Family Office · Est. 2001 · Westlake Village, CA
Westlake Venture Partners is a family office that invests its own capital — alongside a select group of industry pioneers, executives, and founders — in emerging companies with extraordinary potential.
Years Investing
Combined Years Experience
Portfolio Companies
About Us
Created and managed by the original four founders of NetZero, we bring real operating experience — not just capital — to every partnership.
We vary our involvement based on each company's stage and needs — from strategic advisory to active management roles.
We help build teams through talent acquisition, leadership development, and a relentless focus on company culture.
Technology strategy, product roadmaps, financial modeling, business planning, and customer acquisition — we've done it all ourselves.
Assistance in structuring and securing venture capital and growth financing from our extensive network of investors.
"People make the company. Whether a company is old or young, most problems are ultimately overcome through building the right team."— Ronald T. Burr, Managing Partner
Westlake Venture Partners was established in 2001 by the original four co-founders of NetZero (NASDAQ: UNTD), leveraging decades of combined experience taking companies from inception through IPO.
The Team
Our principals have built, scaled, and exited technology companies — giving us a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed.
Managing Partner
Technology executive with deep expertise in SaaS, Internet, Interactive Marketing, and Digital Media. Co-founded NetZero and took it public with Goldman Sachs.
Former CEO & CPTO for leading SaaS companies in media, telecom and edtech with multiple exits
Partner
Entrepreneur and technologist with 15+ years of experience. Co-founded NetZero in 1997, serving as SVP of Technology through its IPO and $400M+ in capital raised.
Co-founder & CTO of TuneGo · Co-founder of Layer2Networks · Former CIO at Jambo · 50+ patents filed
Partner
Technology innovator and NetZero co-founder. Holds eight patents in online advertising and market research. Extensive experience in operations, technology, and strategy.
Founder of finlit · Advisory roles at Inventiv Focus, JetEye, Jumpcut, Qmania, Green Plug & more
Partner · International
Entrepreneur and technologist with 20+ years of experience. Known as "the idea man," Marwan manages international investments for WVP from Lebanon.
Career spans Bank of America, NetZero, Sempra Energy & Impact Software
Partner · Operations
Assists portfolio companies with business planning and human resources. Former HR & Ops executive at BlackLine Systems (NASDAQ: BL) from early stage through IPO.
Co-founded Impact Software · Helped secure NetZero's seed & Series A funding · Instrumental in Silver Lake Partners investment in BlackLine
Portfolio
From digital power innovation to pharmaceuticals, our investments span industries where technology creates transformative value.
Get in Touch
Westlake Venture Partners works exclusively with companies referred to us by trusted individuals within our network.
info@westlakevp.comWe do not accept unsolicited business plans or proposals. Westlake Venture Partners is not a venture capital firm and does not manage investments for private investors.