Chris Erickson Announces Planned Transition After 26 Years Building Pangaea Ventures
After 26 years building Pangaea Ventures, Chris Erickson will step back from full-time engagement at the end of June. He will remain involved in portfolio management, continue to oversee and manage the portfolio companies he is currently working with, and stay on the investment committees for Pangaea's funds.
Chris founded Pangaea Ventures alongside Purnesh Seegopaul in 2000, and has shaped the firm's focus on hard tech and its long-term commitment to backing companies working at the frontier of materials, chemistry, and biology. Over that time, he has contributed to building a world-renowned venture capital firm defined by technical depth, disciplined investing, and long-term relationships with founders, LPs, and strategic partners.
This is a planned transition that has already been communicated directly to LPs and portfolio CEOs, and it builds on leadership continuity that has been in place across the firm for years.
As Chris steps back from fundraising for future funds and internal management responsibilities, leadership will continue across a team that has already been shaping Pangaea's strategy, culture, and day-to-day execution for many years. Andrew Haughian, Sarah Applebaum and Janelle Goulard are long-tenured partners at the firm, with Andrew at Pangaea for more than 20 years, and Sarah and Janelle a decade each.
Together, they represent the strength of the leadership team that will carry the firm forward while maintaining the collaborative, technically grounded approach that has defined Pangaea for more than two decades.
“After 26 years in the managing partner seat, this is the right time to make space for the next generation of leadership and to spend more time with my family and charitable endeavors,” said Chris Erickson. “I have deep confidence in Andrew, Sarah and Janelle. They have each helped shape this firm in meaningful ways already, and I know Pangaea is in strong hands.”
Chris will also devote more time to family and to charitable and civic work, including his involvement with The Nature Conservancy in Arizona and the Sustainability and Environmental Quality Commission for the City of Phoenix.
Pangaea remains focused on the same work it has pursued since its founding: investing in hard tech companies with the potential to reshape critical industries and create lasting industrial and planetary value. Chris's continued involvement with portfolio companies and investment committees, together with the depth of the firm's leadership team, ensures continuity for founders, investors, and partners.