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Chris Crane

Chris Crane

Independent, Mentor, Advisor, Investor

Programs: I-Corps, Innovation Gap Fund, Plan to Launch

LinkedIn

Industry experience

  • B2B software
  • B2B SaaS and cloud
  • Medical devices

Areas of expertise

  • End-to-end business management
  • Product management, marketing, and go-to-market
  • Leading effective teams
  • Cross-cultural management
  • Business development and complex negotiation
  • Strategy, pricing and licensing
  • Strategic partnerships
  • Early-stage company due diligence and investing
  • Fundraising (from an investor’s perspective)

Background

I worked in a variety of business, product, and management roles at tech companies, ranging from start-ups to global enterprises like Microsoft. I also have a passion for expanding into and growing international markets, especially in Asia. I lived and worked in Singapore and in Beijing. Over the past 5 years, I’ve been active in funds that invest in pre-seed and seed PNW startups.

Working with CoMotion

Mentor journey

I started mentoring in the Innovation Gap Fund in early 2020. Initially, I wanted to learn if my “mile wide, inch deep skills and experience” could be helpful to faculty and students exploring commercializing their IP. I found the projects and teams intelligent, ambitious and inspiring, and was hooked. I also enjoyed working with the CoMotion team and by their constant determination to improve their programs.

Favorite project

I’ve enjoyed all my projects and teams, but if I had to pick one, it would be Colleague.AI. I was paired with Dr. Min Sun in a regional I-Corps nearly 4 years ago. A National I-Corps followed soon after. I continued to mentor her informally and became an advisor to Colleague.AI about 2 years ago. Today, they are winning school districts and improving K-12 education across the country.

Advice to innovators

Other mentors have already said it, but spend time with customers early and regularly. Understand their problems, how acute they are, and who the different actors are in your segments. This will save you time. In addition, AI is changing many aspects of startups. Learn how it’s being used in your market, not just in products, but to transform how you plan and execute your startup.

On the lighter side

Fun anecdote

I love hiking and being outdoors, reading, cooking, and traveling. I’m also an avid photographer, which complements some of my other interests.