Chenoa Farnsworth

Chenoa Farnsworth is a prominent figure in the startup ecosystem of Hawaii, currently serving as the Managing Partner at Blue Startups LLC, a venture accelerator based in Honolulu. She has held this position since August 2012, where she plays a crucial role in providing investment, mentorship, and workspace to high-growth technology startups.13

Professional Background

Farnsworth has over 20 years of experience in business strategy and private equity investing. Prior to her role at Blue Startups, she was the Managing Director of Hawaii Angels, Hawaii's only angel capital investment network, starting in May 2009.24 She is also the founder of HI Impact, an organization focused on education and community building in impact investing, which she led from 2011 to 2018.1 Additionally, she has experience as a partner at Kolohala Ventures, a venture capital firm, and as a principal at her own consulting firm, Farnsworth Consulting.1

Education

Farnsworth holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government from the University of California, Santa Cruz (1988-1992) and an MBA from the University of Hawaii - College of Business Administration (1998-2000).1

Contributions and Recognition

Chenoa is recognized for her efforts to strengthen Hawaii's entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly focusing on scalable startups with environmental or social missions.2 She has received several accolades including being named one of the 100 Leaders of Top Tech Accelerators and awarded Investor of the Year by the Hawaii Venture Capital Association in 2019.12

Under her leadership, Blue Startups has become a key player in diversifying Hawaii's economy beyond tourism by fostering a vibrant technology sector. The accelerator is known for its intensive mentor-driven programs that support startups through various stages of growth.3