For decades, John Chisholm has been helping entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into thriving businesses. As CEO of John Chisholm Ventures, a San Francisco-based advisory and investment firm, he has mentored thousands of founders across six continents and invested in dozens of startups, fueling the next generation of innovation.
A tech entrepreneur at heart, John founded Decisive Technology (now part of Google) and CustomerSat (now part of Confirmit), pioneering online software solutions long before they became industry norms. Beyond his startups, he has served as a trusted advisor to business leaders across the globe, offering insight on scaling, strategy, and navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape.
John’s passion for knowledge and innovation extends far beyond the business world. He is a past trustee of MIT and president and chair of the worldwide MIT Alumni Association, a trustee of the Santa Fe Institute, and a contributor to Forbes. With degrees from MIT in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and an MBA from Harvard, he combines technical expertise, strategic vision, and a lifelong commitment to helping entrepreneurs succeed. Whether launching companies, guiding startups, or exploring the frontiers of science and technology, John Chisholm is a builder in every sense of the word.
