Brett Berson
“It’s a bit strange to only have one job for your entire career, but I've spent over 15 years at First Round because I believe the most meaningful progress throughout history comes from people who 'imagine if' — and being in service to these builders is the most fascinating work I can imagine. I’m a learn-it-all at heart, so I'm driven by thinking through the endless questions on why startups succeed and what we can do differently to try to give them a disproportionate advantage.”
Studying film taught me to pay attention to the thousands of micro-decisions — lighting choices, camera angles, editing cuts — that most never notice. In my years studying startups, I've seen how successful companies are similarly built on countless choices that compound over time. We believe in helping founders navigate decisions big and small, not in prescribing what the final 'film' should look like.
Brett joined First Round over 15 years ago, making the rare move from intern all the way up to partner. He’s carved out a unique role in venture, working across investing and operating as he has co-led the firm and helped it achieve extreme product-market fit itself.
Brett was the architect behind many of First Round's defining initiatives, including The Review (First Round's widely-read publication featuring tactical advice from exceptional founders), and Angel Track (a program helping operators become better angel investors). He also hosts In Depth, First Round's podcast featuring nuanced conversations with company-builders.
Brett graduated from New York University, where he earned degrees with high distinction in economics and film — the latter of which came in handy making First Round's old holiday videos, which generated millions of views.
SOME OF THE COMPANIES BRETT'S INVESTED IN:
HEAR MORE FROM BRETT:
In Depth: A podcast from First Round Review
Going deeper on the advice startup leaders need to grow their teams, their companies and themselves.
The Fundraising Wisdom That Helped Our Founders Raise Billions in Follow-On Capital
First Round's Pitch Assist program helps founders raise follow-on capital. Here's a preview of some of the important fundraising lessons we share.
Business Insider: Inside the Boot Camp that Teaches Startup Founders How to Raise Millions of Dollars
How First Round's Pitch Assist teaches startup founders how to perfect their VC pitch.