Will McClelland

Origin Story: In a couple sentences, how would you describe your path to becoming an investor?

I'm focused on Digital Consumer & Consumer Fintech companies that improve daily life. I have been an investor my entire career - first in the hedge fund industry where I was Managing Director & Head of Research at Ironwood Capital Management, which I helped grow from $250M to $3.5B AUM. I began venture investing in 2014 as a Partner at Grace Beauty Capital, a family office focusing on early stage consumer companies (ThirdLove, Rothy's, Supergoop, Parachute, Eloquii) before founding Elizabeth Street Ventures in 2018.
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Investment Approach: What are the key factors you consider when evaluating a founding team?

I love working with incredible founders who have a special intuition about big market opportunities.
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What's your style and approach when it comes to working with founders post-investment? What are the characteristics of founders you've worked well with?

A characteristic of founders I've worked well with are founders with great magnetism, who are able to draw in customers, employees, investors to their mission. I build high conviction early and become one of your strongest supporters, opening up Elizabeth Street's entire network.
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If I'm coming to pitch to you or your firm, what's the one piece of advice you'd give me?

Help me get really excited about the market opportunity! Pitch the early makings of a company with the potential to become an incredible brand that improves peoples lives.
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How would you describe your own personal mission and values, and how do they impact the way you invest?

I'm an investor and part cultural anthropologist. My personal mission is to fund and support great founders and companies who can be culturally relevant and make real positive differences in people's daily lives.
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What do you like best about investing in NYC, and what’s your outlook on the future of NYC tech?

New York City is the global hub for consumer innovation & brand creation. It's the most diverse & dynamic city in the world and one of the best places to build a business. We are bullish on the NYC start-up ecosystem and believe Elizabeth Street Ventures can be an integral partner as you take your company from seed to success.