Julie McDermott

Julie McDermott is an accomplished early-stage technology investor based in New York, leveraging a distinguished career in finance to identify and support promising startups. Before transitioning to angel investing, she spent nearly two decades on Wall Street, most notably serving as a Managing Director in Mortgage Backed Securities Trading at Morgan Stanley for 19 years, from 1998 to 2017. Her extensive background also includes roles at Goldman Sachs and Salomon Brothers, providing her with a deep understanding of capital markets, risk assessment, and strategic financial management, which she now applies to the venture landscape.

Since 2017, McDermott has actively focused on investing in innovative technology companies, primarily at the seed stage. Her portfolio demonstrates a diverse interest across various sectors, supporting solutions that address market needs. Notable investments include multiple rounds in Trellis, an AI-powered insurance platform, and early support for BentoBox, a restaurant website and marketing platform that was subsequently acquired by Fiserv. She has also backed companies like The Sill, an online plant retailer, and Bright Cellars, a personalized wine club. Her engagement as a Limited Partner (LP) further signifies her comprehensive involvement within the broader venture capital ecosystem.

McDermott's investment approach is characterized by her strategic financial acumen, honed over years in high-stakes trading environments. Since 2017, she has actively invested for over 7 years. While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, her participation in seed rounds for companies that have gone on to raise significant follow-on funding suggests typical angel investments. Based on the stage of her investments and her substantial financial background, it is estimated that her initial checks typically range from $50,000 to $250,000. Her portfolio, as tracked on platforms like Crunchbase, includes investments in at least four distinct technology companies, showcasing a committed and active presence in the early-stage startup community.