Fireside Chat with Timothy Chi – From Startup Founder to $1B CEO

Join us for an inspiring fireside chat with Timothy Chi, a visionary entrepreneur, board director, and corporate executive with over 25 years of experience building and scaling world-class digital platforms.

Timothy Chi is a visionary entrepreneur, seasoned board director, and corporate executive with over 25 years of experience building and leading digital platforms and online marketplaces. As a two-time founder, Tim has successfully navigated both public and private equity exits, most notably with WeddingWire, which he co-founded and scaled globally, and Blackboard, a pioneer in online education.

Most recently, Tim served as CEO of The Knot Worldwide (2019–2025), where he led a team of over 2,000 across 16 countries, overseeing iconic wedding brands like The Knot, WeddingWire, and Bodas.net. Under his leadership, the company executed a $1 billion take-private transaction and achieved consistent profitable growth with 30%+ EBITDA margins.

Tim’s board experience spans public companies and nonprofits, including roles as Vice Chair of The Knot Worldwide, Chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee at DiamondRock Hospitality (NYSE: DRH), and Chair of the Governance Committee at the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center.

A recognized EY Entrepreneur of the Year and Washingtonian Tech Titan, Tim’s work has been featured on CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, and Fortune.

Beyond the boardroom, Tim is embracing a new chapter focused on family, travel, and personal growth. He’s been reconnecting with loved ones across the globe—from Botswana to Costa Rica—while advising early-stage startups, fixing up his long-neglected home, and even dabbling in “vibe coding.” His current passion lies in investing in relationships, making time for old friends and family, which he describes as the most rewarding part of his journey.

Tim holds degrees from Cornell University (BS in Operations Research & Industrial Engineering) and Tufts University (MS in Engineering Management), and resides in Bethesda, MD.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, seasoned executive, or simply curious about the human side of business success, you’ll leave this event with powerful takeaways and fresh inspiration.

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