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Chris Sheldrick

Co-Founder & CEO at what3words

Chris Sheldrick is the co-founder and CEO of what3words, a company that has developed a global address system that assigns a unique three-word address to every 3m square in the world.24 He founded what3words in March 2013 out of frustration with the inefficiencies of international addresses and postcodes, particularly in the music industry where he previously worked.2

Sheldrick's career highlights include:

  1. Co-founder and CEO of what3words since 20132
  2. Schwab Social Entrepreneur at the World Economic Forum since 20192
  3. TED speaker since 201725
  4. Recipient of several awards, including the EY British Accelerating Entrepreneur and Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Innovation3

Prior to what3words, Sheldrick founded and ran music-related businesses, including CS Music and Live Music International.2 He has a background in music, having studied at King's College London and the Royal Academy of Music.2

Under Sheldrick's leadership, what3words has grown to a team of over 100 people and secured backing from major companies such as Intel, Mercedes-Benz, Ikea, Sony, and Deutsche Bahn.2 The company aims to provide addresses to the estimated 4 billion people worldwide who lack them, potentially improving various aspects of life including emergency services, deliveries, and navigation.14

Sheldrick is recognized as part of a new generation of social entrepreneurs who are using technology to create significant impact and address global challenges.14 His work with what3words aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrates the potential of social innovation in solving complex societal issues.4

Highlights

Jan 21 · weforum.org
Schwab Foundation Social Innovators - The World Economic Forum
Schwab Foundation Social Innovators - The World Economic Forum
Nov 13 · weforum.org
Chris Sheldrick - The World Economic Forum
Chris Sheldrick - The World Economic Forum
Sep 10 · weforum.org
Say hello to 2019's top 40 social innovators | World Economic Forum
Oct 2 · dw.com
'A new breed of leader' – DW – 10/01/2019

Related Questions

What inspired Chris Sheldrick to create what3words?
How does what3words work and what are its main benefits?
What other projects has Chris Sheldrick been involved in?
How has Chris Sheldrick's background in music influenced his entrepreneurial ventures?
What are some notable achievements of what3words since its inception?
Chris Sheldrick
Chris Sheldrick, photo 1
Chris Sheldrick, photo 2
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Location

London, England, United Kingdom