Chris Lyons
- Industry-Changing Insights: Shares unique perspectives on breakthrough technologies shaping the future across industries.
- Champion for Diversity in Tech: Co-founder of a pioneering fund supporting African American investors and bridging cultural and tech communities.
- Leader in Emerging Tech: Drives innovation in AI and Web3, investing in high-potential ventures at the forefront of technology.
Chris Lyons's videos
Available for
Languages:Â
- English
Chris Lyons's 2024 biography
Chris Lyons: Visionary Investor and Cultural Connector in Technology and Innovation
Christopher Lyons is President, Web3 Media at a16z crypto. Prior to joining the team at a16z crypto, he cofounded the firm’s Cultural Leadership Fund (CLF) and was instrumental in launching the first Seed Fund. Lyons joined Andreesen Horowitz in 2013, first as chief of staff to co-founder Ben Horowitz.
The Cultural Leadership Fund launched in 2018 with the mission to connect the world’s greatest cultural leaders to the best new technology companies and engage, empower, and elevate Black builders and creators on their journey towards excellence in the technology industry. CLF Fund I was Silicon Valley’s first venture capital fund consisting of 100% African American Limited Partners. Since, the firm has closed CLF II, donated over $1.5M in CLF management fees and carry to non-profit partners, and facilitated hundreds of introductions between cultural leaders, including seasoned athletes, entertainers, musicians and corporate executives, and a16z portfolio companies.
Lyons started his career in the music industry working for Grammy-Award-winning producer Jermaine Dupri as a sound engineer. He then launched his first startup, a mobile app and digital menu offering called PictureMenu. Lyons moved to Silicon Valley in 2012 to participate in NewME Accelerator, an accelerator for minority-led startups.
He is a champion of access and advancement for underrepresented backgrounds. Lyons is on the advisory boards of The Black Economic Alliance and New Story Charity as well as a member of the Verizon Media Global Advisory board. Lyons is the founder of Italian wine brand Lyons Wine, Kauffman Fellow graduate (Class ‘19), and member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated (KT Spring ‘07). Lyons received a Bachelor of Science degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University in 2010.
Chris Lyons's 2024 talks & topics
Decoding the Future: Insights from One of Silicon Valley's Most Well-Connected Insiders
Chris Lyons is no armchair futurist. As a General Partner at a16z — the Silicon Valley VC powerhouse behind Airbnb, Lyft, OpenAI, Instagram, Postmates, Facebook, and countless more — Chris doesn’t just predict the future, he actively funds and shapes it.
Drawing from unparalleled access to tomorrow’s multi-billion dollar companies and the visionaries behind them, Chris provides a roadmap to the future that’s already unfolding.
Audiences will leave with:
- Exclusive insights into emerging technologies set to disrupt industries within the next 3-5 years
- A deep dive into what truly drives innovation and sets apart winning companies
- Actionable strategies for businesses to prepare and capitalize on upcoming technological shifts
- Firsthand accounts of how today’s startups are becoming tomorrow’s unicorns
But this keynote is more than just a crystal ball. It’s a call to action. Chris challenges audiences to think bigger, move faster, and dare to create the future they want to see.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur seeking your big break, an executive navigating digital transformation, or simply curious about the technologies that will shape our lives — you will learn how to decode the next revolution from one of tech’s most well-connected insiders.