Jonathan Swanson

Jonathan Swanson is a prominent entrepreneur and angel investor, best known as the co-founder and former President of Thumbtack, a leading online marketplace for local services. His entrepreneurial journey saw Thumbtack scale significantly, reaching over $200 million in annual revenue and achieving a valuation of $3.2 billion. This deep operational experience in building and scaling a successful marketplace company provides him with a unique perspective and valuable insights when evaluating early-stage ventures. Following his tenure at Thumbtack, Swanson transitioned to founding and chairing Athena, further solidifying his commitment to innovation and company building.

As an angel investor, Jonathan Swanson primarily focuses on early-stage companies, often participating in seed rounds. His investment portfolio reflects a broad interest in technology sectors, including marketplaces, SaaS, fintech, healthcare technology, and even space tech. He is known for backing founders with strong vision and execution capabilities, leveraging his own experience in navigating the challenges of hyper-growth. His investment philosophy appears to be rooted in supporting disruptive business models that address significant market needs, particularly those with network effects or strong platform potential.

Swanson's angel investment activities are notable, with his Crunchbase profile listing at least 17 distinct investments. These include early bets on now-successful companies such as Instacart, the popular grocery delivery service, and Rippling, a comprehensive HR and IT platform. Other notable investments include Modern Health, Alto Pharmacy, and Axiom Space, demonstrating his diverse interests and ability to identify promising ventures across various industries. His involvement often extends beyond capital, offering strategic guidance and mentorship drawn from his extensive operational background.

Given his track record and the caliber of companies he has supported, Jonathan Swanson typically writes angel checks ranging from $50,000 to $500,000. These investments are usually part of larger seed rounds, where his capital is complemented by his strategic insights and network, making him a valuable partner for nascent startups.