Backwards Capital is an early stage venture capital fund founded by Chris Zarou. We partner with outliers before they're obvious to others.

"Chris is a premier talent-spotter. He identified the talent of an unknown young rapper (Logic) a decade ago and built a global empire around his brand. He can see around corners and has developed an incredible insight into the new emerging trends.”

Guy Raz, How I Built This

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josh Wolfe

Lux Capital
Founder/Managing Partner

"Chris is super talented with an eye to spot talent in all domains from tech to music and investable opportunity before many of the rest of us do!"

whatnot

Grant LaFontaine
Co-founder

“We really value strategic investors. Chris has embodied what I define as a value add investor, making impactful introductions as we scale our company.”

MAdhappy

Peiman Raf
Co-founder/CEO

"Chris has been an incredible investor and supporter of the brand from day one. He always checks in, has timely advice and makes key introductions. He's become a friend and someone I can trust to support us through the ups and downs of running a startup."

nucleus

Kian Sadeghi
Founder/CEO

"Do not be fooled. Chris is not an investor — he is an entrepreneur. With that, comes boundless experiences, networks, and a brilliant demeanor to do whatever it takes for his portfolio companies. Cannot recommend enough."

superpower

Jacob Peters
Co-founder/CEO

"I've started companies that have raised over $100m and Chris is honestly one of my favorite angel investors. Incredibly grateful for his continual above and beyond support – this is a human you unequivocally want on your cap table."

UNDERDOG
FANTASY

Jeremy Levine
founder/Co-CEO

“Chris is the best. Always there to help and always willing to tap his amazing and very unique network to add strategic value. We're super lucky to have him as an investor.”

CONDUIT
COMMERCE

Rohan Shah
Co-founder/CEO

"Chris has, without a doubt, been the highest leverage person on our cap table. From making introductions to industry insiders to acting as a thought partner on late night calls, Chris has quickly become one of our greatest assets. We’re excited to work with Chris over the long term and find ways to increase his ownership in the company as we continue to scale."

Hanover PARk

chris hladczuk
Founder

"Chris is a high conviction, no nonsense investor. He does what he says he will. And executes ruthlessly to help founders win. Glad to have him in my corner."

siegelman stable

Max Siegelman
Founder/CEO

"Chris has been an incredible partner and supporter of our brand since inception. Having him join as an investor was a perfect fit for us. His strategic thinking, introduction making and support goes a long way every time we chat. He’s not just an investor, but the ultimate partner and value add. He’s always got our best interest in mind."

type five

Tim Thimmaiah
Founder/CEO

"Chris is an investor who's not afraid to roll up his sleeves and dive into the trenches. He has a high EQ/IQ that any early-stage founder would want on their side. We're lucky to have him on ours."

reclip

Dan Fruhman
Co-founder

"Chris is undoubtedly the most helpful angel investor I've ever raised money from. His entire approach revolves around how he can help you, and unlike many others, he actually delivers. In doing so, he's orchestrated introductions to some of the most famous people on the planet, which has pushed my company forward in some really significant ways. Grateful to you Chris!"

order.co

Zach Garippa
Co-founder/CEO

"Chris is a problem solver. It doesn't matter if I need help thinking through a growth decision, personnel decision, or anything in between - Chris has become one of my first calls. He genuinely cares about the success of our business and the success of our team and Negotiatus has been fortunate to have him as a partner over the years."

babylon biosciences

Sacha Schermerhorn
Founder

"Chris is easily one of my favorite investors I've ever partnered up with. Chris is always willing to roll up his sleeves and dive head-first into the deep end with his founders at a second's notice. I could not be more grateful for Chris as an investor, a human being, and above all—a friend."

hypercard

Marc Baghadjian + Nikolas Ioannou
Co-founders

"Chris’s humility, and curiosity sets him apart from other investors. He is always willing to do the dirty work with us. His illustrated career before venture also sets him apart as Chris knows a wide array of people who unequivocally make being a portco exciting."

Alongside

Austin Diamond
Co-Founder/CEO

"Chris is exactly the kind of investor you want in your corner. He's lived it himself, rolls up his sleeves to support when things get tough, and makes incredible introductions to help with anything we might need. We feel extremely lucky to have him as an investor."

aviato

eric zhu
Founder/cEO

"Chris is a standout investor, blending his extensive operational expertise and market foresight to deliver impactful support and advice. Not only has he proven to provide strategic introductions, but his hands-on approach and genuine care for the companies he invests in set him apart.  Chris's contribution goes beyond capital, helping the business every step of the way."

Dub

Steven Wang
Founder/CEO

"Chris is a phenomenal angel investor who brings an effective and unorthodox perspective to startups and venture. His experience in marketing and consumer is unparalleled: he has a wealth of knowledge and wisdom on how to do it all in today's market. I've learned immensely from him and look forward to continue doing so!"