The WLD Show

#35 Chris Teng Balmaseda: How a Superconnector Discovered His Love For Taiwan

Episode Summary

Will, Lee, & Drew talk to Chris Teng Balmaseda about Taiwan quarantine, investing into space technology in Taiwan, how he grew up, and his involvement in nonprofits.

Episode Notes

Chris Teng Balmaseda is a Venture Partner at Infinio Capital - as an Early Stage SpaceTech Investor - with the goal of sending the first Taiwanese astronaut into space.  Chris is very involved in nonprofits, including his roles as:

• President-elect of the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce.
• Board member of the Taiwan Center Foundation of Greater Los Angeles.
• Board member of the Taiwan United Fund
• Board member of the Taiwanese American Film Festival
• President of the Taiwanese American Professionals Los Angeles
• Associate Advisor of the Overseas Community Affairs Council of the Republic of China.

In this episode we discuss:

• Taiwan Quarantine and what Taiwan was like during COVID
• Why Taiwan is well-positioned for space technology
• What drew Chris to Taiwan
• Growing up in a high-achiever Filipino-Chinese  household in Ohio
• What it was like going to boarding school
• His relationship with his father when he got  cancer
• Chris' involvement with Taiwan  nonprofits
• Why and how to get involved with nonprofits