Chris Olsen

Co-Founder and Partner at Drive Capital

📍 Columbus, Ohio, United States

Chris Olsen is the Co-Founder and Partner of Drive Capital, a Columbus-based venture capital firm. A former Partner at Sequoia Capital, he now focuses on investing in world-class technology companies outside of Silicon Valley. He graduated from Yale University with a BA in Political Science.

Originally from Cincinnati, Chris is passionate about proving the Midwest is the next great startup ecosystem. Before his venture career, he played squash professionally, becoming one of the highest-ranking American players internationally. He also hosts a podcast called "Differential" to share stories of regional innovators.

Unique fact: Chris took a hiatus from Yale University to pursue a career as a professional squash player before returning to complete his degree.

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Experience

22 Years

Current Role

Co-Founder and Partner

Job Level

Leadership

Location

Columbus, Ohio, United States

Personality Overview

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Priorities

Topics Chris cares about

Midwest Investing

He left Sequoia Capital to found Drive Capital in Ohio, believing the Midwest is the greatest emerging market for venture capital and the "opportunity of our lifetime. "

Founder Mentality

He often speaks about the emotional battles entrepreneurs face and draws leadership lessons from unconventional sources, such as his gym trainer, to apply to his work with founders.

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Career

Work history

9-2012

Co-Founder and Partner

Drive Capital

7-2006 - 10-2012

Partner

Sequoia Capital

8-2005 - 7-2006

Investment Professional

Technology Crossover Ventures

9-2003 - 6-2005

Analyst

UBS Investment Bank

In the press

Media appearances

Chris Olsen | Drive Capital – On building a $2B firm outside of Silicon Valley (The Dart Board with Daniel Dart). Featured in Apple Podcasts

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Drive Capital's Chris Olsen on Investment Innovation in the Midwest. Featured in YouTube

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Education

1998 - 2003

Yale University

1996 - 1998

Education details unavailable

The Taft School

Social presence

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