a16z crypto's Chris Lyons on What Comes After NFTs

Christopher Lyons is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and President of Web3 Media at a16z crypto. Lyons joined a16z in 2013, first as chief of staff to co-founder Ben Horowitz. In 2021, he helped launch a16z’s first $400M Seed Fund. Prior to that, he founded the firm’s Cultural Leadership Fund (CLF). Launched in 2018, CLF became a beacon of change, connecting the world’s greatest cultural leaders (athletes, entertainers, musicians, and executives) with cutting-edge technology companies. More importantly, it became a platform to uplift Black builders and creators, fostering their journey toward excellence in the tech industry. Under Lyons’ leadership, the CLF Fund became Silicon Valley’s inaugural venture capital fund comprised entirely of Black Limited Partners, setting a powerful precedent for inclusivity in the sector.

​Lyons’ career began in the music industry, honing his skills as a sound engineer under the mentorship of Grammy-Award-winning producer Jermaine Dupri. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch PictureMenu, a pioneering mobile app and digital menu platform. He sits on the boards of Yuga Labs, The James Beard Foundation, The Black Economic Alliance, and New Story Charity. Additionally, Lyons is the proud founder of Lyons Wine, an Italian wine brand that reflects his passion for craftsmanship.In recognition of his exceptional leadership and contributions to the tech industry, Lyons became a Kauffman Fellow graduate (Class ‘19). He is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated (KT Spring ‘07), where he continues to foster a sense of community and mentorship.

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