Fred Wilson
Here is a detailed, SEO-optimized profile of Fred Wilson (born August 20, 1961) — American venture capitalist, blogger, and influential figure in tech investing.
Fred Wilson – Life, Career, and Insights
Explore the life and career of Fred Wilson (born August 20, 1961) — co-founder of Union Square Ventures, longtime blogger, investor in Twitter, Tumblr & more. Learn his bio, investment philosophy, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
Fred Wilson is an American venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and blogger, best known as a co-founder of Union Square Ventures (USV). Over decades, he has backed influential Web 2.0 and digital platforms (Twitter, Tumblr, Etsy, Kickstarter, MongoDB, etc.).
Beyond investing, his daily blog AVC is widely read in startup and tech circles, making him a bridge between capital and community.
Early Life & Education
Fred Wilson was born on August 20, 1961.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
He then obtained an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
These technical and business credentials gave him a strong foundation to engage with entrepreneurial and tech ventures.
Career & Investments
Early Career & Flatiron Partners
Wilson’s entry into venture capital began in 1987, when he joined Euclid Partners, where he worked until 1996.
In 1996, he co-founded Flatiron Partners together with Jerry Colonna. The firm invested in many dot-com era companies—some successes, some failures.
However, as the dot-com bubble burst, Flatiron wound down operations around 2001.
Wilson has candidly reflected on how his early venture capital years were a long learning curve—he describes being a “slow starter” and acknowledging mistakes in those early days.
Founding Union Square Ventures
In 2004, Wilson and Brad Burnham co-founded Union Square Ventures (USV) in New York City.
Under USV, Wilson made early bets on a number of now-well-known platforms:
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Twitter
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Tumblr
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Etsy
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Kickstarter
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MongoDB
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Foursquare, Zynga, and others
Through USV’s portfolio, Wilson’s influence extended across many categories of digital infrastructure, marketplaces, and social platforms.
Philosophy, Blog & Public Voice
One of Wilson’s distinguishing features is how public and transparent he is. He writes daily on his blog AVC (short for “A VC”) about topics ranging from investing, technology trends, to startup culture.
Wilson often emphasizes humility, patience, and learning from mistakes. In one interview he said:
“It took me at least 10 years to become halfway decent at venture capital.”
He also comments on the balance between risk and discipline in investing, how startup founders should think long term, and the evolving role of capital in the tech ecosystem.
Because of his open writing style, Wilson is seen not only as a capital allocator but also a thought leader in tech, helping to shape investor and founder mindsets.
Personal Life & Philanthropy
Wilson is married to Joanne Wilson, herself an angel investor and blogger (Gotham Gal).
They have three children, and the family is based in New York City.
Wilson serves in civic and educational roles. For instance, he is involved with the NYC Department of Education’s CS4All capital campaign and co-chairs Tech:NYC.
He is also a board member of
Fred Wilson has had deep influence over: The rise of East Coast VC culture Championing creator & marketplace platforms Transparency in investing Mentorship & community building Over time, his voice and investments have helped shape how investors and founders think about sustainable scaling, network effects, and long-term value creation. Here are a few quotes attributed to Fred Wilson that reflect his mindset and approach: “It took me at least 10 years to become halfway decent at venture capital.” “I made the mistake of getting into the venture capital business at a young age … you should be building companies, and building products, and actually making something.” On risk and learning: in interviews he has acknowledged mistakes and the need for patience. He has also written many blog posts that function like micro-essays on culture, technology, and investing—some of which are commonly quoted by founders and investors. Legacy & Influence
While Silicon Valley has long dominated, Wilson’s USV is highly influential in New York and broader U.S. ecosystems.
Many of his investments have been in platforms that empower individuals (e.g. Etsy, Kickstarter), infrastructure (MongoDB), and social media.
His blog and public commentary help demystify venture capital and allow founders and observers to witness the reasoning behind investment decisions.
Through writings, public speaking, and roles in civic-tech, Wilson gives back to startup communities and education initiatives.Notable Quotes