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Chad W. Bown

Managing Director at bp Ventures | VC Investor | Board Director

Chad W. Bown is the Managing Director at BP Ventures, the corporate venture arm of BP, a major UK oil and gas company.12 He is based in Houston and focuses on investments supporting efficient hydrocarbon operations and advancing low carbon energy solutions.2

Career Highlights

  • Former captain in the US Air Force1
  • Worked at Shell and Jacobs Engineering before joining BP in 20111
  • Recognized as a Global Corporate Venturing Emerging Leader in 20202
  • Named one of the leading corporate venturing professionals in the Global Corporate Venturing Powerlist 202312

Role at BP Ventures

As Managing Director, Bown oversees investments in high-growth businesses that accelerate innovation across BP's transition growth engines, including:

  • Renewables and power trading
  • EV charging
  • Convenience
  • Bioenergy and hydrogen
  • Carbon capture and storage1

Investment Philosophy

Bown describes the unit's portfolio management style as "engaged," with team members taking board or observer seats depending on startups' needs.1 He emphasizes:

  • Providing a platform for startups to test and develop their products
  • Introducing portfolio companies to BP's customers
  • Focusing on cash conservation and extending cash runways for startups1

Education

  • Degree in business from Texas A&M University
  • MBA from Loyola Marymount University12

Board Positions

Bown currently sits on the boards of several companies, including:

  • Xpanisiv
  • Eavor Technology
  • Beyond Limits
  • BiSN
  • Belmont Technology
  • Fotech Solutions
  • Stryde Incorporated
  • Silicon Microgravity Limited12

Highlights

Sep 21 · linkedin

Great to be alongside CVC industry heavyweights at 20th Annual Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship Energy Tech Venture Forum. Kemal Anbarci Nazeer Bhore Andrea Course Jim Sledzik l. Great job Amy Henry, CPA for moderating!

Jul 5 · linkedin

#Thankyou Global Corporate Venturing for recognizing the ENTIRE and outstanding bp ventures team on the 2023 #GCVPowerlist. You can now be a part of a great bp ventures team that is actively #hiring - with the following positions which we just posted, with more to come! #corporate #investing #cvc #vc #cleantech #energy #energytransition

Related Questions

What are some of the most successful startups BP Ventures has invested in under Chad Bown's leadership?
How does BP Ventures' investment strategy differ from other corporate venture arms?
What are the key sectors BP Ventures focuses on for new investments?
How does Chad Bown's background in the US Air Force influence his approach to venture capital?
What are some recent innovations in the energy sector that BP Ventures has supported?
Chad W. Bown
Chad W. Bown, photo 1
Chad W. Bown, photo 2
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Location

Houston, Texas, United States