investment banking practice that maintains deep relationships with major strategics like Google, Apple, and Microsoft, systematically connecting portfolio companies to these commercial partnerships while providing M&A-grade fundraising discipline to help founders focus on building rather than dealmaking. Derek Norton brings a rare 360° perspective to venture investing, having operated as founder, VC, investment banker, and fund manager across multiple cycles, including building Digital Boardwalk as one of the early internet service providers and Netscape's second commercial partner. He runs Watertower Ventures alongside an active investment banking practice that maintains deep relationships with major strategics like Google, Apple, and Microsoft, systematically connecting portfolio companies to these commercial partnerships while providing M&A-grade fundraising discipline to help founders focus on building rather than dealmaking.

Works at

Investment focus

Stages
Pre-Seed
Seed
Sectors
AI
SaaS
FinTech
Media
Consumer

Investment details

Avg check size$250K - $1M
Can lead rounds
Yes
Geographies
USA