From Analyst to Angel: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Chris Adelsbach
Biography of Chris Adelsbach
Chris is a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background
in finance and business. Following a successful ten-year career at GE Capital,
he co-founded a specialty finance company that quickly emerged as one of the
fastest-growing businesses in the UK. His entrepreneurial drive and strategic
vision propelled the company to success, culminating in its acquisition by a
NASDAQ listed entity and specialist buy-out fund in 2014.
Venture Investing and Mentorship:
After exiting his business venture, Chris transitioned his
focus to venture investing and mentoring aspiring founders. He served as the
Managing Partner of Outrun Ventures, where he leveraged his extensive industry
experience to identify and nurture promising startups, particularly in the
fintech sector. Notably, he led the Techstars Fintech Accelerator for five
years, during which he made 50 investments, providing crucial early-stage
support to companies such as Everledger, Cuvva, Cutover, Shieldpay, and Seldon.
Prolific Fintech Investor:
Chris's impact in the fintech ecosystem extends far and
wide, as he is recognized as one of Europe's most prolific investors in fintech
companies. With a keen eye for innovation and disruptive potential, he has
invested as an angel in over 130 companies, including notable successes like
Railsbank, Kuda Bank, Quant Network, Marshmallow, Smart Pension, Monese, and
Atom Bank. His contributions to the industry have earned him accolades such as
the UK's Angel Investor of the Year in 2018/19 and recognition as the most
active fintech angel investor in Europe by Sifted in 2020. Through Outrun
Ventures, Chris continues to champion growth-stage investments in his most
promising portfolio companies, driving forward innovation and reshaping the
future of finance.
Early Career Foundations
Chris Adelsbach began his professional journey with a decade-long career at GE
Capital. This experience gave him a strong grounding in finance and business
operations, shaping the skills that would later define his entrepreneurial and
investment success. His early years taught him the value of discipline,
strategic thinking, and building strong teams.
Launching Marlin Financial Group
With a vision to create something impactful, Chris co-founded Marlin Financial
Group. The company quickly grew into one of the fastest-growing privately held
businesses in the UK. Its performance earned it a place on the Sunday Times
Fast Track 100 list for five consecutive years, from 2009 to 2013.
A Successful Business Exit
In 2014, Chris and his partners sold Marlin Financial Group to a NASDAQ-listed
company and a specialist buy-out fund. This marked a major milestone in his
career, providing both the capital and freedom to explore new opportunities
beyond entrepreneurship.
Transition into Venture Investing
After exiting his company, Chris shifted his focus to venture investing. He
wanted to use his experience to back and mentor early-stage founders,
particularly in the fast-growing fintech sector. His passion for supporting
entrepreneurs was as strong as his business acumen.
Leading Techstars Fintech Accelerator
Chris took on the role of Managing Director at the Techstars Fintech
Accelerator in London, working in partnership with Barclays. Over five years,
he accelerated some of the most promising fintech startups, making 50
first-cheque investments into companies such as Everledger, Cuvva, Cutover,
Shieldpay, and Seldon.
Building a Strong Angel Portfolio
Beyond Techstars, Chris became one of Europe’s most active angel investors. He
built a personal portfolio of over 200 companies, with a heavy focus on
fintech. His investments included names like Marshmallow, Quant Network, Atom
Bank, Smart Pension, Kuda Bank, and Griffin Bank—many of which went on to
become market leaders.
Recognition and Awards
Chris’s work did not go unnoticed. In 2018/19, he was named UK Business Angels
Association’s Angel Investor of the Year. In 2022, Business Insider
ranked him as Europe’s number one seed investor, and Sifted named him the most
active fintech angel in Europe from 2021 to 2023.
Creating Outrun Ventures
In 2019, Chris co-founded Outrun Ventures, his family office and investment
firm. The company focuses on backing exceptional teams in fintech, regtech,
insuretech, proptech, payments, and lending. Outrun Ventures invests primarily
at the Series Seed stage across the UK and Europe.
Massive Portfolio Impact
Chris’s private portfolio of 200 companies has collectively attracted more than
£1.75 billion in follow-on funding. Meanwhile, the 50 companies he backed
during his time at Techstars have grown to be worth more than eight times their
original value. His track record demonstrates not just quantity but also
quality in investment choices.
Advisor and Board Roles
Chris also serves in advisory positions to promising companies such as Venari
Security and Quant Network. In these roles, he offers strategic guidance,
helping startups scale securely and innovate effectively in competitive
markets.
Commitment to Mentorship
A firm believer in giving back, Chris actively mentors mission-driven founders.
He enjoys guiding entrepreneurs who aim to build businesses that deliver both
financial success and positive social impact, ensuring their ventures grow
sustainably.
Academic Excellence
Chris studied at the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of
Business, graduating with a BBA in Finance, Marketing, and Strategy. Achieving
the highest distinction with a GPA of 3.56/4.0, he also participated in the
Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, further developing his leadership skills.
Global Alumni Engagement
Staying connected to his roots, Chris has served as President of the University
of Michigan UK Alumni Association, been a member of the Michigan Ross Alumni
Board, and continues to contribute as part of the University’s International
Alumni Board.
Legacy in European Fintech
From a corporate career to entrepreneurship, from leading accelerators to
investing in over 250 companies, Chris Adelsbach has built a legacy as one of
Europe’s most influential fintech investors. His journey reflects a blend of
strategic thinking, relentless drive, and a passion for empowering the next
generation of entrepreneurs.
From Analyst to Angel: The Entrepreneurial Journey of Chris Adelsbach / Biography of Chris Adelsbach
Driving Innovation and Impact:
Through his investments and advisory roles, Chris continues
to drive innovation and impact in the fintech sector. His visionary leadership
and unwavering commitment to supporting disruptive technologies have positioned
him as a leading figure in the European fintech ecosystem. With a keen eye for
identifying transformative opportunities and a passion for empowering
entrepreneurs, Chris remains at the forefront of driving positive change and
shaping the future of finance.
Entrepreneurial Legacy:
As a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor, He has established
a formidable portfolio of 225 companies, predominantly in the fintech sector.
His entrepreneurial journey began with the co-founding of Marlin Financial
Group, which earned recognition in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 for five
consecutive years as one of the UK's fastest-growing privately held companies.
Following our successful exit to a NASDAQ-listed company in 2014, He embarked
on a new chapter as a venture investor, leveraging his expertise to drive innovation and growth in
the startup ecosystem.
Investment Leadership and Recognition:
His contributions to the fintech landscape have been
recognized through various accolades and honors. He was honored as the GBEA
Investor of the Year in 2023, highlighting my impact and leadership in the
investment community. Business Insider's recognition as the number one Seed
investor in Europe in 2022, along with being named the most active Fintech
Angel in Europe by Sifted from 2021 to 2023, underscore his pivotal role in
shaping the fintech ecosystem. Moreover, his private portfolio of 175 companies has
attracted over £1.5 billion in follow-on investment, showcasing the enduring
value and potential of his investment
strategy.
Leading Ventures and Accelerating Innovation:
Currently, He serve as the co-founder and Managing Partner
at Outrun Ventures, where he continue to drive forward innovative fintech
ventures and support entrepreneurial growth. Additionally, his role as a
Venture Partner at Techstars allows me to further amplify his impact by
fostering the next generation of fintech pioneers. Through my leadership, He
has built and led the number one rated accelerator in Europe, earning
recognition as the UKBAA Angel Investor of the Year in 2018/19. As he continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of
venture investing, he remain committed to driving positive change and shaping
the future of finance through strategic investments and mentorship.
Chris: A Dedicated Alumnus and Family Man
Commitment to Alma Mater:
Since graduating from the University of Michigan, Chris has
remained actively engaged with his alma mater, demonstrating a deep commitment
to fostering alumni connections and supporting educational initiatives. He
serves as a member of the Ross Alumni Board of Governors and played a pivotal
role as a founding board member of the University of Michigan International Alumni
Board. Additionally, Chris serves as the President of the U of M Alumni
Association (U.K.), further solidifying his dedication to fostering a sense of
community among Michigan alumni worldwide. In recognition of his outstanding
contributions, Chris was honored with the Bert F Wertman Alumni Service Award
by the Michigan Ross School of Business in 2020.
Family Life and Pursuits:
Outside of his professional and alumni endeavors, Chris
finds joy and fulfillment in his role as a family man. Alongside his wife,
Emily, Chris is the proud parent of three children, and together they reside
just outside London. The family shares a love for exploration and adventure,
often venturing into the picturesque British countryside to create cherished
memories together. Despite their proximity to London, the family maintains
strong ties to Ann Arbor, regularly visiting the university campus where Chris
fondly reminisces about his collegiate experiences and reconnects with his alma
mater's vibrant community.
Some companies where Chris Adelsbach invested
- Camion - Chris Adelsbach
- Cygnetise - Network Management Software
- Kavida.ai – Logistics
- Tuza - Financial Software
- Renew Risk - Financial Software
- Anansi – Insurance
- Pikl - Property and Casualty Insurance
- Blobr - Business/Productivity Software
- Kwara - Financial Software
- StructureFlow - Business/Productivity Software
- Kuda Technologies - fintech company
- Smart - publishing breaking news, must-read analysis and hearty advice
- Atom Bank - bank built for smartphone or tablet
Timeline of Chris Adelsbach
1995-1997:
Chris begins his career at GE Aircraft Engines in
Cincinnati, Ohio, joining the Financial Management Program as an Analyst.
1998-2000:
Chris transitions to Leeds, UK, assuming the role of Six
Sigma Black Belt at GE, focusing on process re-engineering and operational
efficiency.
2000-2003:
Chris rises to leadership as Head of Asset Management in
Leeds, overseeing credit management and driving performance excellence.
2003-2005:
Chris serves as Director and General Manager in London,
managing sales finance receivables and forging strategic partnerships.
2005-2007:
Chris leads the launch of elective surgery sales
finance solutions in the UK as Director of New Markets at GE Money.
2007-2010:
Chris ventures into entrepreneurship, becoming CEO of Black
Tip Capital and acquiring Marlin Financial Group.
2010-2015:
Chris continues his entrepreneurial journey as CEO of Black
Tip Capital, achieving remarkable growth and eventual acquisition.
2015-Present:
Chris transitions into venture capital and advisory roles,
fostering innovation as Managing Director at Techstars and Founding Partner at
Outrun Ventures.
