Brianna McDonald, a veteran investor in the Seattle startup scene, is launching a new venture designed to unite the often fragmented world of early-stage investment. Her new firm, Ecosystem Venture Group, brings together funding, mentorship, and educational tools for both founders and investors. All under one roof.
With nearly 20 years of experience leading the Northwest chapter of Keiretsu Forum. A global network of accredited angel investors — and more recently co-founding NW Angel with her husband Nathan McDonald, Brianna is now combining the best of both worlds into a single platform that aims to address long-standing gaps in the startup ecosystem.
“This is really about taking everything we’ve built and elevating it,” McDonald told GeekWire. The new firm is gearing up to launch a startup investment fund later this year. Targeting companies at various stages, across different sectors and regions.
But funding is just part of the story. Ecosystem Venture Group also offers advisory services and training programs tailored to the needs of both founders and investors. This includes investor education, deal analysis tools, and founder support focused on long-term execution rather than short-term hype.
McDonald is on a mission to address a key weakness she sees in tech communities like Seattle’s: a lack of collaboration.
Referencing recent comments from former WTIA leader Michael Schutzler. McDonald echoed the sentiment that tech players in the region often operate in silos. “Angel investors look out for themselves, VCs look out for themselves… there’s not enough alignment,” she said. “With Ecosystem Venture Group, we want to break down those barriers and build a stronger, more collaborative network. Because when the ecosystem thrives as a whole, everyone wins.”
Rather than chasing billion-dollar valuations, McDonald says her focus is on helping companies reach profitability and enabling healthy acquisition pathways. “If a startup needs to raise $100 million to survive, we’re probably not the right fund,” she explained. “We’re looking to back solid, sustainable businesses — and help them execute.”
That hands-on philosophy reflects McDonald’s belief that many founders don’t just need money — they need better guidance. “It’s not always about chasing the next big valuation. It’s about executing well, building wisely, and creating value that lasts,” she said.
Ecosystem Venture Group is headquartered in Seattle, operating out of the WRF Venture Center, a hub supported by the Washington Research Foundation. With a team of six and a growing national network of partners, the group will serve startups and investors across the U.S. In addition to its core services, Ecosystem also plans to host events that bring together different players in the innovation economy.
For McDonald, it’s not just another fund — it’s a new model for building a healthier, more connected startup ecosystem.
