Taylor
Bernal
Director of Marketing & Platform
Marketing & Community Events
Marketing
BuilderOps
Bay Area Born & Raised
Superpower: Storytelling
I love working alongside founders at the earliest stages— helping them tell their stories as they build technology that addresses the world’s biggest challenges.
Taylor
Bernal
Director of Marketing & Platform
Marketing & Community Events
Marketing
BuilderOps
Bay Area Born & Raised
Superpower: Storytelling
I love working alongside founders at the earliest stages— helping them tell their stories as they build technology that addresses the world’s biggest challenges.
My Philosophy:
Growing up in Silicon Valley in the 90s, I’ve always been surrounded by innovation. But I quickly learned that I didn’t just want to observe—I wanted to be close to the action. Having worked at both a high-growth startup and a global tech company, I discovered that I thrive in the early stages, when ideas are raw, scrappy, and full of potential. I’m most energized when I’m working alongside founders as they shape their vision, build their teams, and tell their stories.
Venture is the perfect intersection for me: it mirrors the excitement of my early startup days at NerdWallet while offering a front-row seat to a wide range of industries and founder paths. At Costanoa, I get to support a portfolio of exceptional founders across applied AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and beyond. Whether it’s helping shape a brand narrative, or orchestrating founder events, I’m drawn to the real work of company-building from day one.
Experience:
Before joining Costanoa, I was part of Sequoia Capital's marketing team where I helped founders tell their own stories across digital channels and advised portfolio companies on their social strategies. Prior to joining the world of venture, I spent nearly 6 years at fintech startup NerdWallet where I joined as their second PR/marketing hire when the team was ~20 people and built their social media channels.
A Little More About Me:
Outside of work, you can usually find me planning my next trip, diving into a new documentary, or studying the art of storytelling through film and television. Travel has always been a source of inspiration—there’s something grounding about being dropped into a new place and learning how people live, work, and create around the world.
I’m endlessly curious about culture, identity, and the stories that shape how we see ourselves and each other. That curiosity led me to study anthropology in college, and it continues to influence how I approach my work and my life. Whether it’s discovering a hidden beach or rewatching a favorite director’s work with fresh eyes, I’m always chasing the feeling of discovery.