Data-Driven
Market mapping, cohort analysis, and rigorous narrative testing to position your company with conviction.
Who We Are
Boutique investment banking, founder-first
We combine deep operating experience with a hands-on advisory model, bringing clarity, speed, and competitive tension to every process.
From capital raising to strategic M&A, we align incentives with founders and tailor mandates to fit the stage, sector, and story.
Our Approach
What guides our work
Founder-First
We structure processes to protect time, preserve optionality, and prioritize long-term outcomes.
Network Reach
Direct access to leading investors and strategics across the U.S. and global markets.
Our Founder
Leadership
Derek Norton
Founder & Non-Exec Chairman
Derek is a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist with over 25 years of experience in technology, internet, and digital media. He is the founder and managing partner of Watertower Advisors, an industry-leading boutique investment bank utilizing a differentiated approach to fundraising and M&A.
In his role at Watertower Advisors, Derek has advised over 200 companies, including Widevine, Riot Games, and Machinima, and has been an active investor for over 18 years. Prior to founding Watertower Advisors, he was a partner at Entertainment Media Ventures, a Michael Milken-backed $120M seed and early-stage venture fund.
Derek holds a BA in Communications from USC, serves on several corporate boards, and is the founder of the Innovators Collective, an ongoing event series for entrepreneurs, investors, and senior executives.
Team
Experienced advisors, founder-first
A senior, hands-on team with deep operating and transaction experience across venture ecosystems.
Connor Doyle
Managing Director
MBA from UCLA Anderson, BBA in Finance from UT. Entrepreneur with experience in technology, mobile, and consumer products. Focuses on capital raising and M&A for digital media, gaming, and consumer brands. Co-author of A Practical M&A Playbook for Founders.
Pranav Lodha
Associate | Tech Specialist
Pranav brings engineering experience across large enterprises and early stage startups, with a focus on AI infra, deep tech, and platform infra. He holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson and studied computer science and economics at UC Santa Cruz before completing a graduate degree in software engineering.
Eric Ross
Associate
Eric brings a strong foundation in financial analysis and capital markets, with experience spanning equity research, credit analysis, and valuation modeling. He has covered companies across gaming, media, deep tech, and aerospace, developing sector expertise through roles at Citizens Capital Markets and JMP Securities. Eric holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Texas.
Advisors
Strategic advisors
Industry leaders providing strategic guidance and network access.
Michael Kassan
Founder & CEO, 3C Ventures
Allen Debevoise
Co-Founder & CEO, Machinima
Jordan Levin
Former CEO, The WB Network
Mark Terbeek
Partner, Greycroft
Kevin Wall
Founder & CEO, Live Earth