Joanne Wilson: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs and Pioneering Investment Strategies
Biography of Joanne Wilson:
Early Life and Education
Born in 1961, Joanne Wilson is a distinguished American
businesswoman and angel investor, renowned for her unwavering commitment to
supporting female-founded companies. She pursued her education at Simmons
College in Boston, graduating in 1983. It was during her time there that she
met her future husband, Fred Wilson. After completing their studies, the couple
relocated to New York City, setting the stage for their future endeavors.
Early Career and Philanthropic Engagement
Wilson's professional journey commenced at Macy's, where she
worked in the retail apparel department for four years. She then transitioned
to oversee a company in the garment industry and later worked in sales for the
startup magazine and events company, Silicon Alley Reporter. Parallel to her
corporate roles, she actively engaged in philanthropy, chairing the nonprofit
MOUSE (Making Opportunities in Upgrading Schools in Education), which focused
on integrating technology into inner-city schools.
Venturing into Investment and Entrepreneurship
In 2007, Wilson embarked on her investment journey, marking
the beginning of a successful career as an angel investor. Her entrepreneurship
blog, Gotham Gal, serves as a platform for sharing insights, while Gotham Gal
Ventures, her investment fund with her husband, supports startups and
entrepreneurial ventures.
Advocating for Women Entrepreneurs
Recognizing the importance of empowering women
entrepreneurs, Wilson co-founded and co-chaired the annual Women Entrepreneurs
Festival in collaboration with New York University. This initiative aimed to
foster female entrepreneurship and provide a platform for women to connect and
share experiences.
Leadership in Social Causes
Wilson's commitment to social causes is evident in her
leadership roles. She chaired the board of Hot Bread Kitchen, promoting and
training female and minority bakers, and served as the inaugural co-Chair of
Path Forward, a nonprofit facilitating workforce reintegration after caregiving
periods.
Diversifying Investments
Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Wilson has been
actively involved in real estate development in New York City since 2009,
diversifying her investment portfolio and contributing to urban development
initiatives.
Investments and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Wilson's investment journey began with Curbed, Lockhart
Steele's startup. Early on, she diversified her portfolio with investments in
Food52, Rick's Picks, DailyWorth, Hot Bread Kitchen, and Scoot. In subsequent
years, she expanded her investment horizon, backing companies like Blue Bottle
Coffee, Spoon University, and Nestio, contributing to various sectors such as
food media, coffee retail, and residential real estate.
Championing Women-Led Startups
Wilson's investment strategy gained prominence for its focus
on women-led startups. A significant portion of her investments, starting from
2012, were directed towards tech companies, particularly those with women
founders. By 2016, approximately 70 percent of her investments supported
companies led by women. Over the years, she backed over 90 female-founded
companies, including several black women-led startups that secured substantial
funding.
Venturing into Cannabis Industry
In 2017, Wilson diversified her investment portfolio further
by entering the cannabis industry. She made angel investments in Octavia
Wellness and Beboe, marking her foray into this emerging sector.
Entrepreneurship and Investment
Wilson is renowned for her multifaceted career spanning
retail, wholesale, media, real estate, and technology. As a prominent
early-stage angel investor, she has amassed a diverse portfolio of over 140
companies, including notable names like Food52, Eater, and Parachute Home.
Additionally, Wilson has ventured into the restaurant industry, investing in
several establishments across downtown New York City.
Real Estate Ventures
Beyond her investments, Wilson is a founding member of Frame
Home, a Brooklyn-based residential real estate development firm that emphasizes
sustainability alongside stylish design. Her involvement in real estate
underscores her commitment to creating innovative and environmentally conscious
living spaces.
Latest Venture: GOTHAM
In her latest entrepreneurial endeavor, Wilson is
spearheading GOTHAM, set to be one of the premier recreational marijuana
dispensaries in Manhattan. Scheduled to open its doors in Spring 2023, GOTHAM
represents Wilson's forward-thinking approach to emerging markets and her
willingness to explore new opportunities at the forefront of industry trends.
Evolution of Approach
Over the years, Wilson's approach to investing has evolved,
shaped by experience and introspection. Although she contemplated writing a
book to chronicle her journey, she found greater clarity by revisiting her past
writings. This retrospective exercise reaffirmed her enduring commitment to
certain principles while also sharpening her ability to discern potential
pitfalls, a testament to the maturation of her instincts and judgment over
time.
Investing in People
At the core of Wilson's investment philosophy lies a
steadfast belief in the resilience and character of the individuals behind the
companies she supports. Beyond evaluating business metrics and market
potential, she emphasizes the importance of investing in people, recognizing
their ability to navigate challenges and drive success. This human-centric
approach underscores her enduring focus on backing "survivors" —
entrepreneurs with the resilience and determination to weather the storms of startup
life.
Joanne Wilson: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs and Pioneering Investment Strategies / Biography of Joanne Wilson: / Joanne Wilson#age#et worth#
Simple yet Pragmatic Thesis
Wilson's financial thesis remains anchored in simplicity and
pragmatism, with a clear guideline of investing $50k or less to secure a 1%
stake in a company. This disciplined approach ensures alignment with her
long-term investment strategy, supplemented by provisions for maintaining
ownership through subsequent funding rounds. By adhering to these principles,
Wilson seeks to not only support promising ventures but also cultivate enduring
partnerships that fuel growth and innovation in the startup ecosystem.
Board Memberships
In addition to her role at Gotham Gal Ventures, Wilson
serves as a Board Member at several prominent companies, including Vengo Labs,
Shippabo, Rick's Picks, DailyWorth, and Misen. Her involvement in these
organizations highlights her commitment to providing strategic guidance and
support to emerging businesses in diverse sectors. Wilson also holds the
position of Board Observer at Sourceeasy, further expanding her influence in
the startup ecosystem.
Past Board Positions
Throughout her career, Wilson has held significant board
positions at various companies, including VenueBook. Her tenure on these boards
has allowed her to contribute her expertise and insights to the strategic
decision-making processes of these organizations.
Multi-faceted Career Journey
Wilson's career trajectory spans multiple industries,
reflecting her versatility and adaptability. From her early days as a buyer at
Macy's to her experience in the rag trade, she has navigated through different
sectors before delving into the realm of media and events with Silicon Alley
Reporter. This diverse background equips her with a unique perspective and
invaluable insights into the intricacies of business operations.
Commitment to Growth
Wilson's dedication to fostering innovation and growth
extends beyond her role as an investor and entrepreneur. As a Board Member at
Caretaker, she continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of
emerging ventures, contributing to their success and expansion in the
competitive market landscape.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Wilson's dedication to philanthropy is evident through her
active engagement in non-profit initiatives. She served as the chairperson of
Hot Bread Kitchen, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and training
female and minority bakers. Currently, she sits on the board of The Highline
and The Public Housing Community Fund in NYC, furthering her commitment to
community development and social impact.
Family and Relationships
Wilson is married to venture capitalist Fred Wilson, who is
a co-founder of Union Square Ventures. Together, they reside in New York City,
where they have built a life and raised their family. The couple shares three
children, comprising two daughters and a son. Their partnership extends beyond
personal life, as they navigate the entrepreneurial and investment landscapes
together. Their synergistic collaboration has earned them recognition,
including being listed in Crain's New York Business' prestigious "Power
Couples" list in 2016.
Notable Companies Where Joanne Wilson Invested
- Beckley
Waves – Private Equity
- Manufactured
– Business/Productivity Software
- HopSkipDrive
– Automotive
- HowGood
– Media and Information Services (B2B)
- Catchafire
– Services (B2C Non-Financial)
- coUrbanize
– Business/Productivity Software
- Vengo
– Commercial Products
- Lately
– Business/Productivity Software
- PlateJoy
– Restaurants, Hotels and Leisure
- Modsy
– Visualization Engine
- EdisonJr
– Electric Light Manufacturing
Timeline of Key Career Milestones
- 1983:
Graduates from Simmons College in Boston.
- Late
1980s: Meets her future husband, Fred Wilson, during college.
- 2007:
Begins angel investing, marking her official entry into the startup
ecosystem.
- 2009:
Expands into real estate development in New York City, diversifying her
investment strategy.
- 2012:
Begins focusing on tech startups with women founders, emphasizing female
empowerment.
- 2016:
Approximately 70% of her investments are in companies led by women,
backing over 90 female-founded ventures.
- 2017:
Ventures into the cannabis industry with angel investments in Octavia
Wellness and Beboe.
- Spring
2023: Launches GOTHAM, a recreational marijuana dispensary in
Manhattan, highlighting her forward-thinking approach to emerging markets.
Legacy and Influence
Joanne Wilson’s career is a testament to her multifaceted approach to entrepreneurship, investment, and social impact. By championing women-led startups, exploring innovative sectors like cannabis and real estate, and actively engaging in philanthropic and mentorship roles, she has cultivated a lasting influence in the startup ecosystem. Her investment philosophy—centered on people, resilience, and pragmatism—continues to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs.
