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John Zeratsky primarily invests in early-stage startups through Character. His focus areas include companies building the future of work, health, and human connection, leveraging his expertise in product design and strategy.
John Zeratsky works as a General Partner and co-founder at Character, an early-stage venture firm. Character invests in innovative startups across various sectors.
John Zeratsky is the Co-Founder and General Partner at Character Capital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He launched the firm in 2020 and closed a $30 million debut fund in 2022 to integrate design sprints into the investment model. Previously, Zeratsky served as a Design Partner at Google Ventures from 2011 to 2017, where he co-created the Design Sprint process and executed it with over 100 portfolio companies. Before his tenure at Google Ventures, he worked as a product design leader at YouTube and FeedBurner, which was acquired by Google in 2007. He is also the co-author of the bestselling books Sprint and Make Time, which have been translated into more than 20 languages and featured in The Wall Street Journal. His career focuses on leveraging product design and operational frameworks to accelerate early-stage technology startups.
John Zeratsky stands as a prominent figure in the venture capital landscape, serving as a General Partner and co-founder at Character, an early-stage venture firm. With a distinctive background rooted in product design and strategy, Zeratsky brings a unique, founder-centric perspective to his investment approach.
At Character, John Zeratsky is dedicated to identifying and nurturing innovative startups that are poised to redefine key aspects of modern life. His investment focus areas primarily revolve around companies building the future of work, health, and human connection. He seeks out visionary founders who are developing groundbreaking solutions in these critical sectors, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance informed by years of hands-on experience.
Before co-founding Character, Zeratsky built a formidable reputation during his tenure as a Design Partner at Google Ventures (GV). In this influential role, he advised countless startups on product strategy, user experience, and rapid prototyping, helping them accelerate their growth and achieve market fit. It was during his time at GV that he, alongside Jake Knapp and Braden Kowitz, co-authored the internationally acclaimed best-seller 'Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days.' This seminal work introduced the 'Design Sprint' methodology, which has since been adopted by organizations worldwide to quickly validate ideas and mitigate risk.
Zeratsky's commitment to practical innovation continued with his subsequent book, 'Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day,' co-authored with Jake Knapp. 'Make Time' offers actionable strategies for improving focus and productivity in an increasingly distracting world, further cementing Zeratsky's status as a thought leader in personal and organizational effectiveness. His earlier career also includes significant roles in product design and management at various technology companies, where he honed the skills that now inform his astute investment decisions.
This rich tapestry of experience, from designing impactful products to guiding startups through critical growth phases, makes Zeratsky an invaluable partner for early-stage founders. He understands the intricacies of building and scaling, offering insights that extend far beyond mere financial backing. His approach emphasizes clarity, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of user needs, ensuring that portfolio companies are well-equipped to tackle complex challenges. Through Character, John Zeratsky continues to champion innovation, backing the next generation of entrepreneurs who are committed to creating meaningful and lasting impact. His blend of design expertise, strategic acumen, and a proven track record of guiding successful ventures positions him as a pivotal force in shaping the future of technology and human experience.
