Patrick Gwyther

Managing Director

Patrick is a Managing Director at Norland where he supports the firm’s investment and business development efforts. He began his career as an operator at a technology start-up and then migrated into the investment world at firms such as AGC Partners, Arbor Advisors, and most recently Serent Capital.

Start in tech – I first got into tech in the late 2000s when I joined a start-up as the fourth employee. The company offered a green-tech solution that reduced carbon emissions from long-haul truck drivers.

First job – Believe it or not, I was a truck driver. After dropping out of school, moving from state to state in search of that “aha moment” I found an interesting gig that allowed me to continue traveling across the states delivering triathlon bikes to Ironman events…the “aha moment” came slower than expected but it came and led me to my first entrepreneurial experience.

First entrepreneurial experience – The start-up I joined was a big jump for me as I was always pretty risk adverse due to growing up in a very blue-collar family that never had a lot of money. Despite its ultimate failure I learned a lot and it helped to guide me to where I am today.

First investment – My first investment was in an automotive technology company that provided a call management platform to dealerships. The best part about my job is when I get to go deep into a vertical and understand the pain-points of executives within a specific industry. It was because of that onion peeling that I was able to find this company.

Most memorable childhood experience – I grew up in a small, blue-collar, mountain town in New Hampshire where there were some belt-tightening moments that made for a few cold winters. This always gave me a chip on my shoulder that my background may never be good enough to do this or that in both my personal and professional life. Sports, specifically hockey, ended up being my escape, both mentally and physically, that allowed me to see more of the world, gain leadership skills through failing and succeeding as a captain of my sports teams in high school in Maine, and better understanding the value of what hard work and perseverance can bring you in life.

Toughest experience – After the failed start-up, I knew I wanted to get into advising and investing, so I built my path there. After what seemed like hundreds of sent resumes, I got my chance in banking at a small tech shop while I was still finishing school so I would end classes on a Wednesday afternoon, travel 2.5 hours into Boston, to work day and night until Sunday, all while sleeping on my friend’s reclining chair.

Biggest frustration – Wasting time. It’s one of the scarcest resources that you have and it should be spent wisely so be conscious with yours and others’.

Key lesson from previous jobs – Try not to be content with the answer in front of you, always dig deeper, until you’re certain it’s the right answer.

University – My path was certainly not linear. I started as an econ major at Colorado State University but dropped out after it became too expensive and not the right fit. I eventually came back and graduated with two degrees: finance and sports management from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

Advice to founders considering an investor – Know what you want. I often speak to founders who start having conversations with investor before they have really figured out what they want personally and for their business.