I stumbled into the world of startups before I really even knew what a startup was. Following a stint working in finance at Merrill Lynch, I moved to the West Coast to join a five-person team building a platform to help millennials fundraise for social causes (think Kickstarter for nonprofits). I was hooked. Over the next six years, I’d join three more startups — oftentimes as the first hire after the founders — and quickly experienced the rollercoaster of highs and lows.
Throughout each twist and turn of my career, I’ve always gravitated towards companies and teams at the earliest stage of their journey. Nothing is more exhilarating than working with a small group of people that have the hustle, grit and determination to transform a kernel of an idea into reality.
It’s that same ethos that brought me to First Round. At First Round, I rely on my experience working at early-stage startups in my role as Josh Kopelman’s Chief of Staff. In this role, I help Josh evaluate new deals, perform diligence on potential investments, and support our community of founders as they navigate some of the same peaks and valleys I’ve experienced in my own career.
Aside from work, I spend lots of time outside working out and playing sports, pursuing passion projects, and reading. I grew up just outside of Boston. After graduating from university, I moved to Vancouver. Then I left Vancouver and spent a few years on the road traveling; living briefly in Montana and exploring different places like California, Hawaii, Costa Rica, London, and Mexico.