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Del Johnson is a San Francisco-based General Partner at Del Johnson VC and an angel investor focused on early-stage technology startups. He previously served as a Principal at both Andreessen Horowitz and Backstage Capital, following several enterprise sales and account management roles at Google. His active investment portfolio encompasses over 20 early-stage companies with three notable acquisitions, and he recently led a $5 million seed funding round for the artificial intelligence startup CogniCore in January 2026. Johnson holds a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Stanford University, having also previously served as a part-time accelerator partner. He currently focuses on eliminating venture capital bias by advocating against warm introductions while directing early-stage investments toward underrepresented founders in the artificial intelligence, software, and financial technology sectors.
Del Johnson stands out as a highly respected figure in the venture capital landscape, known for his insightful approach to early-stage investing and his commitment to fostering innovation. As an experienced venture capitalist and active angel investor, Johnson has carved a niche for himself by identifying and supporting promising startups across various high-growth sectors. His investment philosophy is deeply rooted in empowering founders who are building the next generation of transformative technology companies.
Johnson's primary investment focus areas include Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), financial technology (fintech), and companies shaping the future of work. He possesses a keen eye for B2B software solutions that address critical market needs and demonstrate strong potential for scalability. Beyond these specific sectors, Del Johnson is also a vocal advocate for diversity in tech, actively seeking out and investing in companies led by underrepresented founders. This commitment reflects his belief that diverse perspectives drive superior innovation and long-term success.
Before making significant strides in the investment world, Del Johnson built a robust career foundation in operational and product management roles. This hands-on experience provided him with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage companies, allowing him to offer invaluable strategic guidance to his portfolio companies. His transition into venture capital saw him serve as a Principal at NextView Ventures, a prominent seed-stage venture capital firm. In this role, he was instrumental in sourcing, evaluating, and supporting numerous startups, further solidifying his reputation as a discerning investor.
As an angel investor, Johnson continues to leverage his extensive network and expertise to back founders directly, often providing crucial early capital and mentorship. His influence extends beyond capital provision, as he frequently advises startups on product strategy, market fit, and scaling operations. Del Johnson's impact on the startup ecosystem is characterized by his strategic vision, his dedication to supporting diverse talent, and his consistent pursuit of groundbreaking technologies that promise to reshape industries. His ongoing contributions make him a pivotal player for founders seeking not just funding, but also a knowledgeable and supportive partner.
Del Johnson is a prominent venture capitalist and angel investor known for his expertise in early-stage technology investments. He focuses on sectors like SaaS, fintech, and the future of work, with a strong emphasis on supporting diverse founders.
Del Johnson primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, specifically in areas such as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), financial technology (fintech), and startups innovating in the future of work space. He also actively seeks out and supports companies led by diverse and underrepresented founders.
Del Johnson operates as an active angel investor and venture capitalist. He previously served as a Principal at NextView Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital firm, and continues to be involved in various capacities within the startup ecosystem.
