John Melas-Kyriazi

John Melas-Kyriazi is a prominent figure in the venture capital and startup ecosystem, currently serving as the Co-Founder and CEO of Standard Metrics, a platform designed to enhance collaboration between startups and venture capital firms. He is based in San Francisco, California.

Professional Background

Melas-Kyriazi has a diverse investment background, having been an angel investor and advisor at MK Investments since 2019. He previously worked at Spark Capital from 2014 to 2019, where he led investments in several notable companies, including Clipboard Health and Andela. His investment focus spans various stages, primarily seed and Series A rounds, with a typical investment range of $5,000 to $1 million, and a sweet spot around $25,000.12

He is also a member of the Fall 2023 cohort of First Round Capital's Angel Track, a program aimed at enhancing the skills of angel investors through education and community building.35 His involvement in this program reflects his commitment to continuous learning and networking within the investment community.

Educational Background

Melas-Kyriazi holds multiple degrees from Stanford University, including a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics and a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering. He also pursued a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering but did not complete the program.124

Investment Philosophy

Melas-Kyriazi is particularly interested in working with entrepreneurs who leverage scientific advancements to address complex societal issues, such as food security and access to professional opportunities. His investment strategy emphasizes collaboration and support beyond mere financial backing, aiming to foster long-term growth for the companies he invests in.12

In summary, John Melas-Kyriazi is a seasoned angel investor and entrepreneur with a strong academic background and a focus on innovative startups that tackle significant challenges.