JT

Jason Towns

Investor at Multiple Companies

Washington DC-Baltimore Area

Overview

Work Experience

  • Startup Investor/ Board Member/ Advisor

    2014 - Current

    Serving as an investor and board advisor to early-stage founders.

  • Managing Director

    2019 - 2021

    Launched The Techstars Future of Longevity Accelerator, run in partnership with Pivotal Ventures, an investment and incubation company created by Melinda Gates, working with startups focused on innovative and creative caregiving solutions to address the unmet needs of older adults receiving care as well as their formal and family caregivers. Also helped lead efforts to build stronger pipelines between Techstars and overlooked communities.

  • Strategic Advisor to President & CEO + Evolving Leaders Council Member

    2016 - 2020

    Serving as strategic innovation advisor to president and CEO, B. Doyle Mitchell Jr.

  • Mentor

    2017 - 2020

    GSVlabs aims to solve society's largest challenges through coaching, connectivity, and access to capital. A highly curated, immersive experience brings together the brightest minds from all over the Global Silicon Valley.

  • Advisory Board Member

    2016 - 2020

    Releaf is a B2B marketplace that helps African agribiz entrepreneurs prosper by helping them find partners they can trust.

  • Managing Partner

    2015 - 2020

    Building inclusive entrepreneurial & investor ecosystems by Supporting founders - hiring, fundraising, poc’s/ strategic partnerships, business development, general advising Supporting seed funds & accelerators - deal sourcing, due diligence, fundraising/ investor relations, hiring

  • Director, Entrepreneurship Programs

    2014 - 2015

    Building/ growing the CODE2040 Residency. The CODE2040 Residency, powered by Google for Entrepreneurs, is designed to empower Black and Latino/a entrepreneurs to take their companies to the next level while taking their communities to the next level as well. In 2015 we are partnering with tech hubs Capital Factory in Austin, 1871 in Chicago, and American Underground in Durham to pilot this new approach to supporting and promoting minority entrepreneurship. In each pilot city, we've selected an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR). These three founders have the vision, talent, and tenacity to grow their startup while also building their local entrepreneurial ecosystem's diversity.

  • 2014 Fellow

    2014 - 2015

    Selected as one of twelve (out of 426 applicants) Social Justice+Tech Fellows to serve in the inaugural Code for Progress cohort. Developed and applied full-stack Python/Django web development skills through a human-centered design framework. Led an Agile project team that defined, developed and introduced new Twilio/ Python based client contact application for DC based nonprofit, Bread for the City, reducing SMS outreach costs by 78%.

  • Founder/ Strategist

    2012 - 2014

    Managed a 4-member cross-functional (sales, design, development) remote team focused on providing affordable technology solutions to startup nonprofits and progressive political organizations. Served as a white label, outsourced development partner to leading progressive media firms.

  • Director of Business Development

    2011 - 2012

    Developed new business and managed efforts on the state and national levels in the electoral and constituent communications arena. American Directions Group (ADG) helps organizations develop and maintain a unified presence on Capitol Hill through direct and indirect lobbying. This also included building on existing relationships with consultants, public affairs firms, trade associations and non-profit organizations in order to strategically position American Directions Group in upcoming grassroots programs, ballot initiatives and issue referendums.

Relevant Websites