Top 50 Rising Stars 2021 continued (in alphabetical order by CVC unit): Christopher Park, principal, UL Ventures
“Chris is a driven investor and savvy dealmaker who is passionate about exploring new ideas and technologies,” said Simin Zhou, managing director of UL Ventures, the corporate venture capital (CVC) arm of US-headquartered safety and regulatory services provider UL.
“With his diverse background and strong network, he brings a unique perspective to the team and broadens the reach of UL Ventures in the investor and startup community. Since joining [in 2019 as an investment director], he has led two investments and has been instrumental in helping our portfolio companies as a board member including introducing investors and customers, navigating the challenging macro environment and facilitating an exit.”
Christopher Park leads investments in the enterprise automation space for UL Ventures. His focus area includes startups empowering the skilled workforce through digital automation of business functions as well as robotic automation in the manufacturing, transportation, supply chain and agriculture markets.
UL Ventures invests in early-stage – seed to series B – bueinss-to-business software opportunities in the sustainable ecosystem. Park said: “I have been with UL Ventures since February 2019 and spent more than 12 years in the technology ecosystem as an adviser, investor and entrepreneur.”
CVC funds’ ability to bring innovative technologies and solutions into a large corporate ecosystem while interacting with passionate and interesting startups was what drew Park to UL Ventures, which “offered a unique opportunity for me to join a newly established CVC where we can build the right structure, governance and process”, he added.
“I led two investments in Kyndi and Aurora Labs within the first 12 months since joining the firm. As a board member, I guided a portfolio company, Metamoto, through a successful exit by leveraging my investment banking experience and network.
“I took on multiple board responsibilities of our portfolio companies and supported their journey by introducing potential customers and investors, establishing proper KPIs and milestones, and addressing the macroeconomic challenges in 2020.
“I introduced various partnership opportunities and new solutions and technologies to the digital transformation, automotive, and environment and sustainability business units within UL.”
