John Maloney

John Maloney is a highly respected angel investor and the Managing Partner at Terrapin Bale Capital, an early-stage venture firm based in New York City. He has built a formidable reputation as a "super angel" particularly known for his astute early-stage investments in disruptive direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. His investment philosophy is deeply rooted in his extensive operational background, which provides him with a unique perspective on scaling consumer-facing businesses. Terrapin Bale Capital, under his leadership, primarily targets seed and Series A rounds, focusing on companies that are redefining consumer experiences across various sectors.

Maloney's operational pedigree is impressive, having served as President of Tumblr, which was acquired by Yahoo for $1.1 billion, and Circa. He also co-founded UrbanBaby in 1999, an early online community for parents, which was later acquired by CNET. This hands-on experience in building and scaling digital consumer platforms has been instrumental in his success as an investor. He leverages this deep understanding to identify promising founders and provide strategic guidance, often acting as a valuable advisor to his portfolio companies. His portfolio boasts an enviable list of household names, including early investments in companies like Warby Parker, Harry's, Casper, Allbirds, and Glossier, among dozens of others.

As an investor, John Maloney typically seeks out ambitious founders building innovative consumer brands with strong product-market fit and significant growth potential. His firm, Terrapin Bale Capital, and his individual angel investments generally target seed and Series A rounds. While specific check sizes can vary based on the stage and round dynamics, his typical first checks for early-stage companies often range from $50,000 to $500,000. He is known for being a highly selective investor, preferring to back companies where he can provide meaningful strategic value beyond just capital, drawing on his vast network and operational expertise. His focus remains on empowering the next generation of iconic consumer brands.