Karl Chong
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Cocoon
[LinkedIn Profile](http://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-chong)
Professional Summary
Karl Chong is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cocoon, a members-only club for families based in New York City. Cocoon positions itself as a “second home” for families, providing holistic, expert-led programming for children aged 0–8, prenatal and postpartum support, and a range of family events. The organization operates within a community-focused model, targeting parents looking for both developmental support for their children and a connected social environment.
Karl brings significant experience in entrepreneurship, finance, and technology-driven consumer businesses. Prior to Cocoon, Karl was the founder and CEO of Groupon Singapore, where he led rapid expansion to a headcount of 160 and established Groupon Singapore as the country's leading e-commerce platform—surpassing Amazon and eBay in local traffic and sales.
His earlier professional background includes:
- Investment Banking and Private Equity at Macquarie Bank (New York City)
- Financial Analyst at Proctor & Gamble
- Trader at UBS Investment Bank (Australia)
Karl is recognized for building and scaling operations, leading high-growth teams, and executing business development initiatives in both established corporations and fast-moving startups.
Cocoon: Organizational Overview
Cocoon is designed to serve urban families by offering:
- Children’s Programming: Structured activities and enrichment for ages 0–8
- Prenatal/Postpartum Support: Specialized resources for expecting and new parents
- Family Events: Community-building gatherings and expert-led sessions
The company is NYC-based, founded by Karl Chong and several other local parents who identified unmet needs for family-oriented community spaces and programming. Karl's leadership style is grounded in both his operational expertise and personal experience as a parent.
Professional Achievements
- CEO, Groupon Singapore:
- Drove rapid scale-up to 160 staff within three years
- Led Groupon Singapore to #1 in e-commerce market share, outperforming Amazon and eBay locally
- Managed cross-functional teams and steered business development, marketing, and operational strategies in a competitive digital marketplace
- Macquarie Bank (NYC):
- Investment banking and private equity roles, focusing on strategic growth and market analysis
- UNSW US Foundation:
- Serves as a Board Member, facilitating alumni engagement in the United States
Education
- Bachelor of Commerce & Bachelor of Laws (BCom LLB), University of New South Wales (UNSW), 2005
- Masters, INSEAD
Network and Influence
- Board Member, UNSW US Foundation
- Maintains active involvement within the UNSW global alumni network, leveraging these connections both personally and professionally across the US, Asia, and Australia
- Significant connections in New York entrepreneurial and family services communities, as well as proven experience in connecting global business and alumni circles
Notable Skills and Interests
- Leadership in Early-Stage Ventures and High-Growth Companies
- Parent/Family Market Segments and Community-Building
- Business Operations, Team Building, and Revenue Growth
- Holistic Child Development and Family Wellness Programming
- Cross-Cultural and International Business Experience
Additional Background
Karl relocated to New York City after roles in Australia and Singapore. He cites direct parental experience as foundational to Cocoon’s mission and product-market fit. His engagement with UNSW Law’s global alumni network underlines international reach and resourcefulness, supporting both his entrepreneurial and community-building endeavors.
Contact and Public Presence
- LinkedIn Profile: [linkedin.com/in/karl-chong](http://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-chong)
- Cocoon Website: [joincocoon.com](https://www.joincocoon.com/our-story)
- Professional Media Coverage: Featured in West Side Rag (Sep 18, 2024) and industry directories such as ZoomInfo
Karl Chong's profile demonstrates a strong combination of startup leadership, international business expertise, and community orientation within the family and children’s services sector—particularly in metropolitan markets. His career trajectory suggests significant influence and decision-making authority regarding partnerships and new initiatives within Cocoon.
