Chris M. Willliams
Description
Chris M. Williams is a prominent figure in the media and entertainment technology landscape, best known as the Founder and CEO of pocket.watch, a leading studio and global franchise builder for kids and families. Based in Beverly Hills, California, Williams has leveraged his extensive experience in digital media to build pocket.watch into a significant player, attracting over $100 million in funding from investors like ViacomCBS and Greycroft. His entrepreneurial journey extends beyond pocket.watch, as he is also an active and influential early-stage investor and advisor to numerous high-growth companies.
As an angel investor, Williams primarily focuses on companies at the Seed and Series A stages, demonstrating a keen eye for disruptive technologies and innovative business models within the creator economy, digital media, gaming, and consumer technology sectors. His investment thesis often aligns with his professional expertise, backing ventures that empower creators, build strong digital communities, or redefine entertainment consumption. He seeks out companies with strong leadership teams and significant market potential, often contributing not just capital but also strategic guidance and industry connections.
Williams's impressive portfolio includes investments in over 40 companies, showcasing his prolific activity in the angel investment space. Some of his notable early-stage bets include CreatorIQ, a leading influencer marketing platform where he also served as a board member, and Superplastic, a character-based entertainment company. He has also backed major players like Patreon, the popular creator subscription platform, and Dapper Labs, known for its blockchain-based games and NFTs, participating in multiple funding rounds for both. His involvement typically spans from initial seed capital, with estimated first check sizes ranging from $50,000 to $500,000, to follow-on participation in later rounds.
Beyond direct investments, Williams's influence is amplified through his strategic roles and deep understanding of the evolving digital landscape. His work at pocket.watch, which has successfully launched and scaled franchises for digital-first creators, provides him with unique insights into the monetization and growth strategies critical for early-stage companies in the creator economy. This operational background, combined with his extensive network, makes him a valuable partner for founders navigating the complexities of building and scaling consumer-facing technology and media businesses.
Investor Profile
Chris M. Willliams has backed more than 21 startups, with 0 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 0 rounds, about 0% of its total and boasts 6 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Seed, Series B, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States.
- Strong thematic focus on Digital Media, Video Streaming, Video.
- Typical check size: $50K – $500K.
Stage Focus
- Seed (57%)
- Series B (14%)
- Series A (14%)
- Convertible Note (5%)
- Series Unknown (5%)
- Series C (5%)
Country Focus
- United States (95%)
Industry Focus
- Digital Media
- Video Streaming
- Video
- Media And Entertainment
- Music
- E-learning
- Internet
- Digital Entertainment
- Edtech
- Social Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.