Chris Walton, JD

CURRENTLY
President & CEO

RESIDES IN
Austin, Texas

EDUCATION
University of Washington, BA Summa Cum Laude
Stanford Law School, JD

EXPERTISE
valuation of business interests, complex securities, M&A, securities law

COMPANY INFO
Eton Venture Services, Ltd. Co.

Summary

• Specializes in valuation of business interests, intangible assets, debt instruments, stock options, derivatives, securities, and M&A advisory
• Led thousands of valuations, notably in areas like equity securities, intangibles, contingent considerations, financial instruments, investment valuations, convertible debt, business valuations for tax purposes, and fairness opinions
• Began career as a corporate securities / M&A associate at Gunderson Dettmer
• Served as an executive at two venture-backed startups
• Holds memberships in the California Bar Association, AICPA, ASA, NACVA

Experience

Chris Walton is a distinguished entrepreneur and expert in business valuation, leading Eton Venture Services as its President & CEO since its inception in 2010. His journey began at Gunderson Dettmer, a Silicon Valley law firm, where he specialized in corporate securities and M&A. Transitioning from law to leadership, Chris also contributed to the growth of two venture-backed startups.

At Eton, Chris’s expertise is in valuing complex financial assets, working closely with corporate leadership and stakeholders. He has led thousands of valuations across diverse sectors, from equity securities to business valuations for tax purposes. His acumen extends to fairness opinions, expert witness work, and handling shareholder disputes.

A member of the California Bar Association and various valuation associations, Chris commands a team of seasoned professionals from Big Four backgrounds. His comprehensive experience and leadership have positioned him as a trusted figure in valuation and corporate advisory services.

Chris enjoys connecting with entrepreneurs and other professionals who are solving difficult problems

Education

Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in East Asian Studies (Honors) from the University of Washington, Seattle, graduating Summa Cum Laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He received the Book Award for his senior thesis.

Chris obtained his Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School in Palo Alto, California.

Quote from Chris Walton

Steve Jobs once said, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.” Steve Jobs’s insight on innovation resonates deeply with my philosophy. In the realm of valuation and entrepreneurship, it’s the innovative approach to problem-solving and value creation that sets a leader apart. My career has been dedicated to not just following established paths, but forging new ones in understanding and maximizing the true potential of businesses.