Chris Best
About Chris Best
Chris Best is the Founder and CEO of Substack, a platform he co-founded in 2017 to empower writers and creators through subscription-based models. He previously served as Co-Founder and CTO of Kik Interactive, Inc., contributing to the growth of both companies in the tech industry.
Work at Substack
Chris Best serves as the Founder and CEO of Substack, a position he has held since 2017. Under his leadership, Substack has developed into a prominent platform that empowers writers and creators to monetize their work through subscription-based models. Best has played a crucial role in fostering a community of writers and readers, significantly contributing to the platform's growth and success. His vision has helped establish Substack as a leading choice for independent publishers seeking sustainable business models.
Education and Expertise
Chris Best earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo, where he studied from 2005 to 2010. In addition to his formal education, he participated in Y Combinator's W18 program in 2018. His educational background and experiences have equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate the tech landscape and drive innovation in the publishing industry.
Background
Before founding Substack, Chris Best co-founded Kik Interactive, Inc., where he served as Co-Founder and CTO from 2009 to 2017. His experience at Kik involved developing a messaging platform that gained significant traction among users. Earlier in his career, he held various technical positions, including roles as an Application Developer at iAnywhere and as a Software Development Intern at Airline Intelligence Systems, as well as a Software Engineering QA co-op at Sandvine.
Achievements
Chris Best has been instrumental in establishing Substack as a leading platform for independent publishers. His efforts have focused on creating a space where writers can thrive and monetize their content effectively. Through his leadership, Substack has seen substantial growth, attracting a diverse range of creators and contributing to the evolution of the publishing industry.