Chris McKillop

Chris McKillop is a highly respected figure in the venture capital landscape, serving as a Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Underscore VC. Based in Boston, Underscore VC is known for its unique 'Core Community' model, which actively involves a network of entrepreneurs and experts to support portfolio companies. As a key leader at the firm, Chris plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing promising early-stage technology companies, guiding them from inception through significant growth.

McKillop's investment focus areas are deeply rooted in enterprise technology, reflecting his extensive background in building and scaling B2B software solutions. He primarily targets companies innovating in B2B SaaS, cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), data analytics, and developer tools. His investment thesis often centers on disruptive technologies that address critical business needs, with a keen eye for strong product-market fit and visionary founding teams.

Before co-founding Underscore VC, Chris McKillop built a distinguished career marked by both entrepreneurial success and venture capital experience. He previously served as a General Partner at North Bridge Venture Partners, a prominent venture capital firm, where he honed his skills in identifying high-potential startups and providing strategic guidance. Prior to his venture capital career, McKillop was a successful entrepreneur himself. He co-founded and led product development at several innovative companies, including Open Market, a pioneering internet commerce software provider, and Interleaf, a dynamic content publishing software company. This hands-on experience as a founder gives him a unique empathy and understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by the entrepreneurs he now backs.

Throughout his career, Chris McKillop has been associated with numerous successful investments and exits. While at North Bridge and Underscore VC, he has supported companies that have gone on to achieve significant milestones. Notable investments include CloudHealth Technologies (acquired by VMware), AppNeta (acquired by Broadcom), DataRobot, and Snyk, among others. These investments underscore his ability to spot market trends and back companies that deliver substantial value and innovation to the enterprise sector. His commitment to fostering innovation and supporting founders makes him a valuable partner for technology startups aiming for transformative growth.