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James Joaquin

Co-Founder & Managing Director, Obvious Ventures
San Francisco, California,United States
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James Joaquin's Overview

Total Experience127 years
CompanyObvious Ventures
CountryUnited States

James Joaquin is a seasoned venture capitalist and entrepreneur, best known as a co-founder and Managing Director of Obvious Ventures. Obvious Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in purpose-driven entrepreneurs building 'world positive' companies that can generate both significant financial returns and positive social and environmental impact. Their investment thesis focuses on three key areas: Sustainable Systems, Healthy Living, and People Power. Prior to Obvious Ventures, James had a successful career as an operator and entrepreneur. He was the CEO of Xoom Corporation (acquired by PayPal), a global digital money transfer provider, leading it through significant growth. He also co-founded When.com, an internet calendar and events company, which was acquired by AOL. His extensive experience spans consumer internet, mobile technology, and financial services, providing him with a deep understanding of scaling businesses and building impactful products.

Professional Summary

James Joaquin's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

Obvious Ventures - Co-Founder & Managing Director (2014 to Present)
Baton - Director (2024 to Present)
Mozi - Dirctor (2024 to Present)
Incredible Health, Inc. - Director / Board Observer (2017 to Present)
MycoMedica Life Sciences PBC - Director (2021 to Present)
Nectar Life Sciences - Director (2021 to Present)
Torch - Director (2021 to Present)
All Raise - VC Champion (2020 to Present)
Taika - Director (2020 to Present)
beam - Director (2019 to Present)
Miyoko's Kitchen - Director (2016 to Present)
Enervee - Director (2015 to Present)
CareZone - Director (2012 to 2025)
Nue Life Health - Director (2022 to 2023)
OK Play - Director (2020 to 2022)
Welly Health PBC - Director (2018 to 2021)
Keyo AI Inc. - Director (2018 to 2020)
Beyond Meat - Investor & Board Observer (2014 to 2019)
OLLY PBC - Director (2015 to 2019)
Seventh Generation - Director (2012 to 2016)
Catamount Ventures - Partner (2011 to 2014)
TenMarks Education - Director (2011 to 2013)
Plum Inc. - Director (2008 to 2011)
Xmarks (formerly Foxmarks) - President & CEO (2008 to 2010)
Bridgescale Partners - Venture Partner (2007 to 2008)
Xoom Corporation - President & CEO (2005 to 2006)
Ofoto A Kodak Company - President & CEO (1999 to 2004)
When Inc. (acquired by AOL) - Co-founder & VP Business Development (1998 to 1999)
Apple Computer - Newton Marketing & Business Development (1989 to 1995)

Notable Achievements

Co-founder & Managing Director, Obvious Ventures

Co-founded Obvious Ventures in 2014, pioneering 'world positive' investing. The firm backs startups that create solutions for systemic challenges in areas like sustainable food and energy, future of work, and digital health, aiming for both strong financial returns and scalable impact.

CEO of Xoom Corporation & Acquisition by PayPal

Led Xoom, a digital money transfer service, as CEO through a period of rapid growth and international expansion, culminating in its acquisition by PayPal in 2015 for approximately $890 million.

Co-founder of When.com & Acquisition by AOL

Co-founded When.com, one of the early popular internet calendar and event platforms, which was successfully acquired by America Online (AOL) in 1999.

Board Member & Advisor

Serves or has served on the boards of numerous innovative companies, including Beyond Meat (NASDAQ: BYND), Miyoko's Kitchen, and others, leveraging his expertise to guide their growth and strategy.

Educational Background

Brown University - Year 1983

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Notable news
Hiring actively
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Company Overview

Obvious Ventures
Total employees39
HeadquartersSan Francisco
Founded2014

Obvious Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage, purpose-driven entrepreneurs building companies that create solutions for a better world, often termed 'world positive' businesses. They focus on startups reimagining trillion-dollar industries through a values-driven lens, concentrating on three main pillars: Sustainable Systems (e.g., energy, food, mobility, supply chains), Healthy Living (e.g., healthcare, wellness, biotech), and People Power (e.g., fintech, future of work, education).

Obvious Ventures Funding Information
$691M - Total Funding Raised
$105M - Most recent funding amount
4 - Number of funding rounds
18 May, 2022 - Latest funding round
Lead Investors:
Limited Partners (LPs) such as endowments, foundations, and family offices. Specific LPs are generally not publicly disclosed.

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