Jonathan Wasserstrum

Jonathan Wasserstrum is a prominent figure in the New York real estate technology scene, best known as the Founder and CEO of SquareFoot, a commercial real estate platform he launched in 2012. Prior to founding SquareFoot, Wasserstrum honed his expertise in the International Capital Group at a leading real estate firm, and he holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, graduating in May 2012. Beyond his operational leadership at SquareFoot, which has successfully raised over $30 million in funding, Wasserstrum has established himself as an active and strategic angel investor, particularly within the burgeoning PropTech sector.

Wasserstrum's investment thesis heavily revolves around companies that are disrupting or enhancing the real estate industry through technology, encompassing SaaS, co-working, and property management solutions. His extensive portfolio, comprising over 20 companies, showcases a keen eye for innovative business models. Notable investments include VTS, a leading leasing and asset management platform; Bowery Farming, an indoor vertical farming company; and Common, a co-living operator. While many of his investments have seen significant growth and success, such as Sonder and SimpliSafe, his portfolio also reflects the inherent risks of early-stage investing, with some companies like Knotel and Breather facing challenges or bankruptcy.

As an angel investor, Wasserstrum typically targets early-stage startups where his operational experience as a founder can add substantial value beyond capital. He often acts as an advisor, leveraging his deep industry network and understanding of scaling a technology business in a traditional sector. His investments are generally part of seed or Series A rounds, where he can contribute to strategic direction and market penetration. Given his background and the caliber of companies he backs, his initial checks are estimated to range from $50,000 to $250,000, reflecting his commitment to supporting founders building the next generation of real estate and urban tech solutions.