Paul McKellar

Lemme tell you bout Paul McKellar – this guy’s the real deal in the tech startup world. He’s been around the block, crushed it at some big names, and keeps pushing the envelope.

So, Paul jumped into the scene back in the day, around 2007-2008. He was part of YC’s W07/W08 batch with Socialmoth, a sneaky little project he built while working as a research engineer at Georgia Tech. Socialmoth was an anonymous chat site – kinda like the early days of internet venting, you know? That’s where he started getting his hands dirty with web apps and social tech. The fact that he was working on this stuff at Georgia Tech shows he’s got that hacker, maker vibe – just jumping into the deep end with cool ideas.

Fast forward a bit, and Paul gets into the scene building Facebook apps that went viral. Like, this guy was early on the social media wave, figuring out how to crack the code of what makes apps addictive or shareable. Then he dips his toes into credit card payment stuff – basically, laying the groundwork for what would become Square. No cap, he was part of the team that built Square’s API and web interface back in 2009. That’s huge, because Square totally changed how small businesses handle payments. Paul’s contributions there weren’t just small; he was key in shaping how people could accept credit cards easily online and in-store.

After his time at Square, Paul didn’t just rest on his laurels. He jumped into the VC/angel game, becoming a founder in residence at SV Angel. That’s where he started advising and investing in early-stage startups – basically, he’s now helping the next wave of founders crush it. He’s backed projects like Golden, Atrium LTS, Eligible, and Binded. So, he’s not just a builder; he’s a mentor and investor who’s got his finger on the pulse.

What’s his whole vibe? The dude’s all about creating tools that make life easier and more connected. His background in electrical engineering makes sense – he’s technical but always thinking about how to turn complex ideas into simple, elegant solutions. Whether it’s building viral apps, payment tech, or advising startups, Paul’s driven by a genuine desire to innovate and help others do the same.

Bottom line? This guy’s story is about hustle, curiosity, and a relentless push to build things that matter. From Georgia Tech to YC to Square, and now as an investor and advisor, Paul McKellar is that rare mix of a technical genius and a startup veteran who’s always looking ahead. No bullshit – he’s someone you wanna keep an eye on if you’re into tech, startups, or just someone who’s out here changing the game.