BRETT BERSON

Brett Berson stands as a distinguished Partner at First Round Capital, a premier seed-stage venture capital firm renowned for its early bets on transformative companies. Since joining First Round in 2009, Brett has been a driving force in identifying and nurturing the next generation of industry leaders, solidifying his reputation as a keen eye for nascent potential. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the startup ecosystem make him an invaluable resource for founders navigating the challenging early stages of growth.

At First Round Capital, Brett Berson plays a crucial role in shaping the firm's investment strategy and portfolio development. He is deeply involved in sourcing new opportunities, conducting due diligence, and providing strategic guidance to portfolio companies. His commitment extends beyond capital, offering hands-on support, mentorship, and access to First Round's vast network, empowering entrepreneurs to overcome hurdles and scale effectively. Brett's approach is characterized by a founder-first mentality, fostering strong relationships built on trust and shared vision.

Brett's investment focus is broad yet strategic, targeting sectors ripe for innovation and disruption. He actively seeks out groundbreaking companies in enterprise SaaS, where software solutions are transforming business operations, and in fintech, where technology is reshaping financial services. His portfolio also includes significant investments in consumer technology, developer tools, artificial intelligence, and marketplace platforms. Brett is particularly interested in businesses that leverage technology to create entirely new categories or significantly improve existing markets, demonstrating clear product market fit and strong growth potential. He champions founders who are not just building products, but crafting enduring companies with long term vision.

Before his impactful tenure at First Round Capital, Brett honed his entrepreneurial and investment acumen through diverse experiences. He previously worked at OATV (now True Ventures), gaining valuable insights into early-stage venture capital. Furthermore, his experience as a founder of Campus Venture provided him with firsthand understanding of the challenges and triumphs inherent in building a startup from the ground up. This unique blend of operational and investment experience allows Brett to empathize deeply with founders and offer practical, actionable advice.

Among the many successful companies First Round Capital has backed, Brett Berson has been instrumental in supporting several high-profile ventures. While First Round's portfolio boasts numerous successes, Brett has championed investments in companies like Notion, the collaborative workspace platform, and Flexport, the modern freight forwarder. These examples underscore his ability to spot companies with massive potential and guide them through critical growth phases. His strategic insights and unwavering support have contributed significantly to the success stories within First Round's impressive portfolio, making him a key figure in the venture capital landscape.