Chris Young

Origin Story: In a couple sentences, how would you describe your path to becoming an investor?

As an entrepreneur with multiple exits, it was only natural that I was eventually drawn toward backing others that shared my passion for creating and solving today's business challenges. I initially started investing as an angel, and following the exit of my last business, decided to formalize my investing approach through a fund along with my partners (who are all also former entrepreneurs themselves).
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Investment Approach: What are the key factors you consider when evaluating a founding team?

How good of a driver are they and is their clear founder/market fit? Do they have a unique vision of the world born out of their own experiences? Do they understand where their world is heading, and all of the other players in the landscape? And finally, do they have the execution skills to achieve what they've set out to do, not only from a product but also a sales perspective?
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What's your style and approach when it comes to working with founders post-investment? What are the characteristics of founders you've worked well with?

My approach varies depending on what founders need and how active they want me to be. Given that I've started and exited two businesses before, I've well aware of the challenges that founders face every day -- and so more often than not founder want to engage with me around specific issues in their businesses. I am quite honest about where I see potential pitfalls coming, but also the first to congratulate a founder and team on their wins.
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If I'm coming to pitch to you or your firm, what's the one piece of advice you'd give me?

Really know your business and have a well thought out understanding of your vision and strategy for executing that vision. I like founders that can tell why the business they are creating has the potential to be massive, but also understands in a detailed way how to get there. Know your numbers, your product vision, and go-to-market in a specific manner. Of course, some things may change along the way but I like to know that entrepreneurs have thought through these aspects of their business deeply.
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How would you describe your own personal mission and values, and how do they impact the way you invest?

I am here to help passionate founders solve huge business challenges. Whether that be as Chair at Startout, a non-profit whose mission it is increase the number, diversity, and impact of LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and amplify their stories to drive the economic empowerment of the community; or as a General Partner at Revel, a more traditional venture firm focused on early stage companies, I am most excited when working with founders that have a unique insight and passion toward solving big challenges.
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What do you like best about investing in NYC, and what’s your outlook on the future of NYC tech?

I love the community that's been built here over the years and continues to flourish. I am bullish on the future of NYC and excited for what the next decade brings.