Francis Ho

Francis’s passion for science and mathematics led him to a 12-year career in venture capital, complemented by deep operating experience with two IPOs and one M&A exit. He served alongside Shankar Chandran as Co-Head of Samsung Catalyst Fund, bringing innovation to scale.

His experience across deep tech, AI, cloud, and digital biology includes roles at Inphi, McKinsey, JP Morgan Partners, and ONI Systems. A student of new technologies and innovations, he holds seven U.S. patents for semiconductor and storage technologies. Francis attended Caltech (BS physics, MS applied physics) and Stanford (PhD physics, postdoc quantum optics).

What are you most passionate about professionally?

I’m especially passionate about the spectacular convergence between deep, foundational disciplines that used to be unconnected, such as biology + computer science + semiconductors, or quantum physics + computer science. In the pursuit of these passions, I’m keen to work  with visionary founders who invent new paths to reach previously impossible destinations.

What is your favorite book / podcast?

My favorite book is Metamagical Themas by Douglas Hofstadter, and my favorite podcast is  Mindscape by Sean Carroll.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I’d say that it would be to work on a topic and with a team that makes you excited to get up every morning; everything else will follow.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I’m into biking, running, and losing to my son in chess and tennis.