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Jed Katz is a veteran venture capitalist, serial entrepreneur, and Managing Director at Javelin Venture Partners in San Francisco, California. Before transitioning to venture capital, he founded four companies, including early online real estate platforms Rent Net and Move.com, which were subsequently acquired by Homestore. He previously served as a Managing Director at DFJ Gotham Ventures and holds degrees from UCLA and the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. Over the past fifteen years, Katz has executed more than 120 deals, leading Seed and Series A investments and holding board positions at prominent companies such as Thumbtack, MasterClass, and SmartAsset. Recognized on the Forbes Midas List, his current focus remains on directing capital toward scalable, early-stage technology and digital media ventures, while also serving as Chairman of the Fulbright Scholarship Board following his appointment by President Biden.
Jed Katz is a highly respected figure in the venture capital landscape, known for his keen eye for disruptive technology and his hands-on approach to supporting early-stage companies. As a co-founder and Managing Director at Javelin Venture Partners, he has been instrumental in shaping the firm's investment strategy and building a robust portfolio of innovative startups. Javelin Venture Partners, under Katz's leadership, specializes in seed and Series A investments, targeting companies poised for significant market impact.
Katz's investment philosophy is deeply rooted in his extensive entrepreneurial background. Before co-founding Javelin, he was a serial entrepreneur, successfully building and exiting several companies. Notably, he founded Rent.com, which was acquired by eBay, and Point.com, acquired by Lycos. This direct experience in launching, scaling, and selling businesses provides him with invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by founders. He understands the journey from concept to market leader, making him a trusted advisor to the entrepreneurs he backs.
At Javelin Venture Partners, Jed Katz focuses on a diverse range of technology sectors. His primary areas of interest include Software as a Service (SaaS), online marketplaces, financial technology (fintech), consumer internet, digital health, and artificial intelligence. He seeks out companies with strong leadership teams, innovative solutions to real-world problems, and scalable business models. His strategic guidance helps these startups navigate critical growth phases, from product development to market expansion.
Throughout his tenure at Javelin, Jed Katz has been involved in numerous successful investments that have gone on to become industry leaders. Some notable companies in Javelin's portfolio, where Katz has played a significant role, include MasterClass, a popular online education platform; Thumbtack, a leading marketplace for local services; AppLovin, a mobile app technology company; and Opendoor, revolutionizing real estate transactions. These investments highlight his ability to identify promising ventures and contribute to their long-term success. Jed Katz's commitment to fostering innovation and his deep understanding of the startup ecosystem make him a pivotal force in the venture capital world. He continues to seek out and empower the next generation of technological pioneers.
Jed Katz is a co-founder and Managing Director at Javelin Venture Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm. He is also a successful serial entrepreneur who founded and sold companies like Rent.com before transitioning into venture capital.
Jed Katz primarily invests in early-stage technology companies across various sectors. His focus areas include Software as a Service (SaaS), online marketplaces, financial technology (fintech), consumer internet, digital health, and artificial intelligence.
Jed Katz works at Javelin Venture Partners, where he serves as a co-founder and Managing Director. Javelin Venture Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm.