Chip Ransler

Education: B.A., University of Virginia; MBA, University of Virginia Darden School of Business (Batten Scholar)

Charles W. (Chip) Ransler IV is executive director of HackCville, a nonprofit entrepreneurial talent accelerator in Charlottesville, Virginia. At HackCville, he leads strategy efforts and teaches both startup techniques and digital marketing to high-potential UVA undergraduates. Since Ransler began working with HackCville in 2016, the organization has grown from teaching 75 students students per year in three programs to teaching over 500 students per year, enrolled in 10 programs.

Previously, Ransler was CEO of Branch Basics, a nontoxic soap company based in Austin, Texas, where he specialized in strategy, fundraising and the creation of the firm's successful digital marketing strategy. He is also the co-founder of Husk Power Systems, a distributed renewable energy startup based in Bihar, India, and co-founder of Topik Solutions, a pioneer in mass-customized email marketing communications.

Ransler also lectures at the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce as co-teacher of the entrepreneurial capstone class.

Ransler lives in Charlottesville with his wife, Madeleine, and new kiddo, Hawks.