Chris Sang: A Seasoned Investor and Technologist Driving Startup Success
Biography of Chris Sang:
Chris Sang's entrepreneurial journey is marked by visionary
leadership and strategic foresight. As the Founder and Director of IQTwo, he
spearheads innovative initiatives to drive impactful change in the technology
landscape. Additionally, Chris serves as the General Partner at CapitalPitch,
leveraging his expertise to identify and nurture promising startups poised for
exponential growth. Prior to his current roles, he co-founded and directed
DressDouble Pty Ltd, further demonstrating his knack for entrepreneurial ventures
and business development.
Chris Sang assumes the roles of Managing Partner and General
Partner at CP Ventures, where he orchestrates strategic investments and guides
the trajectory of emerging startups. His extensive expertise and keen eye for
potential have facilitated the creation of an angel investment portfolio
comprising approximately 100 startups across the US, Australia, NZ, and Latin
America. Notably, Chris collaborates with esteemed venture capital firms such
as LightSpeed Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz (A16z), and Bessemer Venture
Partners, among others, demonstrating his prowess in identifying and nurturing
promising ventures.
Early Career and Corporate Experience:
Chris Adelsbach began his professional journey in Sydney,
Australia, taking on roles in prominent companies like Tier Technologies and Oakton
Limited. His tenure as an Application Development Manager and Principal
Consultant equipped him with valuable experience in systems management and
consultancy, setting the stage for his future endeavors in finance and
technology.
Transition to Financial Systems Management:
Transitioning into the realm of financial systems, Chris
served as the Oracle Financials Systems Manager at Suncorp. During his six-year
tenure, he honed his expertise in managing complex financial systems, laying
the foundation for his later ventures in fintech and investment.
Entrepreneurial Pursuits: DressDouble Co-Founder and
Director:
In 2012, Chris ventured into entrepreneurship as the
Co-Founder and Director of DressDouble, a Sydney-based endeavor. This
experience provided him with firsthand insights into the challenges and
opportunities of founding and managing a startup, shaping his entrepreneurial
mindset for future ventures.
Advisory Board Roles and Tech Consulting:
Alongside his entrepreneurial ventures, Chris served as an
Advisory Board Member for innovative tech companies like BlockAPT, GroupHub,
and ObjectHub. His strategic guidance and expertise in technology consulting
further diversified his professional portfolio, establishing him as a trusted
advisor in the tech industry.
Venture Capital and Investment Leadership: CP Ventures
Managing Partner:
Transitioning into the world of venture capital, Chris
assumed the role of Managing Partner at CP Ventures in 2019. Over the years, CP
Ventures gained recognition as one of the top-performing VC funds, highlighting
Chris's astute investment strategies and leadership in fostering high-growth
startups globally.
Saltwater Fund: Pioneering Investment Model in Breakthrough
Technology:
In 2023, Chris embarked on a new venture as the Managing
Partner of Saltwater Fund, based in Sydney, Australia. Saltwater Fund
introduced a pioneering investment model, offering a hybrid evergreen fund
focused on breakthrough technology companies. Chris's role in spearheading this
innovative investment approach underscores his commitment to disrupting
traditional venture capital paradigms.
Angel Investing and Startup Advisory:
Throughout his career, Chris has been an active angel
investor and advisor to numerous startups globally. His involvement with
companies like I'm In The Right, Skylark Labs, and LeadStory demonstrates his
passion for supporting early-stage ventures and driving innovation across
diverse industries.
Continued Impact and Engagement:
Chris's journey reflects a relentless pursuit of innovation
and excellence, from his early days in corporate management to his current
leadership roles in venture capital and startup advisory. His ongoing
commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and technology advancement underscores
his enduring impact on the global startup ecosystem.
Entrepreneurial Ventures:
In addition to his venture leadership roles, Chris is a
co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of I'm In The Right (IITR), a thriving
demurrage car fleet management company. Leveraging his technical acumen and
entrepreneurial spirit, Chris plays a pivotal role in driving innovation and
operational excellence within the organization, contributing to its remarkable
success in the industry.
Venture Collaboration and Career Trajectory:
Chris's collaborative approach to venture investing is evidenced
by his partnerships with Tier 1 Venture Capital firms in the US, including
LightSpeed Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz (A16z), and Bessemer Venture Partners,
among others. With over 25 years of experience in systems development and
consulting across banking, insurance, and auto-industry verticals, Chris brings
a wealth of expertise to his investment endeavors. His strategic application of
IT knowledge has enabled him to identify and invest in some of the
fastest-growing early-stage companies worldwide, while also providing
invaluable guidance and mentorship to his portfolio of investments.
Angel Investment Prowess:
Chris's influence extends beyond founding ventures, as he
emerges as a prominent angel investor with an impressive track record. With an
angel investment portfolio exceeding 80 startups across the US, Australia, NZ,
and Latin America, Chris has cultivated a diverse and thriving investment
ecosystem. Notably, his portfolio boasts two unicorns, alongside several
startups expected to reach unicorn status by the end of 2019. Chris's strategic
investments have yielded remarkable returns, with an impressive Internal Rate
of Return (IRR) exceeding 50% since his inaugural investments in 2014.
Chris Sang: A Seasoned Investor and Technologist Driving Startup Success / Biography of Chris Sang:
Chris Sang: Accomplished Entrepreneur and Business Leader
Executive Roles and Founder Ventures:
Chris Sang's illustrious career spans various executive
roles and founding ventures, showcasing his dynamic leadership and
entrepreneurial prowess. He currently serves as a Director of Junction
Solutions, Inc., demonstrating his commitment to driving innovation and
strategic growth in the technology sector. Additionally, Chris has held the
position of Chief Executive Officer at ClairVista LLC and ClairVista Advisors,
Inc. since January 2002, leveraging his expertise to provide cutting-edge
technology and merger and acquisition advisory services. As the Founder of
Innotrac Corp., he played a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory as Chief
Executive Officer from January 2000 to January 2002.
Directorship and Financial Expertise:
Chris's extensive experience extends to his role as a
Director of Retek, Inc., where he contributed to strategic decision-making and
corporate governance initiatives. Prior to his tenure at Junction Solutions, he
served as Chief Financial Officer of Ulta Cosmetics & Salon, Inc., and
Chief Operating Officer and Director of Scottys, Inc., underscoring his
proficiency in financial management and operational excellence. With a Bachelor
of Science degree in Accounting from DePaul University, Chris's solid
educational foundation has been instrumental in shaping his successful career
trajectory.
Continued Leadership and Entrepreneurial Vision:
Throughout his career, Chris Sang has exemplified a
steadfast commitment to leadership and innovation. His tenure as CEO of
ClairVista LLC and ClairVista Advisors, Inc., underscores his ability to drive
strategic growth and deliver value-added solutions to clients. As the founder
and CEO of iFulfillment, Inc., he demonstrated visionary leadership and
entrepreneurial acumen in pioneering new ventures. With a diverse background
spanning public accounting and executive leadership roles, Chris continues to
embody excellence and innovation in all his endeavors, leaving an indelible mark
on the business landscape.
Diverse Career Trajectory:
With over 25 years of experience in systems development and
consulting, Chris has traversed a diverse career path spanning startups, SMEs,
and large-scale enterprises across banking, insurance, and auto-industry
verticals. His multifaceted background equips him with a nuanced understanding
of technological landscapes and business dynamics, enabling him to navigate
complex challenges and drive tangible outcomes. Through his relentless pursuit
of excellence, Chris continues to leverage his wealth of experience to identify
and invest in high-growth early-stage companies worldwide, while also providing
invaluable guidance to his portfolio of investments, ensuring their sustained
success and growth.
Some companies where Chris Sang
- Hitch – Automotive
- Reach - Electrical Equipment
- Juked - Broadcasting, Radio and Television
- The Nudge - . Information Services (B2C)
- CARD.com - Financial Software
- Akin - Business/Productivity Software
- Skylark Labs - Business/Productivity Software
- MGA Thermal - Other Materials
- Zerply – VFX & Animation platform
- Tip Network- helps restaurants and their staff work smarter together
- Class Pass - fitness and wellness
- AirDog – home air purifier
- Moltin – API-based commerce solution
Timeline:
Early 2000s:
- Chris Sang begins his career in corporate management roles in Sydney, Australia.
2012:
- Ventures into entrepreneurship as Co-Founder and Director of DressDouble.
2019:
- Assumes the role of Managing Partner at CP Ventures, gaining recognition in the VC industry.
2023:
- Becomes Managing Partner of Saltwater Fund, pioneering a new investment model.
Present:
Continues to lead and invest in startups globally, driving
innovation and fostering entrepreneurship.