Objectives

JC2 Ventures is building a new model of the modern-day VC firm. We believe startups will be the core driver of economic growth, job creation, and innovation. We use our knowledge and expertise to closely coach disruptive startups — those that are focused on solving the world’s major issues using digital technologies — on how to grow and scale. We go beyond monetary support and truly become an extension of a portfolio company’s team. That close partnership enables our ecosystem to drive digital innovation for a better tomorrow. 

• Proven track record. From prophesying the transformative power of the Internet, to foretelling the concept of a Digital World, John Chambers is using his experience calling market transitions right to call it right with the next generation of tech leaders. With an award-winning team by his side, including – Yvette Kanouff, winner of the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Emmy for Engineering and Technology, John Jason Chambers, Pankaj Patel, and Shannon Pina – John and the JC2 Ventures team are masters of their craft, delivering value to each portfolio company.
  

• Expert evaluation. Each startup is evaluated directly by John who successfully led 180 acquisitions over the past 30 years. John selects a promising startup based on what he knows works. Our startups must have a passionate CEO and board, lighthouse customers, products that represent technologies in transition, and, most importantly, our companies have to have their own track record of disruption.

• New VC model. John Chambers invests the time needed to develop the next generation of business leadership. He holds weekly calls with all 20+ CEOs in the JC2 Ventures portfolio, coaching on tech disruptions, people and culture issues, growing and scaling, and more. JC2 Ventures is committed to hands-on management, especially during times of crises. Consider that our CTO Yvette Kanouff has even acted as interim Chief Product and Engineering Officer for several of our portfolio companies as they were going through a transitionary period.

• Vast ecosystem. Our portfolio companies are armed with the tools and resources they need to succeed from the start. The JC2 Ventures team has cultivated a vast ecosystem across the public and private sectors. Through participation in our JC2 Days, our startups turn to us to identify new partnerships and customers.

• Success speaks for itself. With 2 companies that have gone public and 40% of the companies in our portfolio deemed unicorns, we know how to pick the best and brightest startups and CEOs out there — and ultimately how to develop them into tech disruptors.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

John Chambers

John Chambers, founder and CEO of JC2 Ventures, focuses on helping disruptive startups from around the world build and scale. He invests in companies that are leading market transitions. Chambers is also the Chairman of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and was most recently appointed Global Ambassador of the French Tech by President Emmanuel Macron of France.

In addition to investing in and mentoring startups, Chambers promotes entrepreneurship, gender equality, and accelerating overall new business creation around the world to create startup nations and a startup world, as he believes that startups will be the core driver of economic growth and job creation in the Digital Age.

Prior to founding JC2 Ventures, Chambers spent 25+ years with Cisco, serving as CEO, Chairman and Executive Chairman. He currently holds the title of Chairman Emeritus with the organization.