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Laura Chau

Laura Chau

General Partner at Canaan, consumer tech investor

laura
New York, New York, United States
Joined January 2025

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Summary

Laura Chau is a prominent early-stage venture capitalist, serving as a General Partner at Canaan where she focuses on consumer technology and vertical SaaS investments. She has been instrumental in backing and guiding a portfolio of companies that include nate, Clutch, Ollie, Mosey, Arcade, and Nagish, demonstrating a keen eye for innovative startups and ambitious founders. Her work in this capacity spans investments, board memberships, and strategic support, reflecting her commitment to shaping the future of consumer tech. canaan+4
Prior to her venture capital career, Laura gained diverse experience in strategy, marketing, and business development across various tech-driven companies. Her background includes roles in Deloitte’s Strategy and Operations practice, sales and marketing functions at Branch and Greenhouse, and notably, contributing to the launch of Marie Kondo’s product business. This breadth of operational experience provides her with a holistic understanding of startup growth and market dynamics. canaan+2
An alumna of Stanford University, Laura holds both a Bachelor of Science in Management Science and Engineering and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. Her academic foundation, combined with her early experience as President of the Asia-Pacific Student Entrepreneurship Society, underscores her entrepreneurial spirit and analytical rigor. She was also recognized on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, highlighting her early achievements and influence in the venture capital landscape. canaan+4
Laura is also a prolific writer and media personality, sharing her insights on consumer tech trends, social media dynamics, and venture capital. She has published numerous articles on Medium and Substack, delving into topics like the future of e-commerce, post-COVID tech trends, and the intersection of social platforms and status. Furthermore, she co-hosts the podcast 'WoVen: Women Who Venture' and hosts 'Hot Deal Time Machine', using these platforms to explore the stories behind successful VC deals and promote women in venture. medium+2
She possesses a unique blend of personal interests and experiences that complement her professional life, including a passion for travel in Asia, an unusual talent for reciting US presidents backward, and a past aspiration to be a clarinetist. Her transformative experience working with Marie Kondo led to a reformed outlook on organization, and her first entrepreneurial venture involved selling potpourri door-to-door, showcasing an early start in sales and a knack for engaging with people. canaan

Work

Education

Writing

Checking in with how we check out — why I’m more excited about nate than ever

June 1, 2021

Explores the value proposition of nate, an AI-powered shopping app, and how it simplifies online purchasing by automating mundane tasks like entering shipping addresses.

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Zoomtopia: What Zoom Gets Right and What it is Still Missing

October 1, 2020

Analyzes Zoom's strengths in providing essential communication functionality while discussing areas for further advancement.

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The next great consumer companies won’t be exclusive clubs. They will be inclusive cults.

July 1, 2020

Argues that successful consumer companies will prioritize inclusivity over exclusivity, fostering a sense of shared community and belonging among their users.

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Content consumption habits in the age of COVID (…beyond just Netflix while you work)

May 1, 2020

Examines evolving content consumption patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic, looking beyond typical streaming services.

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6 consumer tech trends to watch in a post-COVID world

April 1, 2020

Identifies and discusses key trends in consumer technology that are expected to emerge or accelerate in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Status Tipping Point and the Social <> Status Cycle

December 1, 2019

Explores the relationship between social platforms and the concept of 'status,' discussing how social media has evolved into a realm primarily focused on status signaling.

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Social Media: A Game of Status

November 1, 2019

Argues that the fundamental nature of social media has shifted, transforming it into a platform primarily driven by the pursuit and display of 'status'.

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A New Way to Party — with Coterie

February 1, 2019

Discusses Coterie's approach to reinventing party supplies and decor, catering to a modern, experience-driven consumer base.

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A prescription for how the healthcare industry can “spark joy”

January 1, 2019

Applies principles from Marie Kondo's 'KonMari' method to the healthcare industry, suggesting ways to streamline processes and enhance patient experience to 'spark joy'.

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The Beauty Industry is Ready for a Makeover

November 1, 2018

Examines the evolving landscape of the beauty industry and identifies opportunities for innovation and disruption, based on insights from a Canaan-hosted event.

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Hobbies

Has a love for traveling in Asia. canaan

Can recite the US presidents backward in under 15 seconds. canaan

Aspired to be a clarinetist in a symphony orchestra. canaan

Transformed from a 'packrat' after being influenced by and working for Marie Kondo. canaan

Her first job involved selling potpourri door-to-door from a red wagon. canaan

Co-hosts the podcast 'WoVen: Women Who Venture' and hosts the show 'Hot Deal Time Machine'. montgomerysummit

Notes

TATomer Aharonisaid that if they were launching a Future of Work company,
LCLaura Chau
would be at the top of their list as a potential lead investor.

Nov 5, 2025

TATomer Aharonisaid that if they were raising a round,
LCLaura Chau
would be at the top of their list of VC partners to reach out to.

Nov 5, 2025

MMMatt Maurersaid that if they were building a D2C or marketplace startup,
LCLaura Chau
would be among their first calls for investment.

Oct 30, 2025

MMMatt Maurersaid
LCLaura Chau
is one of the most respected Series A investors in consumer products or consumer hardware they've worked with.

Oct 22, 2025

GBGary Benerofesaid they've seen
LCLaura Chau
provide especially helpful support to founders of early-stage consumer companies.

Sep 18, 2025