Derek Chu
About Derek Chu
Derek Chu is a Principal at FirstMark and a Kauffman Fellow, currently serving as a Board Observer at both Pickle and Metaloop. He has a diverse background in business operations and corporate development, notably leading significant projects at Airbnb and Menlo Ventures.
Work at FirstMark
Derek Chu serves as Principal at FirstMark, a position he has held since 2023. In this role, he contributes to the firm's investment strategies and portfolio management. His experience in corporate development and business operations enhances FirstMark's capabilities in identifying and supporting innovative startups.
Current Board Observer Roles
Derek Chu is currently a Board Observer at Pickle and Metaloop, roles he has maintained since 2023. At Pickle, he provides strategic insights to guide the company's growth in New York, while at Metaloop, he offers oversight and direction from Vienna, Austria. These positions reflect his commitment to fostering innovation in diverse markets.
Previous Experience at Airbnb
Derek Chu has extensive experience at Airbnb, where he held multiple roles from 2016 to 2021. He served as Chief of Staff for Airbnb China, leading the team from launch to achieving $1 billion in Gross Merchandise Volume. He also managed business operations for the Americas division, overseeing a $10 billion GMV business and played a key role in Airbnb's largest-ever M&A of Luxury Retreats.
Education and Expertise
Derek Chu studied at The Wharton School, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his roles in investment and corporate development. This expertise is complemented by his practical experience in various financial and operational roles across several prominent companies.
Career Progression and Early Roles
Derek Chu began his career as a Research Analyst at Ennovance Capital LLC and Trophy Point Capital in 2009. He later transitioned to investment banking at Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank. His experience at Menlo Ventures as Senior Associate and Associate involved sourcing investments and serving as a Board Observer, including on the acquisition of Tenor by Google.