Get to Know

Chris Yoo

Chris Yoo, Ph. D.

General Partner

  • BS, History and Biology, University of Pennsylvania
  • Ph. D., Cell and Molecular Biology, Yale University Schoolof Medicine
  • Postdoctoral fellowship, UC Berkeley

Entrepreneurial Highlights

  • Systems Oncology: Oncology Biotech company that successfully raised Series A & Series B rounds.
  • Systems Imagination: First AI knowledge graph company for drug discoverey. Sold for 100x MOIC.
  • MedTrust Online: First Oncologist online expert system. Acquired by Annai Systems.
  • Yoo & Co Accelerators: Arizona based healthtech and bioscience accelerator. Invested over $250K of private capital into dozens of pre-seed startups. 

Bio

Dr. Chris Yoo is not only a successful entrepreneur; he’s an innovative visionary within the healthcare and life science startup ecosystem. With over 25 years of experience, Chris is building companies and the very foundation upon which future breakthroughs are made. Chris accomplishes this through his unique blend of scientific expertise, entrepreneurial acumen, and a deep commitment to fostering collaborative ecosystems.

As a serial entrepreneur, Chris consistently bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and impactful solutions. From co-founding Systems Imagination, a pioneer in AI for drug discovery, to shaping the future of cancer treatment with Systems Oncology, his ventures consistently champion disruptive technologies. Beyond these ventures, Chris’ track record speaks volumes. He successfully founded and exited ventures including MedTrust Online, the world’s first online cancer doctor community, TransMed Partners, the first boutique consultancy for translational medicine, and LabBook, the pioneering electronic lab notebook. His ability to not only identify these innovations but also shepherd them towards successful application solidifies Chris’ position as a leader at the forefront of the bioscience revolution.

Chris’s deep scientific background (PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology) combined with his entrepreneurial spirit bridges the gap between groundbreaking ideas and real-world impact. This unique perspective allows him to translate promising discoveries into life-changing applications, while also empowering the next generation. He actively participates in Arizona’s innovation infrastructure as the Regional Innovation Officer of the Medical Device Manufacturing Multiplier (MDM2) Consortium, a member of the Flinn Biosciences Roadmap Steering Committee, an ambassador for the Right to Start Movement and board member for a multitude of startups across the healthcare industry. His dedication to fostering a collaborative ecosystem is further amplified by his angel and venture capital investments, and mentorship roles. In addition, Chris teaches at Arizona State and Grand Canyon Universities, works as a venture mentor for ASU’s Venture Devils MedTech and Arizona Commerce Authority’s new venture programs, and actively invests in Arizona Tech Investors, Canyon Angels, and InvestU angel networks. Finally, as CEO of Yoo & Co Accelerators, Chris continues to drive the adoption of transformative technologies through angel investment and acceleration of new ventures, working alongside the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.

Chris is the ultimate connector, a bridge between academia and industry. His comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneurial journey, from ideation to exit, the resources available within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, makes him an ideal partner for anyone seeking to engage in the exciting and evolving industry of healthcare and life science innovation and investment.

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