Tom Chavez

Tom Chavez, Founding General Partner at super{set}, is a serial entrepreneur who has spent the past two decades applying data science, decision theory, and AI to tackle complex, meaningful business problems.

Born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, Tom was inspired early on by his parents’ work at Sandia National Laboratories—fueling his curiosity about software and systems. He holds a B.A. in Computer Science and Philosophy from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Engineering‑Economic Systems & Operations Research from Stanford, where he was a NASA doctoral fellow.

Before launching super{set}, he built and led two successful startups: Rapt (acquired by Microsoft in 2008), and Krux (acquired by Salesforce in 2016). His ventures have generated a 17.5× return for investors and created significant wealth for the people involved. 

At super{set}, Tom brings an entrepreneurial philosophy founded on five core principles: a “kick-ass” team committed to the mission; proprietary technology (“flux capacitor”); a large, growing market; a clear “why now” timing thesis; and the alignment of all these elements in sync.. He also emphasizes that successful CEOs need to excel in four key “C’s”: Conception, Communication, Coordination, and Course‑Correction—paired with self‑care, relentless curiosity, and personal alignment.

Tom’s leadership isn’t just about building companies—it’s about crafting ecosystems in which entrepreneurial talent flourishes. As he puts it: innovation thrives at the intersection of freedom, markets, and human possibility.

Outside of work, Tom co-founded the Chavez Family Foundation, supports causes in education, immigration, and entrepreneurship, and contributes on nonprofit boards including KQED and VH1’s Save the Music Foundation. He also finds joy in composing and playing music, attending live performances, and sharing ideas through his newsletter.