CM

Chris M. Willliams

North America, California, United States, Beverly Hills

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
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Chris M. Willliams frequently co-invest with?

Dapper Labs
North America, British Columbia, Canada, Vancouver
Co-Investments: 2
Third Wave Digital
North America, California, United States, Beverly Hills
Co-Investments: 2
Techstars
North America, Colorado, United States, Boulder
Co-Investments: 2
Wavemaker Partners
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 2
Serena Ventures
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 2
Wheelhouse 360 Partners
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 2
MaC Venture Capital
North America, Texas, United States, Abilene
Co-Investments: 3
Upfront Ventures
North America, California, United States, Santa Monica
Co-Investments: 3
Greycroft
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
Talis Capital
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does Chris M. Willliams often collaborate with?

DH
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
SS
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
AD
North America, California, United States, West Hollywood
Shared Deals: 1
RW
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
SH
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
JK
North America, New York, United States, Brooklyn
Shared Deals: 2
AN
North America, California, United States, Los Altos
Shared Deals: 1
CG
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 1
CW
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
HL
North America, California, United States, San Diego
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Chris M. Willliams?

Invisible Universe

Burlington, Massachusetts, United States

Invisible Universe is an internet-first animation studio that develops original character IP on social media and web3 platforms.

AnimationInformation TechnologySoftwareWeb3
Series AAug 11, 2022
Amount Raised: $12,000,000
Zigazoo

Miami, Florida, United States

The world's largest social media app for kids. A positive, empowering community where users create videos, enter challenges, and win prizes.

ChildrenDigital EntertainmentE-LearningEdTechSocial Media
SeedFeb 6, 2022
Zigazoo

Miami, Florida, United States

The world's largest social media app for kids. A positive, empowering community where users create videos, enter challenges, and win prizes.

ChildrenDigital EntertainmentE-LearningEdTechSocial Media
SeedFeb 11, 2021
Amount Raised: $4,000,000
Hellosaurus

New York, New York, United States

Hellosaurus is an e-learning site for children that provides creative services, engaging games, and video courses.

E-LearningEducationOnline Portals
SeedNov 23, 2020
Amount Raised: $3,500,000
Prismpop

Pasadena, California, United States

Prismpop is an online beauty community that helps users in finding products that are personalized to their needs.

CommunitiesE-CommerceInternet
Convertible NoteFeb 11, 2020
100 Thieves

Los Angeles, California, United States

100 Thieves is an American e-sports, lifestyle, and apparel brand.

AppareleSportsFashionLifestylePC Games
Series BJul 16, 2019
Amount Raised: $35,000,000

Interactive Online Entertainment

Content CreatorsInternetMedia and EntertainmentMusicSocial Media
SeedNov 13, 2018
Amount Raised: $3,000,000
HAAWK

Studio City, California, United States

HAAWK polices, administers, distributes, & licenses content to UGC video sites on behalf of copyright holders.

Digital MediaMusicMusic StreamingVideo Streaming
SeedSep 20, 2017
Amount Raised: $2,420,000
pop.in

Los Angeles, California, United States

pop.in powers pop.in: the chat room, reinvented

ComputerDigital MediaSoftwareVideo Streaming
SeedSep 12, 2017
Amount Raised: $1,000,000
Donut Media

Los Angeles, California, United States

A digital network for the next generation of automotive enthusiasts.

AutomotiveDigital EntertainmentDigital Media
SeedMay 9, 2017
Amount Raised: $800,000