Claire Hughes Johnson

Claire Hughes Johnson is a highly influential angel investor based in San Francisco, widely recognized for her strategic acumen and deep operational expertise. As the Chief Operating Officer of Stripe since 2014, she has played a pivotal role in scaling one of the world's most valuable private technology companies. Prior to Stripe, she spent a decade at Google, where she held various leadership positions, including Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations. Her extensive background in scaling high-growth technology businesses informs her investment thesis, making her a sought-after early-stage backer for promising startups.

Her investment portfolio showcases a clear preference for B2B SaaS, developer tools, fintech, and productivity platforms, often aligning with the broader ecosystem of companies that integrate with or complement Stripe's services. Claire Hughes Johnson typically engages in Seed and Series A rounds, providing crucial early capital and strategic guidance to founders. Notable companies in her portfolio include industry leaders such as Figma, Notion, Ramp, Rippling, and Scale AI, many of which have achieved multi-billion dollar valuations under her early support. According to Crunchbase, she has made at least 15 known angel investments, demonstrating a consistent commitment to fostering innovation in the tech sector.

As an angel investor, Claire Hughes Johnson is known for her hands-on approach, leveraging her vast experience in operations, sales, and organizational development to help portfolio companies navigate critical growth phases. Her investment extends beyond capital, offering invaluable mentorship and access to her extensive network. While specific check sizes for angel investors are rarely disclosed publicly, her typical first check for early-stage companies is estimated to range from $50,000 to $300,000, reflecting her significant commitment to high-potential ventures. Her backing is often seen as a strong validation, attracting further institutional investment and talent to the startups she supports.