About
A founder who now sells companies for other founders.
John Norton is a Managing Director at ACT Capital Advisors, representing sellers across industries in Oregon and Southwest Washington. His background includes deep experience with technology and founder-led businesses. He's based in Vancouver, Washington — just across the Columbia River from Portland.
Before joining ACT in 2016, John spent his career on the other side of the table: building and selling companies himself. That perspective — knowing what it feels like to be the one with the livelihood on the line — shapes how he approaches every engagement.
Career
From founder-operator to trusted advisor.
- 2016 — Present
Managing Director, ACT Capital Advisors
Represents sellers across industries throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington, with deep experience in technology and founder-led businesses.
- 2015
Sold iHost Networks
Sold the company he built as President to a private buyer.
- President, iHost Networks
Founder-operator
Grew iHost — a provider of web hosting, domain registration, and eCommerce services — from a few hundred small-business customers to more than 14,000.
- 1999
Metamor Worldwide
MicroCrafts was acquired by publicly traded Metamor Worldwide, a leading professional services firm.
- 1994 — 1998
Partner-Operator, MicroCrafts
Led sales and marketing at the custom software engineering firm, helping grow the team from 5 employees to 100. MicroCrafts ranked #3 on Deloitte's Seattle-area Fast 50.
- University of Washington
B.A. Economics · Husky Crew (2-year letterman)
Studied economics and rowed for four years on the Husky Crew Team.
Selected closed deals
Recent transactions at ACT.
Full deal history and current listings on the ACT Capital Advisors bio.
Best way to get to know me? Lunch.
Bring your business, your questions, or just curiosity about the M&A market. My treat.