From Analyst to Angel: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Chris Adelsbach
Biography of Chris Adelsbach
Chris is a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background
in finance and business. Following a successful ten-year career at GE Capital,
he co-founded a specialty finance company that quickly emerged as one of the
fastest-growing businesses in the UK. His entrepreneurial drive and strategic
vision propelled the company to success, culminating in its acquisition by a
NASDAQ listed entity and specialist buy-out fund in 2014.
Venture Investing and Mentorship:
After exiting his business venture, Chris transitioned his
focus to venture investing and mentoring aspiring founders. He served as the
Managing Partner of Outrun Ventures, where he leveraged his extensive industry
experience to identify and nurture promising startups, particularly in the
fintech sector. Notably, he led the Techstars Fintech Accelerator for five
years, during which he made 50 investments, providing crucial early-stage
support to companies such as Everledger, Cuvva, Cutover, Shieldpay, and Seldon.
Prolific Fintech Investor:
Chris's impact in the fintech ecosystem extends far and
wide, as he is recognized as one of Europe's most prolific investors in fintech
companies. With a keen eye for innovation and disruptive potential, he has
invested as an angel in over 130 companies, including notable successes like
Railsbank, Kuda Bank, Quant Network, Marshmallow, Smart Pension, Monese, and
Atom Bank. His contributions to the industry have earned him accolades such as
the UK's Angel Investor of the Year in 2018/19 and recognition as the most
active fintech angel investor in Europe by Sifted in 2020. Through Outrun
Ventures, Chris continues to champion growth-stage investments in his most
promising portfolio companies, driving forward innovation and reshaping the
future of finance.
The Evolution of an Entrepreneurial Visionary
1995-1997: The Foundation is Laid
Charlie Songhurst's journey began at GE Aircraft Engines in
Cincinnati, Ohio, where he embarked on his career as an Analyst in the
Financial Management Program. Here, he honed his analytical skills and laid the
groundwork for his future endeavors in finance and business management
1998-2000: Mastering Efficiency
Transitioning to Leeds, United Kingdom, Charlie took on the
role of Six Sigma Black Belt at GE. This period marked his immersion in process
re-engineering, where he gained expertise in optimizing operations and
enhancing efficiency across business functions.
2000-2003: Ascending to Leadership
As Head of Asset Management in Leeds, Charlie assumed
responsibility for overseeing credit management, recoveries, and fraud
prevention teams for the UK Consumer Finance business. His leadership and
strategic acumen were instrumental in driving performance excellence and asset
divestiture initiatives.
2003-2005: Pioneering Innovation
Elevating his career trajectory, Charlie served as Director
and General Manager in London, managing a substantial portfolio of sales
finance receivables. His engagement with leading high street brands underscored
his ability to forge strategic partnerships and drive revenue growth.
2005-2007: Venturing into New Markets
Joining GE Money as Director of New Markets, Charlie
spearheaded the launch of elective surgery sales finance solutions in the UK.
His role involved establishing brand recognition and driving adoption across
dental practices, showcasing his knack for market expansion and innovation.
2007-2010: Entrepreneurial Pursuits
Venturing into entrepreneurship, Charlie became CEO of Black
Tip Capital, a holding company that acquired Marlin Financial Group. Under his
leadership, the company experienced exponential revenue growth and garnered
industry recognition for its outstanding performance.
2010-2015: Navigating Growth and Acquisition
Charlie's entrepreneurial journey continued as CEO and
member of the Board at Black Tip Capital. Through strategic moves and refreshed
management, the company achieved remarkable revenue growth and attracted
investment from Private Equity group Duke Street. The subsequent sale to a
NASDAQ-listed entity marked a significant milestone in Charlie's career.
2015-Present: Championing Innovation
Transitioning into the realm of venture capital and advisory
roles, Charlie's tenure as Managing Director at Techstars and Founding Partner
at Outrun Ventures exemplifies his commitment to fostering innovation and
supporting entrepreneurial endeavors. His involvement in various advisory
boards and mentorship programs underscores his dedication to driving growth and
shaping the future of finance and technology.
A Journey of Leadership and Innovation
By weaving together Charlie Songhurst's professional
timeline, from his formative years at GE to his entrepreneurial ventures and
current role as a venture partner and advisor, we unveil a narrative of
leadership, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Chris: A Visionary Leader in Fintech Investment
Entrepreneurial Leadership:
Based in London, Chris is a prominent figure in the fintech
industry, renowned for his entrepreneurial prowess, investment acumen, and
mentorship. As the founder and Managing Partner of Outrun Ventures, he
spearheads investments in early-stage fintech companies, driving innovation and
fostering growth in the sector. Additionally, Chris serves as a Venture Partner
at Techstars, further amplifying his impact on the startup ecosystem.
Fintech Accelerator Leadership:
Chris's leadership extends to the establishment and
leadership of Europe's leading fintech accelerator, forged through a
partnership between Techstars and Barclays Bank. This accelerator program has
played a pivotal role in nurturing and scaling promising fintech startups,
under Chris's guidance and mentorship, contributing significantly to the advancement
of the fintech landscape.
Professional Journey:
Chris's professional journey is marked by a successful
tenure at GE Money, where he held various leadership roles after graduating
from GE's Financial Management Program in 1997. In 2006, he co-founded Marlin
Financial Group, a specialty finance business that quickly rose to prominence
as one of the UK's fastest-growing privately held companies. In 2014, Chris and
his co-founders orchestrated the sale of Marlin Financial Group to a
NASDAQ-listed entity and a prominent U.S. Private Equity group, underscoring
their entrepreneurial achievements and business acumen.
Impact and Legacy:
Throughout his career, Chris has left an indelible mark on
the fintech landscape, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to driving
innovation and empowering entrepreneurs. His leadership at Outrun Ventures and
Techstars continues to shape the future of fintech, while his entrepreneurial
journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring founders and investors alike.
Chris's dedication to fostering growth and innovation underscores his role as a
visionary leader in the fintech industry.
Chris: Championing Fintech Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Pioneering Investor and Advocate:
Following the sale of Marlin Financial Group, Chris emerged
as a dynamic private investor and fervent supporter of entrepreneurship,
particularly in the realm of disruptive fintech ventures. His strategic
investments and unwavering advocacy for innovation have earned him accolades,
including being named the most active fintech angel in Europe by Sifted in 2022
and the Angel Investor of the Year by the UK Business Angel Association in
2018.
Iconic Investments and Board Roles:
Chris's investment portfolio boasts several iconic
growth-stage companies, where he served as a first or early investor. Notable
among these companies are Railsbank, Monese, Smart Pension, Kuda Bank, Atom
Bank, Sharegain, and Marshmallow, each of which has made significant strides in
reshaping the fintech landscape. Moreover, Chris plays an active role in
guiding the strategic direction of emerging fintech ventures, serving on the
board of advisors for Crowdz, Twig, Quant Network, and Railsbank, where he contributes
his expertise and insights to fuel their growth and success.
From Analyst to Angel: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Chris Adelsbach / Biography of Chris Adelsbach
Driving Innovation and Impact:
Through his investments and advisory roles, Chris continues
to drive innovation and impact in the fintech sector. His visionary leadership
and unwavering commitment to supporting disruptive technologies have positioned
him as a leading figure in the European fintech ecosystem. With a keen eye for
identifying transformative opportunities and a passion for empowering
entrepreneurs, Chris remains at the forefront of driving positive change and
shaping the future of finance.
Entrepreneurial Legacy:
As a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor, He has established
a formidable portfolio of 225 companies, predominantly in the fintech sector.
His entrepreneurial journey began with the co-founding of Marlin Financial
Group, which earned recognition in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 for five
consecutive years as one of the UK's fastest-growing privately held companies.
Following our successful exit to a NASDAQ-listed company in 2014, He embarked
on a new chapter as a venture investor, leveraging his expertise to drive innovation and growth in
the startup ecosystem.
Investment Leadership and Recognition:
His contributions to the fintech landscape have been
recognized through various accolades and honors. He was honored as the GBEA
Investor of the Year in 2023, highlighting my impact and leadership in the
investment community. Business Insider's recognition as the number one Seed
investor in Europe in 2022, along with being named the most active Fintech
Angel in Europe by Sifted from 2021 to 2023, underscore his pivotal role in
shaping the fintech ecosystem. Moreover, his private portfolio of 175 companies has
attracted over £1.5 billion in follow-on investment, showcasing the enduring
value and potential of his investment
strategy.
Leading Ventures and Accelerating Innovation:
Currently, He serve as the co-founder and Managing Partner
at Outrun Ventures, where he continue to drive forward innovative fintech
ventures and support entrepreneurial growth. Additionally, his role as a
Venture Partner at Techstars allows me to further amplify his impact by
fostering the next generation of fintech pioneers. Through my leadership, He
has built and led the number one rated accelerator in Europe, earning
recognition as the UKBAA Angel Investor of the Year in 2018/19. As he continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of
venture investing, he remain committed to driving positive change and shaping
the future of finance through strategic investments and mentorship.
Chris: A Dedicated Alumnus and Family Man
Commitment to Alma Mater:
Since graduating from the University of Michigan, Chris has
remained actively engaged with his alma mater, demonstrating a deep commitment
to fostering alumni connections and supporting educational initiatives. He
serves as a member of the Ross Alumni Board of Governors and played a pivotal
role as a founding board member of the University of Michigan International Alumni
Board. Additionally, Chris serves as the President of the U of M Alumni
Association (U.K.), further solidifying his dedication to fostering a sense of
community among Michigan alumni worldwide. In recognition of his outstanding
contributions, Chris was honored with the Bert F Wertman Alumni Service Award
by the Michigan Ross School of Business in 2020.
Family Life and Pursuits:
Outside of his professional and alumni endeavors, Chris
finds joy and fulfillment in his role as a family man. Alongside his wife,
Emily, Chris is the proud parent of three children, and together they reside
just outside London. The family shares a love for exploration and adventure,
often venturing into the picturesque British countryside to create cherished
memories together. Despite their proximity to London, the family maintains
strong ties to Ann Arbor, regularly visiting the university campus where Chris
fondly reminisces about his collegiate experiences and reconnects with his alma
mater's vibrant community.
Some companies where Chris Adelsbach invested
- Camion - Chris Adelsbach
- Cygnetise - Network Management Software
- Kavida.ai – Logistics
- Tuza - Financial Software
- Renew Risk - Financial Software
- Anansi – Insurance
- Pikl - Property and Casualty Insurance
- Blobr - Business/Productivity Software
- Kwara - Financial Software
- StructureFlow - Business/Productivity Software
- Kuda Technologies - fintech company
- Smart - publishing breaking news, must-read analysis and hearty advice
- Atom Bank - bank built for smartphone or tablet
Timeline of Chris Adelsbach
1995-1997:
Chris begins his career at GE Aircraft Engines in
Cincinnati, Ohio, joining the Financial Management Program as an Analyst.
1998-2000:
Chris transitions to Leeds, UK, assuming the role of Six
Sigma Black Belt at GE, focusing on process re-engineering and operational
efficiency.
2000-2003:
Chris rises to leadership as Head of Asset Management in
Leeds, overseeing credit management and driving performance excellence.
2003-2005:
Chris serves as Director and General Manager in London,
managing sales finance receivables and forging strategic partnerships.
2005-2007:
Chris leads the launch of elective surgery sales
finance solutions in the UK as Director of New Markets at GE Money.
2007-2010:
Chris ventures into entrepreneurship, becoming CEO of Black
Tip Capital and acquiring Marlin Financial Group.
2010-2015:
Chris continues his entrepreneurial journey as CEO of Black
Tip Capital, achieving remarkable growth and eventual acquisition.
2015-Present:
Chris transitions into venture capital and advisory roles,
fostering innovation as Managing Director at Techstars and Founding Partner at
Outrun Ventures.
