Chris Joannou

Chris Joannou is a growth hacker and ecosystem builder with over 11 years of experience in the startup and venture capital sectors. He currently serves as the Vice President of Ecosystem Growth at Draper University, where he is responsible for arranging global partnerships and promoting collaborative ecosystems that support innovation and startup growth. Joannou's expertise lies in strategic growth hacking, ecosystem development, and connecting key players across diverse industries.

He has played a significant role in various partnerships and initiatives, such as the Draper University x Stellar collaboration, aimed at delivering hacker houses and accelerator programs. Additionally, Joannou has been involved in ecosystem development across various global locations, including Oradea, Romania, and Austin, Texas, through partnerships with entities like Make IT in Oradea and Ga^3in Ventures.

Beyond his role at Draper University, Chris Joannou is a digital artist and creative advocate, exploring the intersection of luxury, technology, and Web3. His artistic mission focuses on empowering creators and pushing the boundaries of digital scarcity, with a dedication to helping artists build sustainable careers.

Chris Joannou also hosts podcasts where he connects with leading figures in the Web3 and entrepreneurial world. Through these podcasts, he engages with creators and entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of technology and business. Some of the featured episodes include discussions on the future of entertainment with Mary Spio, the revolution of social media with Stani Kulechov, and pioneering Web3 brands with Avery Akkineni. Chris uses these platforms to share insights and innovative ideas, furthering his mission to inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers.

Joannou is an active investor and mentor, supporting startups such as Bevy, LawAdvisor Ventures, and SOSV MOX, and has a background in corporate innovation, B2B business development, and brand strategy. He has held various leadership roles, including Program Director at Startupbootcamp, Head of Marketing at Draper Startup House, and CEO of Startup Melbourne. His work spans multiple industries, including technology, legal tech, and food and beverage innovation.

Chris Joannou is an entrepreneur, growth hacker, and ecosystem builder with a rich background in the startup and venture capital industries. His journey began in Melbourne, Australia, where he pursued education in multimedia, business, marketing, and graphic arts at the Swinburne University of Technology and the Australian Academy of Design. This education laid the foundation for his future work, blending creativity with strategic business development.

Chris's professional career took off with the founding of Private Label Lab in 2008, a company focused on innovative food and beverage product development for major retailers and multinational brands. Over nearly a decade, he helped the company establish a strong reputation in product sourcing, creation, and branding, working with notable clients such as Coca-Cola Amatil, Woolworths, and BP.

In 2012, Chris founded Startup Melbourne, a platform designed to showcase and support local startups, helping them connect with global resources and amplify their voices within the international community. This initiative was part of his broader involvement with Startup Grind, a global startup community that connects millions of entrepreneurs across 600 cities in 125 countries. As an investor and APAC Director for Startup Grind, Chris played a crucial role in building partnerships and promoting innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.

He joined Draper University in Silicon Valley, California, Initially serving as the Head of Business Development and Partnerships for the Asia-Pacific region, Chris quickly established himself as a key figure within the organisation. He led major crypto program deals and contributed to the global expansion of DraperU's entrepreneurship programs, which have helped over 2,100 entrepreneurs from 101 countries raise $900 million in venture capital. In 2023, Chris was appointed as the Vice President of Ecosystem Growth at Draper University, where he now focuses on global business development and partnerships, connecting entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and governments worldwide.

He is also a digital artist and creative advocate, exploring the intersection of luxury, technology, and art. His work in this area utilises Web3, street art, and minimalist design to create thought-provoking pieces that push the boundaries of digital scarcity. He is dedicated to empowering creators and helping them build sustainable careers in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Chris is actively involved in the podcast space, where he hosts discussions with leading figures in the Web3 and entrepreneurial worlds. Through these podcasts, he connects with creators and entrepreneurs who are driving innovation in technology and business, sharing valuable insights and ideas with a global audience.

Chris is also the founder of DreamPushers, a venture aimed at building a leading crypto-creator community and lifestyle brand. His vision for DreamPushers aligns with his broader mission to inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers and disruptors.

Chris Joannou has been involved in various other initiatives, including roles as a Program Director at Startupbootcamp and Head of Marketing at Draper Startup House. His extensive experience in corporate innovation, B2B business development, brand strategy, and design has made him a respected figure in the startup ecosystem. Today, Chris continues to play an important role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship, growth, and innovation on a global scale.

Chris Joannou's vision centres on empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and creators by promoting innovation and building strong, supportive ecosystems. He believes in the transformative power of technology and creativity to drive positive change in society. Through his work at Draper University and other ventures, Chris is committed to connecting startups with the resources, partnerships, and knowledge they need to thrive. He also advocates for the use of digital tools, particularly in Web3, to create sustainable careers for artists and innovators, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the digital age.