CHRIS HEIVLY
About
Chris Heivly is a General Partner at The Startup Factory, bringing extensive experience as a co-founder of MapQuest and a TechStars veteran. He focuses on investing in and nurturing early-stage technology companies, particularly those outside traditional tech hubs, with a strong emphasis on scalable business models and community building. His work aims to empower entrepreneurs and foster vibrant startup ecosystems.
Deep Dive
Chris Heivly stands out as a prominent figure in the venture capital and startup ecosystem development landscape. As a General Partner at The Startup Factory (TSF), he brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to early-stage investing. His role at TSF involves identifying, funding, and mentoring promising technology companies, with a particular interest in ventures that are poised for significant growth and impact.
Heivly's investment focus areas are broad but often center on scalable technology solutions, B2B software, and companies that demonstrate strong potential to disrupt existing markets or create new ones. He is particularly passionate about fostering startup growth in regions often overlooked by traditional venture capital, believing that innovation thrives in diverse environments. His approach is hands-on, leveraging his extensive network and operational expertise to guide portfolio companies through their critical early stages.
Before his impactful work in venture capital, Chris Heivly co-founded MapQuest, a pioneering internet mapping service that became a household name. This entrepreneurial journey provided him with invaluable insights into scaling a technology company from inception to a successful exit. Following MapQuest, Heivly continued to contribute significantly to the tech community, notably as an early leader and entrepreneur-in-residence at TechStars, one of the world's most successful startup accelerators. His time at TechStars solidified his reputation as a mentor and advocate for entrepreneurs, helping countless founders navigate the challenges of building and growing a business.
Throughout his career, Heivly has been a vocal proponent of building robust startup communities. He is the author of "The Invisible Trillion Dollar Market: How to Build a Thriving Startup Community," a testament to his dedication to empowering entrepreneurs beyond Silicon Valley. While specific individual investments are often confidential, his portfolio at The Startup Factory and his advisory roles reflect a commitment to innovative tech companies with strong leadership and market potential. His career trajectory underscores a consistent theme: identifying potential, nurturing talent, and building sustainable ecosystems for technological advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Chris Heivly?
Chris Heivly is a renowned entrepreneur, investor, and author, best known as a co-founder of MapQuest and a General Partner at The Startup Factory. He is also a prominent figure in the TechStars ecosystem and an advocate for building startup communities.
What does Chris Heivly invest in?
Chris Heivly primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, often focusing on scalable business models, B2B software, and ventures located outside traditional tech hubs. He seeks innovative solutions with strong growth potential.
Where does Chris Heivly work?
Chris Heivly works as a General Partner at The Startup Factory (TSF), an early-stage venture capital firm. He also continues to be involved in various advisory and mentorship roles within the broader startup ecosystem.