James Norman
InvestorManaging Partner at Black Operator
Oakland, California, United States
Writes $100K – $5M checks
About
Co-founder of Black Operator Ventures who launched the fund in 2021 alongside Sean Green, drawing on his experience as a Black founder.
Invests in
AI & Machine LearningFintechImpact & Social GoodPropTechSaaS
Experience
- Black Operator VenturesManaging Partnercurrent2021 — presentOakland, California, United States
- PilotlyCEOcurrent2014 — presentOakland, CA
- Transparent CollectiveChairmancurrent2016 — presentOakland, CA
- GroupFlixFounder2013 — 2014Oakland, CA
- Ubi VideoChairman of the Board2013San Francisco Bay Area
- Ubi VideoFounder / CEO2008 — 2013Detroit, MI
- F1RST Motoring ApparelCo-Founder / Chairman of the Board2010 — 2012Detroit, MI
- Mitsubishi MotorsWeb Initiatives2009 — 2010
- Mitsubishi MotorsProduct Planning2005 — 2008
- Shift Marketing SolutionsCo-Founder2003 — 2006
- MJH sound.comCo-Founder1996 — 2001Lansing, MI
Education
- University of MichiganBSE, Electrical Engineering2000 — 2005
Skills & more
FlashPHPJavaScriptMySQLAdobe Creative SuiteHTML5vehicle customizationArtificial Intelligence (AI)Machine LearningMarket ResearchUser Experience (UX)DJ
+2 more
Digital FabricationAutomotive DesignFrom James's professional profile.
Colleagues at Black Operator
Network2
Brian Aoaeh
Investor at KEC Ventures
Brian Laung Aoaeh
Founder & Managing General Partner at REFASHIOND Ventures
Investors connected to James in public investor directories — a warm-intro map.
Frequently asked questions
- Where does James Norman work?
- James Norman is Managing Partner at Black Operator.
- What does James Norman invest in?
- James Norman invests in AI & Machine Learning, Fintech, Impact & Social Good, PropTech, SaaS.
- What check size does James Norman write?
- James Norman typically writes checks of $100K – $5M.
Founder mafias
University of Michigan mafia127
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
Erik TorenbergBachelor of Arts (B.A.)Founded VillageglobalDavid R. WaltBachelor of Science - BSFounded Sherlock Biosciences +5Chris VoigtBSEFounded Asimov +2Val AgostinoB.S.E.Founded Monarch +2Dillon ErbMaster of Architecture (M.Arch.)Founded Paperspace +2Sheel MohnotMBAFounded Thistle +1
+ 120 more
Black Operator mafia2
Also came through, then founded or led a company.
Same school
Also attended University of Michigan487
Erik TorenbergGeneral Partner at Andreessen HorowitzKarim FarisInvestor at GV (Google Ventures)Glen AndersonPartner at Monta Vista CapitalAlexandra FarmerPrincipal at Intel Capital, North AmericaHannah KrootMarketing Lead at Intel CapitalScott ShawChief of Staff at Intel Capital
+ 481 more
