Getting to know the team - Meet Chris

As Folklore continues to grow, we’re excited to welcome Chris Comino to the team as Head of Investor Relations, to oversee limited partner engagement and support during our next stage of growth.

Chris brings 30 years of experience from listed financial institutions and a wealth of private market experience to the Folklore team. With long standing roles at Perennial Partners, HSBC Global Asset Management, Merrill Lynch and more, Chris holds deep knowledge of global asset management and long seeded relationships servicing investors and establishing successful outcomes. 

During this discussion with Chris, we unpack his experience servicing institutional and other wealth partners, how he spends his weekends, and what he's looking forward to in the coming months. Enjoy.

‍What first drew you to Folklore?‍

“Private markets, in particular VC and PE, have been a recent focus of mine and the most interesting and dynamic asset class when dealing with external investors. I wanted to be a part of a market leading firm and help the Folklore team deliver in communicating their biggest investment stories with investors!”

‍How has your background prepared you for this role? ‍

“As the wholesale market continues to institutionalise and the institutional side evolves, the appetite for alternatives and unlisted assets continues to grow. After many years in distribution and covering many global asset classes and investment teams I feel equipped to help our existing investors and prospective clients navigate how Folklore funds can help their thinking and allocation around where venture capital can fit into their portfolio.” 

‍What does your day to day look like as Head of IR? ‍

“My mantra has always been that ‘clients come first’ - so I primarily work for our existing investors. Then, it's all about highlighting Folklore founders/companies and the compelling investment proposition we create and taking investors along the journey of our funds and their investments.”

‍What does Folklore look for in an LP?‍

“We want LP's who can understand and see why getting access to fast growth and important companies of tomorrow is good for them and the broader community / country. Getting in early for these opportunities takes a certain patience and understanding that not everyone can provide, so we need aligned thinking and a passion for advanced technology but also be able to showcase how ANZ founders can solve global problems.” 

‍What excites you most about the ANZ startup ecosystem? ‍

“I really enjoy the collaboration and motivation the venture capital industry broadly shows across so many stakeholders.  Everyone wins when the size and scale of this market segment grows and succeeds in drawing more attention and associated capital from investors. There is no reason why the ANZ industry can't follow the US and European trajectory and developments.” 

‍How do you spend your spare time ‍

“Travel and food seems to be where my family and friends come together the most - having roots back to Greece and Cyprus is a great excuse to get out there and see the world every few years, alongside those endless domestic spots for shorter bursts of fun.

On a personal level, I’m a regular pilates student after many years of martial arts, including securing a black belt in Kenpo karate. My daughters have also recently been awarded theirs in Taekwondo. I'm keen to visit the home of karate in Okinawa during a Japan trip at some point soon!” 

‍What’s your superpower?‍

“I wish... having a wife, 2 daughters (and a female spoodle, Ginger!) means I'm a very good listener and like to think that translates across both personal and professional circles (including an empathetic and mentoring nature).”

‍What are you reading/listening to at the moment?‍

“I prefer ancient history (Alexander the Great) and autobiographies (Steve Jobs, Jack Welch).’

‍What’s something you believe to be true, that others think is false?‍

“Greece's beaches really are that colour and beautiful... you need to see it to believe it (no photoshop required!)”

‍If you could sit next to anyone at a dinner party, who would it be?‍

“Bruce Lee... a global icon across so many areas of his work, sport and life whose writings and movies still live on (strong).”

‍Discuss all of this and more, by connecting with Chris via LinkedIn or emailing chris@folklore.vc.