Zao Chen

Zao Chen

Principal atCraft VenturesFirm active Sep 29California

Zao Chen is a Principal at Craft Ventures focusing on software investments in data and AI infrastructure. He previously worked at Georgian and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

What Zao can write

Writes checks of$10M to $30M+
Comes in atSeries A, Series BCan lead the round
Ownership target7-10%At first check
Pitch pageSubmit on their siteThe firm asks founders to apply here.

Craft Ventures writes $10M to $30M+ checks, larger than 97% of firms in the atlas.

Bars: how many firms report each check band. Highlighted: Craft Ventures.

Career

  1. Bank of America Merrill Lynch · M&A group
  2. Georgian · investor
  3. Craft Ventures · Principal
    Now

Investments named in public bios

SupabaseOnehouseStarbridge

Focus

softwaredata infrastructureai infrastructuredeveloper toolsb2b softwaregrowth equity

Education

University of Waterloo, Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology

Also at Craft Ventures

Partners like Zao

At firms with a similar stage, sector and check size.

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One email when Zao's firm raises a fund, adds a partner or shows new activity.

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Questions

Who is Zao Chen?

Zao Chen is a Principal at Craft Ventures focusing on software investments in data and AI infrastructure. He previously worked at Georgian and Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

How much does Zao Chen invest?

Zao Chen invests through Craft Ventures, which writes checks of $10M to $30M+ at series a, series b.

How do I pitch Zao Chen?

A warm intro from a founder Craft Ventures backed works best. A short LinkedIn note with one line on traction is the next best route.

What did Zao Chen do before Craft Ventures?

M&A group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch; investor at Georgian.

Last updated 2026-10-15. Is this you? Ask for a correction.