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.