Eric Chan

Founder, Ecco Design Eric Chan, Founder of Ecco Design, has been a stalwart in the design industry for over 30 years. With a portfolio spanning from office furniture to consumer products, and cutting-edge technologies like IoT, AR, and wearable electronics, his designs have been instrumental in shaping the aesthetics and functionalities of products from brands like Herman Miller, LG, HTC, Virgin, Samsung, Magic Leap, and more. Chan’s prior leadership roles at renowned companies like Henry Dreyfuss Associates, Emilio Ambasz Design Group and Nextiles, underline his deep-rooted commitment to design excellence. Beyond his design prowess, Eric has embraced entrepreneurship with equal fervor. As member of New York Angels and an advisor to tech startup communities at XRC, NYU, and DOE Boost, he has cultivated invaluable entrepreneurial insights. His mentorship has been instrumental in guiding startups on their path to success.

Activities for Eric

Speaker | Design Entrepreneurship Deep Dive | 2023

Unraveling Design Entrepreneurship: A Conversation with Eric Chan

Eric Chan, Founder of Ecco Design, has been a stalwart in the design industry for over 30 years. With a portfolio spanning from office furniture to consumer products, and cutting-edge technologies like IoT, AR, and wearable electronics, his designs have been instrumental in shaping the aesthetics and functionalities of products from brands like Herman Miller, LG, HTC, Virgin, Samsung, Magic Leap, and more. Chan’s prior leadership roles at renowned companies like Henry Dreyfuss Associates, Emilio Ambasz Design Group and Nextiles, underline his deep-rooted commitment to design excellence.

Beyond his design prowess, Eric has embraced entrepreneurship with equal fervor. As member of New York Angels and an advisor to tech startup communities at XRC, NYU, and DOE Boost, he has cultivated invaluable entrepreneurial insights. His mentorship has been instrumental in guiding startups on their path to success.

In this session, you will delve into Eric’s journey, focusing on his career trajectory, experiences, and his current role mentoring successful startups. Learn how to get funding and prove your value, as you explore everything from building MVP to building a cross-disciplinary team. The audience will engage in an interactive dialogue about the unique challenges faced by designers with entrepreneurial aspirations. From the ideation process to product licensing, Chan will share invaluable insights based on his own experiences. Audience members will be encouraged to participate, ask questions, and discuss their own startup or product licensing challenges. This engaging discussion is a must for anyone venturing into the realm of design entrepreneurship.

The audience will learn:

  1. The intricacies of how design and entrepreneurship interweave throughout the startup process. Learn about the role design plays in shaping businesses and how it can be leveraged for entrepreneurial success.
  2. Firsthand knowledge of the unique challenges in the design industry and effective strategies to overcome them. Eric’s extensive experience will provide a practical guide to navigating these hurdles.
  3. How to cultivate an environment that fosters innovation and creativity. Learn how building cross-disciplinary teams can fuel the growth and success of your startup.
IDEA Juror | 2009