Tom Chavez is an American software developer and entrepreneur.
Chavez was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, into a working-class family of Hispanic heritage. [1] His mother, Rose Chavez, was the daughter of Mexican and Basque immigrants and the first in her family to graduate from high school. She later took a civil service job at Kirtland Air Force Base. Chavez has credited her ambition and sacrifices as key to his educational and professional opportunities. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and philosophy from Harvard University, and later received a Ph.D. in engineering-economic systems and operations research from Stanford University. [2]
In 1998, Chavez co-founded Rapt, a software company that developed pricing and inventory management solutions for media and entertainment companies. Rapt’s platform helped digital publishers optimize revenue through algorithmic decision-making. In 2008, Microsoft acquired Rapt for a reported $180 million, integrating its technology into Microsoft’s advertising platform. [3]
In 2010, Chavez co-founded Krux, a data platform that helped companies collect and manage user data for digital marketing. The company served clients in industries including media, finance, and retail. In 2016, Salesforce acquired Krux for a reported $700 million. After the acquisition, Chavez joined Salesforce as a senior vice president, contributing to its data and AI initiatives. [4]
In 2018, Chavez co-founded "super{set}", a venture studio based in San Francisco that builds and funds enterprise software startups. The studio has helped launch several startups, including Ketch, a data privacy platform. [5]
In addition to his work in technology and entrepreneurship, Chavez is a frequent commentator on issues related to immigration, inequality, and diversity in the tech industry. In a 2025 essay for the Los Angeles Times , he wrote about the long-lasting impact of immigration raids on his family and the fear experienced by Latino communities, even among those with legal status. [6] He has also written about his experience as a white-passing Latino in Silicon Valley and the systemic barriers facing underrepresented groups in tech. [7]
In 2022, Chavez founded The Ethical Tech Project, a think tank focused on the responsible use of data and artificial intelligence. The organization conducts research and publishes policy recommendations related to digital privacy, algorithmic fairness, and the societal impacts of emerging technologies. [8]
Chavez co-founded the Chavez Family Foundation, which supports nonprofit organizations focused on education, immigration, and civic engagement. The foundation has funded initiatives such as Immigrants Rising, Mission Asset Fund, and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. [9] [10]
Chavez resides in San Francisco, California. He is an advocate for greater diversity and inclusion in the technology industry, often drawing on his own background as a Latino founder in Silicon Valley. [11]
In a 2020 op-ed, Chavez argued that Hispanic voters play an important role in preserving economic mobility and the ideals of the American Dream. He has written that immigration policy and educational access are foundational issues that directly affect innovation and civic health in the United States. [12]
He frequently speaks at academic institutions and industry events on topics such as entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and ethical technology design.