20160517-120249 2.jpg

Hey, I’m Tristan 👋

Movement builder. Startup scaler. Community whisperer.

At my last startup, our Head of Growth told me something that stuck:

“You have a truly rare ability to connect with anyone. That’s your superpower.”

I've spent the last 20 years putting that to work—founding companies, scaling communities, investing in the future, and helping 10,000+ founders turn bold ideas into breakout companies.

🚀 TL;DR

  • Built and sold 2 tech startups, named Forbes 30 Under 30

  • Drove $100M+ in revenue and partnerships across Web2, Web3, and AI

  • Scaled a DAO to 1.2M holders and $290M market cap

  • Invested $67M+ into 220 startups as a VC, with 6 unicorns and 5 exits > $1B

  • Led 70+ startup programs with Google, Techstars, 500 Global & more

🧠 What I’m Working On

Right now, I’m focused on:
Building an AI startup—think LinkedIn meets AI meets your future self
Advising and consulting startups on growth, storytelling, and fundraising
Backing founders through Cool Climate Collective and ecosystem plays

🏆 Career Highlights

  • Created BestBuy’s most opened email ever (23M customers)

  • Helped Kanye West & Nike open pop-ups through Storefront (NYT called it “Airbnb for Retail”)

  • Ran 10 global accelerator programs (SF, Moscow, Tokyo, Riyadh)

  • Painted a TEDx street mural and talked creative economies on stage

  • Helped launch the biggest crypto gift ever to Save The Children

  • Sent Doge to the literal moon 🌕

🧳 A Few Fun Facts

  • Traveled to 60+ countries with my wife Dany on a “sabbatimoon”

  • Co-authored a children’s book with my mom during the pandemic

  • Once cameoed on an NBC reality show—no, you can’t find the second episode 😅

  • Built a mystery AI bot called Shisharka Land

  • Write for Entrepreneur, VentureBeat, and The Guardian

🌌 Why I Do This

I believe in building the future with curious, kind, and courageous people. If that’s you, let’s make something together.

👉 Say hi on X/Twitter
👉 Subscribe for the occasional update below
👉 Hit me up over email

tristan pollock vc 500 startups fortune teller