Derek Norton is a seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist who boasts more than 25 years of experience in the technology, internet, and digital media industries. He is the founder and Managing General Partner of Watertower Ventures, a leading seed and early-stage venture capital fund that invests in innovative products and services for the connected consumer and evolving enterprise. Additionally, he is the founder and Managing Partner of Watertower Group, a renowned boutique investment bank that advises technology, internet, and digital media firms through its unique approach to fundraising and M&A.

Before founding Watertower Ventures and Watertower Group, Derek showed his entrepreneurial skills by creating Jeffries Technologies and Digital Boardwalk, two successful tech companies that expanded thanks to his innovative mindset. Furthermore, he worked as a partner at Entertainment Media Ventures, a venture capital fund that focused on broadband infrastructure, consumer internet, and digital media.

Derek graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. He is a well-known speaker and panelist at events that address technology, consumer internet, and venture capital. Besides, he serves as a Member of the Advisory Council of the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at USC's Marshall School of Business. He is also passionate about philanthropy and targeting charities aimed at improving underprivileged youths' education and living conditions.