Nathaniel McNamara

Nathaniel McNamara is a seasoned entrepreneur and the Managing Partner at Commoner, a position he has held since September 2023. Commoner is designed to enable founders to pool a portion of their equity into a shared Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with other accomplished founders, allowing them to diversify risk and enhance their chances of success without requiring cash upfront.12

Professional Background

McNamara boasts over 25 years of experience in the technology sector. He has founded and led several companies, including:

• YDY: Co-founder and President since May 2023, focused on upcoming innovations.
• STUDIO: Founder from January 2017 until its acquisition in April 2023, which provided boutique fitness solutions.
• EndlessTV: Founder from May 2009 to March 2015, recognized for its innovative app that gained significant downloads and accolades.1

In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, McNamara has a robust background in investment, having invested in over 70 companies as an angel investor since 2006. His investment interests include cutting-edge technology and innovative teams.1

Education

McNamara holds multiple degrees from prestigious institutions:

• BS in Information and Decision Systems from Carnegie Mellon University (1991-1995)
• MS in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University (1994-1996)
• MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (2003-2005).1

Personal Insights

He is known for his commitment to helping founders navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship by leveraging collective resources and experiences. His approach emphasizes collaboration among founders to mitigate risks associated with startup ventures.12