Tony Chao - Hard Tech VC
As a seasoned venture capitalist and technologist with over two decades of experience, Tony brings broad international experience, agile business development acumen, strong technical analytics, and a service-oriented, entrepreneurial mindset.
Prior to joining Tyche Partners, Tony was the General Manager of Applied Ventures, the venture capital arm of Applied Materials. Tony managed a +$250M portfolio of over 60 companies. Tony is a recognized leader in the corporate venture community having been named to the Global Corporate Venturing Powerlist multiple times and served as Chair of the NVCA CVG group.
Tony is passionate about disruptive technologies with the capacity to make the world a better place. Tony has experience in enterprise software, mobile software, AI systems, life science, sustainability, AR/VR, advanced displays, and semiconductors. Some of Tony’s past investments include SunEdison (acquired by MEMC), Infinite Power Solutions, Inc. (acquired), Grandis (acquired by Samsung), Liquavista (acquired by Samsung), Adesto Technologies (IPO), Twist Bioscience (IPO), Enki Technology (acquired by First Solar), Persimmon Technologies (acquired by Sumitomo Heavy Industries), Point Engineering (IPO), Tsukuba Seiko (IPO), Nexplanar (acquired by Cabot Microelectronics), and IMS Nanofabrication (acquired by Intel). Currently Tony is serving as board member/observer at Playnitride and LightForce Orthodontics.
Before becoming a venture investor, Tony served in technology leadership roles at several startups in the Boston area, including Director of Engineering at Cymfony (acquired by TNS Media Intelligence) and Lobby7 (acquired by ScanSoft/Nuance). Tony holds Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Management Science. He also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.
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