Christopher Smith

Christopher K. Smith is the CEO and Co-Founder of Kipsu, a software company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.14 He has been leading Kipsu since its founding in December 2010, overseeing the company's strategic priorities and day-to-day operations.34

Prior to launching Kipsu, Smith had a diverse career in technology and finance:

1. Venture Capitalist: He worked as a Managing Director at Coral Ventures from June 2004 to October 2014, where he led investments in high-growth software services and telecommunications companies.14

2. IBM Venture Capital Group: Smith spent a summer as an Associate at IBM's Venture Capital Group in Menlo Park, CA.4

3. Accenture: He began his career at Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting) as a Consulting Manager from 1997 to 2002, working with telecom and software startups.14

Smith's educational background includes:

• Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University (1993-1997)
• MBA from the University of California, Berkeley - Walter A. Haas School of Business (2002-2004)4

At Kipsu, Smith has led the development of a software-as-a-service solution that enables service-oriented brands to build relationships with their customers using digital messaging channels.12 The company has grown to generate $6.1 million in annual revenue and employs 116 people as of 2024.2

Smith is known for his passion for leveraging digital technology to enhance relationships and improve service experiences.1 Under his leadership, Kipsu has become a pioneer in real-time engagement solutions for various industries, including hospitality, healthcare, and retail.25