Joanne Wilson

Joanne Wilson, widely known as "Gotham Gal," is a highly influential and prolific angel investor based in New York City. She transitioned into angel investing around 2007, leveraging her diverse background in retail, wholesale, and media. Wilson is particularly renowned for her unwavering commitment to supporting early-stage companies, with a significant emphasis on backing female founders and diverse teams. Her investment philosophy centers on identifying passionate entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, often providing crucial capital and guidance at the pre-seed and seed stages.

Wilson's extensive portfolio spans a wide array of sectors, including consumer products, food and beverage, retail technology, and digital media. She is known for her hands-on approach, actively leveraging her vast network and operational experience to mentor founders and help them navigate the challenges of early growth. Her investment strategy is characterized by writing relatively early and smaller checks, aiming to be a value-add investor who provides strategic guidance beyond just capital.

Over her more than fifteen years as an active angel investor, Wilson has built an impressive portfolio comprising over 150 companies, demonstrating her consistent activity and profound belief in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Her typical first check size ranges from approximately $50,000 to $250,000, reflecting her focus on providing foundational capital for nascent ventures. She has been instrumental in the early development of numerous successful startups, and her tireless advocacy for women in tech and entrepreneurship has solidified her position as a prominent and respected voice in the global venture community.