Management Team

Andrew V. Welters

Founding Partner | CEO

Andrew Welters launched 5Lion Ventures in 2014, an early stage venture firm focused on Seed+ and Series A. He is a venture capitalist with a background in founding, operating, and advising early stage healthcare and technology companies. Mr. Welters identifies, funds, and grows companies that improve the human experience and work to close the inherent gaps across industries.

In 2013, he founded BTLR, an advanced, fully customizable concierge service designed to enhance the experience of your most high-value patrons and fans, and drive revenue growth in sports and entertainment venues.

A native Washingtonian, Mr. Welters serves on the board of the Washington Jesuit Academy and their development committee. He also serves on the Advisory Council of The AnBryce Foundation. Mr. Welters received a B.A. in History from the University of Notre Dame and was later appointed by President Fr. John Jenkins to the advisory council of the IDEA Center, a center for innovation and entrepreneurship. Mr. Welters is a Venture Partner at the venture firm H/L Partners in New York City.

Ronald W. Russo

Partner | COO

Ron Russo spent 18 years working in investment management prior to joining 5Lion. Most recently, Ron was a Portfolio Manager and Partner at a New York based, real estate focused hedge fund. While there, Mr. Russo focused most intensely on public market securities, but over the course of his career, he has also made both private equity and angel investments personally. Those experiences ultimately led him to Venture Investing at 5Lion.

Mr. Russo grew up in Brooklyn, New York and graduated from Colby College with a B.A. in Economics, Concentration in Financial Markets. He currently spends his free time running after his two sons with his wife, Gina.

Julian Duggin

Partner

Julian joined the 5Lion team in 2018. A successful tech entrepreneur, Julian combines his vast experience in marketing and branding with his exceptional technology expertise to shape the future.

Since 2009, Julian has been the principal investor and Managing CEO of MyChannel, Inc., an innovative enterprise software company that revolutionizes how businesses and nonprofit entities engage with their target audiences. Prior to starting MyChannel, Julian was CEO of his own digital marketing agency, developing marketing and branding strategies to drive business results.

Duggin graduated from Morehouse College, received an MBA from Babson College, and completed the Executive Certification Program at UPenn's Wharton School.

Conor Shields

Associate

Conor Shields joined 5Lion Ventures in November of 2020. He is responsible for sourcing deals, performing diligence on potential investments and supporting the firm’s Portfolio companies.

Aside from that he helps investor relations by running a newsletter and the Venture Partner Program.

Before 5Lion, Conor received his BA from the University of Notre Dame in 2019 where he studied Economics and Political Science. While studying at Notre Dame, Conor also worked for the Athletic Development Department and for several startups throughout his college summers in various operational roles.

Shields grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania and is a current resident of New York City.