Michael Magnuson
Founder and General Partner

Michael brings to Westward over a decade of experience as an investor and advisor in Westward’s target industries. Prior to founding Westward, Michael was a Principal of Waller Sutton Capital, a New York-based private equity firm focused on the media and marketing services industries. At Waller Sutton, Michael led the firm’s marketing services practice and served most recently the boards of Discover Media LLC (owner of Discover Magazine, a leading consumer science magazine), [x+1] (a leading provider of online marketing technology and services, formerly known as Poindexter Systems), and AAT Communications (acquired by SBA Communications, formerly the largest privately held operator of communications towers).

Prior to joining Waller Sutton, Michael worked in Time Warner’s Digital Media Investment Fund (now Time Warner Ventures), a $500 million venture fund focused on investments in media-related technology companies. Previously, he was a management consultant with Dean & Company, where he advised large multinational companies in the US and Europe on a variety of strategic issues including product development, M&A, and operational efficiency. Michael also helped launch a San Francisco new media company called ArtandCulture.com.

Michael graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a BAS in Systems Engineering and a BSE in Finance from The Wharton School. He received his MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Investment Partners

Westward was formed in affiliation with a network of investors seeking the ability to make direct investments in attractive private equity opportunities. Westward’s investor network includes prominent figures in the media, marketing services, information and communications industries, as well as in the private equity and asset management communities.