About
Thirty years ago, I launched my first venture as a Harvard student to improve healthcare…
Articles by Andrew
-
It’s Time for Something New: 1955 Capital
It’s Time for Something New: 1955 Capital
Last year, I went to a dinner where Madeleine Albright was the guest of honor, and she said some things that really…
39 Comments
Activity
8K followers
-
Andrew Chung shared thisA full-circle moment. Thirty years ago, I launched my first venture as a Harvard student—trying to solve a real problem. That experience set the direction for everything that followed. I’m excited to join Harvard University's Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS) as an Executive Fellow, Venture Translation & Innovation, alongside my role as Founder & Managing Partner of 1955 Capital—coming back to Harvard in this capacity, working alongside faculty and students on entrepreneurship and innovation, feels like coming home. Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to work closely with Gary King—University Professor at Harvard, one of the leading scholars in quantitative social science and a longtime builder of interdisciplinary research platforms—to help shape the IQSS Executive Fellows Program. The program brings leaders from industry, government, and the nonprofit sector into deep, project-based collaboration with faculty across the University. My focus is venture translation: how do we take research coming out of universities like Harvard—across the social and deep sciences—and build companies that operate at global scale? Too much of the world’s most important research is still trapped inside universities—not because the science isn’t ready, but because the systems around it aren’t designed for translation. At a moment when traditional pathways for funding and scaling research are under increasing pressure, the gap between discovery and real-world impact is widening—not shrinking. Breakthrough ideas risk stalling—not because the science is lacking, but because the systems to translate them don’t exist. This builds on my work over the past 7 years on the Dean’s Advisory Cabinet at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences with Dean David Parkes and former Dean Frank Doyle, where I’ve focused on early-stage venture formation from lab-based research—and draws directly on the experience, capital, and network we’ve built at 1955 Capital. The goal is to build and test new models at the intersection of academia and venture—working across institutions to help world-class research more consistently become real-world impact. Grateful to Harvard's Chief Technology Development Officer Sam Liss for making the introduction to Gary that started all of this. If you’re working on this problem—from the academic, startup, or institutional side—I’d love to connect.
-
Andrew Chung shared thisIt’s easy to see the podium. It’s much harder to see what it took to get there. Aria recently competed in the first-ever IFSA 3★ freeride event at Jackson Hole — the highest level of junior competition, drawing top skiers from across the country. The venue was steep and exposed. The kind where mistakes have consequences. Even very strong skiers were falling. At the top, you could feel the tension and anxiety. When Aria stepped into the start gate, none of that could come with her. She had to let it go. What happened to others. The risk. The noise. In that moment, it’s just you and the mountain. Trust your preparation. Trust your instincts. And go. Watching her drop in, what stood out wasn’t aggression — it was composure. She looked calm. Almost like she was dancing down the face. One of the youngest competitors, Aria (13) chose a line that no other U15 girl skied that day — and finished 2nd. But what stayed with me wasn’t the result. It was watching her meet that moment — and move forward with clarity. I’ve seen the same thing in entrepreneurship. You watch others struggle. Companies fail. Teams break. Outcomes don’t go the way you expect. If you carry that into your own decisions, it shows. At some point, it becomes simple: Clear your mind. Trust your preparation. Focus on what’s in front of you. Execute. In moments like this, experience and age matter less than clarity and judgment. It’s not you versus other competitors. It’s you versus the mountain. Proud of how she met that moment — and of everything that made it possible. Grateful to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and the International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association for an incredible event — and to Atomic and The North Face for their support.
-
Andrew Chung shared thisFifteen years ago, I worked with Russ Altman, Michael Snyder, Euan Ashley, Atul Butte, and john west to license foundational genomics IP out of Stanford University and form Personalis, Inc. Lightspeed was a founding investor, and I served on the initial board, helping shape the vision and structure the IP and capitalization as the company spun out. At formation, whole-genome interpretation was scientifically compelling — but the path to clinical impact was long and uncertain. Translating university research into standard-of-care tools requires more than capital. It requires a clear vision for changing a field, getting the IP architecture right at inception, aligning incentives early, building serious engineering depth, designing rigorous clinical studies, and navigating reimbursement with discipline. Today, Personalis is one of only a handful of companies with Medicare MRD coverage across multiple indications. Its whole-genome, tumor-informed MRD platform (NeXT Personal) delivers ultra-sensitive detection down to parts-per-million levels, and is built on one of the largest clinical whole-genome sequencing datasets assembled by a U.S. company. Strategic partnerships with leaders such as Moderna and Tempus, along with a high-throughput CLIA-certified laboratory infrastructure, position the platform for scale. This is the model we believe in at 1955 Capital: translational architecture built on deep science, visionary researchers, disciplined formation, and patient capital compounding over time into real clinical utility. Grateful to have been there at the beginning — and proud of what the team has achieved. And like Euan, I wish Atul were here to see this moment.Andrew Chung shared thisThis photo was taken almost exactly 15 years ago at the founding of Personalis, Inc. in February 2011. Our first decision together—and the best one we ever made as a founding group—was to hire Richard Chen as our first employee. Shortly afterwards Christian Haudenschild and other incredible scientists joined the team. What Rich, Christian and the rest of the leadership team led by Christopher Hall have achieved for cancer patients over the last few years is truly remarkable and, as founders, we couldn't be more proud. The team have rewritten the book on MRD and dramatically accelerated the ultra-sensitive era. Recent results from multi-cancer early detection (MCED) studies remind us of the long road to clinical utility. Success is earned through vision, leadership, rigorous science, strong engineering, and a little bit of luck. Building relationships and recruiting clinical studies takes blood, sweat and tears. Then, one day, you look up and find you are one of only 3 companies with MRD Medicare coverage for two or more indications — an incredible achievement. Of course, our joy is tinged with the sadness that one of us, the irrepressible Atul Butte in the center of this photo, is no longer with us. I so wish we could share this day together. In my head, I can see his beaming smile and hear his booming laugh. He would be so proud of you all. ❤️ Russ Altman john west Michael Snyder
-
Andrew Chung shared thisI’ve been doing extreme sports for years without an ACL. I just didn’t know it. Watching Lindsey Vonn choose to compete despite a torn ACL reminded me how extraordinary adaptation can be. A few years ago in Jackson, after Aria finished riding at the bike park at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, I tried a double black trail I’d never ridden. Bad landing. Knee hyperextended. No pop. No swelling. Just… off. I wrapped it. Walked it off. The next week I was in NYC for Aria’s theater camp. The weekend after that, I climbed the Grand Teton. Long descent. Hail. Technical terrain. Knee held. Months later I got an MRI “for fun.” Result: complete ACL rupture. Stanford: surgery. Textbook case. 49ers PT testing: injured leg stronger than the other. Jackson ortho: “You’ve probably been without an ACL for years. You’re a coper.” A coper — someone whose system adapts so completely that the missing part doesn’t stop performance. Since then I’ve skied, climbed, coached, and pushed harder than ever — just with a brace and better awareness. The human body is remarkable. So are human systems. Startups lose key hires. Markets collapse. Funding disappears. Something critical “tears.” Textbook advice says: stop, rebuild, reset. But sometimes systems rewire. New strengths form around old damage. Not every rupture requires reconstruction. Some of the most resilient founders I know are “copers” — people performing at a high level with structural disadvantages others think are disqualifying. Experts model the median outcome. Outliers adapt. Grit isn’t denial. It’s adaptation. Good luck this weekend, Lindsey. #Leadership #Resilience #Founders
-
Andrew Chung shared thisApplications are now open for Math in the Mountains 2026! What began as an experiment in reimagining how mathematics can be learned has grown into a vibrant educational community — with 500+ participants across students, educators, and families now part of the MitM story in Jackson Hole. MitM brings together remarkable young thinkers and world-class mentors to explore mathematics as a creative, collaborative, and living discipline — in the classroom and in the mountains. Discussion-driven math, Oxford-style tutorials, research projects, and outdoor exploration are woven together through our partnership with Teton Science Schools. Over the past year, we piloted a Winter Camp with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort that fused skiing with advanced mathematical learning. This summer we'll also pilot our Beta program, where students collaborate on mathematical venture-building projects aimed at real-world impact. Math-oriented entrepreneurs interested in guest lecturing or mentoring within Beta are welcome to DM me. We have developed a reputation for assembling extraordinary faculty — mathematicians, educators, and mentors who bring research-level ideas into joyful, accessible mathematics. Our 2026 faculty includes: • Paul Zeitz (co-founder of MitM, Proof School, Bay Area Math Olympiad) • Po-Shen Loh (Carnegie Mellon; 4-time U.S. Math Olympiad National Coach) • Ken Ono (Axiom, University of Virginia; producer, The Man Who Knew Infinity) • Melanie Wood (Harvard; MacArthur Fellow) • Lauren Williams (Harvard; MacArthur Fellow) • Denis Auroux (Harvard; Math 55 instructor) • Daniel Ullman (George Washington University; Putnam Competition leader) …and many others. The impact extends beyond camp sessions. MitM students have launched math publications, created competitions, formed study communities, and even been invited to speak at international mathematics gatherings. The goal is not just enrichment, but helping young thinkers see themselves as contributors to the mathematical world. In that sense, Math in the Mountains is more than a camp — it’s part of a broader movement to cultivate creative, resilient, and AI-era-ready problem solvers. We focus on the kinds of deep reasoning, collaboration, and intellectual risk-taking that remain uniquely human and increasingly essential. We’ve also released a short film, “Math in the Mountains: A Deeper Look,” which captures the experience more vividly than words can. If you know a student, family, or educator who believes mathematics should be rigorous, creative, and connected to the real world, we’d be grateful if you shared this. 🎬 Film: https://lnkd.in/gqYn7Z4k (credit: Raphael Jamil Pranga, Chapters by Mayad USA) 📝 Apply at mathmountains.org #Mathematics #STEMEducation #GiftedEducation #MathCircles #ExperientialLearning #MathInTheMountains #MITM
-
Andrew Chung shared thisHonored to share this inspiring news from Ken Ono — one of the world’s leading mathematicians, Math in the Mountains faculty, and truly family to us. Ken has a rare gift for bringing extraordinary mathematical stories into the light, and this project is a beautiful continuation of that calling. His new film, MARYAM: The Mirror and the Map, celebrates the remarkable life of Maryam Mirzakhani — a story that resonates on many levels. Maryam was the first woman ever to win the Fields Medal (often called the Nobel Prize of mathematics), whose groundbreaking work reshaped geometry and dynamics through breathtakingly original ideas in the study of Riemann surfaces and moduli spaces. Her story reaches far beyond mathematics: a fearless and imaginative mind, a powerful role model for women in STEM, and a brilliant talent lost far too young to cancer, at the height of her creative powers. It is both inspiring and heartbreaking — and deeply important to tell well. Ken, director Matt Brown, and their production team previously brought The Man Who Knew Infinity to life — the story of Srinivasa Ramanujan, a generational mathematical talent discovered in obscurity whose genius ultimately changed the course of mathematics. That film was deeply meaningful to Aria, illuminating how some of the greatest minds in history were once unseen, underestimated, or hidden. Maryam’s story belongs squarely in that lineage — a reminder of what becomes possible when curiosity, courage, and creativity are given room to flourish. Ken himself has been an important presence in Aria’s mathematical journey, encouraging her curiosity, creativity, and confidence in seeing math as something alive, human, and worth falling in love with. Coral and I are proud to be directly supporting Ken, Matt, and this initiative, and to help ensure that Maryam’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of mathematicians, scientists, and thinkers. If this project resonates with you — whether as a supporter, collaborator, or advocate — please feel free to reach out to me directly. #MaryamMirzakhani #WomenInSTEM #Mathematics #Legacy #Storytelling #MathInTheMountainsAndrew Chung shared thisANNOUNCING 🎬 The team behind The Man Who Knew Infinity is reuniting to honor Maryam Mirzakhani. I am thrilled to announce MARYAM: The Mirror and the Map, a feature film about the brilliant Maryam Mirzakhani—the first woman to win the Fields Medal. Writer/director Matt Brown, with Manjul Bhargava and I as associate producers, are reuniting for this project. We spent years ensuring Ramanujan’s math was portrayed authentically in The Man Who Knew Infinity (starring Dev Patel and Jeremy Irons), but math history didn't stop in 1920. It is time for the next chapter. Maryam’s life was a cinematic arc of resilience. As a girl in war-torn Iran, she sketched math on a fogged bathroom mirror to block out the chaos—sketches that eventually turned into the geometry of curved surfaces that revolutionized the field. This project is deeply personal. Manjul Bhargava stood on stage with Maryam in Seoul in 2014 when they both won the Fields Medal, a historic moment for mathematics. We aren't just telling a story; we are honoring an icon and a friend. Developed at the Infinity Arts Foundation, the project is gathering momentum. I’m also proud to share that Axiom Math is championing the educational campaign, ensuring this story inspires the next generation through future university screenings. Maryam belongs in culture, not just in textbooks. Read more about the vision here: https://lnkd.in/eCuPQd7F #MaryamMirzakhani #WomenInSTEM #Mathematics #Film #TheManWhoKnewInfinity #MathEd Axiom
-
Andrew Chung shared thisEvery New Year, my daughter Aria and I climb Cody Peak in Jackson Hole and ski it together — a serious, exposed route that demands real alpine judgment, stamina, and comfort with risk. What began when she was just 11 has become one of the most meaningful traditions of our family life, and I’m constantly aware of how rare it is for a kid her age to be capable of moving through terrain like that. This year, after climbing part of the gnarly rock face in ski boots, she shared something that stopped me in my tracks. She said she used to think bravery meant not being scared — but now she believes it means staying alert even when you are. Knowing when to pause. Where to step. When to breathe. And remembering, even in moments of fear, to look up and appreciate the view. Watching that kind of awareness emerge — in the mountains, in life, in entrepreneurship — is a gift I never take for granted, especially knowing how fleeting these years are. Deep thanks to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (Evolution Freeride Team, Mountain Sports School, Backcountry Guides), The North Face, and Atomic for supporting her journey and she climbs the next mountain. #Leadership #Parenting #Resilience #LearningThroughDoing #JacksonHole #NeverStopExploring
-
Andrew Chung shared thisThrilled to see Lightspeed featured in The New York Times for its significant role in shaping the future of AI and venture capital—as a long-term builder, thought leader, and industry maker. Congratulations to Ravi Mhatre, Bejul Somaia, and the entire team! I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been part of Lightspeed in its early days, when the firm was still a small, tight-knit investment team. It was my first full-time role in venture capital, and the partnership took a chance on me—an opportunity that proved truly formative. Working closely with Ravi and the broader team was one of the most impactful experiences of my career. I learned a great deal about investing from him and how to add value to founders through collaborations on successful investments like Natera and Orbis Education, and by witnessing firsthand how enduring partnerships are built. Ravi’s encouragement also pushed me into my first deep-tech thought leadership role at TiE, which helped me carve out a leading voice in the early days of cleantech and led to meeting Vinod Khosla. Founders Peter Nieh and Chris Schaepe were similarly foundational mentors to me. Just as importantly, the firm’s emphasis on family shaped how I’ve approached balancing a venture career with being a good father and husband. What stood out most about Lightspeed’s investment philosophy was its proactive, thesis-driven approach—developing deep conviction around where entire sectors were headed and backing founders aligned with that future, rather than merely reacting to business plans. That mindset fundamentally shaped my approach to investing and directly influenced how I built 1955 Capital—anchoring the firm around long-term thematic conviction and partnering early with founders tackling complex, global problems. It’s been inspiring to watch Lightspeed’s growth over the past two decades, evolving from those early days into a global platform backing category-defining companies across AI, enterprise, and beyond. Proud of what the firm has built—and excited to see what comes next. #venturecapital #ai #entrepreneurship #startups #investing #technology #Lightspeed cc: Erin Griffith https://lnkd.in/g6RrbbKUIn A.I. Boom, Venture Capital Firms Are Raising Loads More MoneyIn A.I. Boom, Venture Capital Firms Are Raising Loads More Money
-
Andrew Chung shared thisMy 12-year-old Aria just became the youngest climber ever guided by Exum to summit the Grand Teton via Carman’s Pinnacle—a technical variation many seasoned guides haven’t done. High exposure. No shortcuts. Zero room for ego. Exactly the environment where you see how people think under pressure. Many climbers spend years preparing for the Grand. The peak rises 13,775 feet and demands 7,000 vertical feet of hiking, scrambles, multi-pitch climbing, and camping in freezing temps. Its routes require advanced rope skills and judgment when the margin for error narrows to inches. Watching Aria on that terrain, I saw the same traits that define exceptional founders and how they approach risk, preparation, and “impossible” goals: 1. Respect the problem Aria didn’t arrive at Carman’s Pinnacle by accident. She’s learned knots, rope systems, footwork, and mountain judgment since she was 7. No skipped steps—just steady skill-building, like compounding capital. 2. Choose partners who elevate you Her long-time mentor, Exum Chief Guide Brian Smith, has guided her for years. Watching them communicate on exposed terrain reinforced that great outcomes are almost always team outcomes. 3. Manage risk with clarity The Pinnacle demands presence. When margins tightened, she made decisions with the calm, structured thinking I see in strong leaders navigating uncertainty. Fear was there—but she kept it in the passenger seat. 4. Keep moving when the terrain tilts up Every summit day has a moment when momentum matters more than strength. She knew when to pause, breathe, and push—just as founders do in their inflection points. 5. Leverage strengths across domains Aria’s math talent—especially her visual–spatial reasoning—shows up as the ability to read sequences, anticipate moves, and model risk before she commits. Great founders do the same: applying core strengths where others don’t think to use them. Her long-term goal—inspired by mountaineer friend Kit Deslauriers—to climb and ski the Grand (the youngest female to do it? 19) is bold. But boldness backed by discipline, mentorship, and smart decision-making becomes inevitable progress. This climb wasn’t about records or sponsorships (though I’m proud she’s among the youngest athletes supported by The North Face & Atomic). It was about watching a young person choose a challenge big enough to change her—and seeing the moment she realized she could meet it. There’s a unique gratitude in watching your child step into terrain that demands their best and discovering their best is bigger than you imagined. I went up the mountain thinking I was the one teaching; I came down knowing I was the one learning. Here’s to big mountains, bold goals, and the privilege of watching your kids grow into their own strength—one exposed ridge at a time. Follow Aria (@aria.explorer): https://lnkd.in/gMEgcauu #NeverStopExploring #GrandTeton #ExumGuides #leadership #entrepreneurship #youthathletes Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Andrew Chung replied to a comment
1w
Brenda - our kids have been part of math camps together since they were 7, and Frank was one of the first people I called to brainstorm on Math in Mountains 😊 Good to hear from you!
Andrew Chung replied to a comment
1w
Great to meet you Sidharth—this is exactly the kind of work I’m interested in. Would love to hear more about what you’re building in India and see how I can help—feel free to DM.
Andrew Chung replied to a comment
1w
Frank Thanks! So excited for Beta this summer—this really ties into the kinds of “superpowers” we’re seeing emerge in the kids 🙂
Experience & Education
-
1955 Capital
View Andrew’s full experience
See their title, tenure and more.
or
Licenses & Certifications
-
L100 Certified Freeride Ski Coach
International Freeskier & Snowboarder Association (IFSA)
Issued
Languages
-
English
-
-
Cantonese
-
-
Mandarin
-
Recommendations received
2 people have recommended Andrew
Join now to viewOther similar profiles
Explore more posts
Explore top content on LinkedIn
Find curated posts and insights for relevant topics all in one place.
View top content