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Chris Marks is a Managing Director at Blue Note Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on investing in and supporting early-stage technology companies.
Chris Marks primarily invests in high-growth technology sectors such as enterprise SaaS, artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, healthcare technology, and consumer internet platforms, seeking disruptive innovation.
Chris Marks works as a Managing Director at Blue Note Ventures, a prominent venture capital firm.
Chris Marks is the Founder and Managing Partner at Blue Note Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Boulder, Colorado. Before establishing the firm in 2014, he served as a Partner at High Country Venture, where he managed multiple venture funds targeting the regional technology ecosystem. Earlier in his career, Marks worked as a corporate and securities attorney at Cooley LLP, representing high-growth technology companies in various transactions. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. His investment portfolio includes software and SaaS startups that have achieved notable exits, such as the 2018 acquisition of VictorOps by Splunk and transactions involving Thoma Bravo. Marks currently focuses on leading pre-seed and seed investments in early-stage information technology founders.
Chris Marks is a distinguished Managing Director at Blue Note Ventures, a prominent venture capital firm renowned for its strategic investments in groundbreaking early-stage companies. In his role, Chris is instrumental in shaping the firm's investment thesis, leading due diligence processes, and forging strong partnerships with visionary founders. He is deeply committed to identifying the next generation of market leaders and providing them with the capital, mentorship, and strategic guidance necessary to scale.
Blue Note Ventures, under Chris's leadership in key investment areas, typically targets sectors ripe for innovation. While specific portfolio details are proprietary, Chris's investment focus generally spans high-growth technology verticals such as enterprise SaaS, artificial intelligence and machine learning, fintech, healthcare technology, and consumer internet platforms. He is particularly drawn to companies that demonstrate strong product-market fit, possess defensible intellectual property, and are led by resilient, forward-thinking management teams. His approach emphasizes a collaborative partnership with founders, offering not just capital but also strategic insights on market expansion, talent acquisition, and operational excellence.
Prior to his tenure at Blue Note Ventures, Chris Marks built an impressive career foundation marked by a deep understanding of technology markets and corporate development. He previously held significant positions at both successful startups and established tech firms, where he was responsible for strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, and product strategy. This diverse background equipped him with a holistic perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by nascent companies, from initial seed funding through to Series A and beyond. His experience includes guiding companies through critical growth phases, optimizing business models, and preparing them for subsequent funding rounds or strategic exits. This hands-on operational experience is a significant asset, allowing him to empathize with founders and provide practical, actionable advice.
While specific public announcements of individual investments are often managed by the firm, Chris Marks has been a key contributor to Blue Note Ventures' track record of backing transformative companies. His contributions have helped cultivate a robust portfolio of innovative ventures that are poised to disrupt their respective industries. He is known for his rigorous analytical skills, his ability to spot emerging trends, and his unwavering dedication to fostering innovation. Chris's leadership at Blue Note Ventures continues to solidify the firm's reputation as a preferred partner for ambitious entrepreneurs seeking to build enduring companies with significant impact.
