
Chris Elmore is an entrepreneur, author, and co-founder of AvidXchange. He has written eight books and countless articles, is a Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UNC-Charlotte and at Queens University of Charlotte, and is the Entrepreneur-in-Residence for the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce.
As co-founder and “company evangelist” of AvidXchange, an industry leader in automating invoice and payment processes for midsize companies, Elmore has seen the company earn recognition as one of the 50 fastest-growing private companies in the Charlotte area for six consecutive years, rank among Deloitte’s Fast 500, and be named one of the top 100 technology companies in the United States. The privately-held company is valued at $1.4 billion.
A self-described “terrible student,” Elmore graduated from Watauga High School in Boone, North Carolina, in 1987. After an unsuccessful attempt at launching a heavy metal band, Elmore enrolled in Gaston College in the fall of 1988. He did not declare a major nor earn a degree while at Gaston College, but he did take many Business and Economics classes. He left the College in 1990 and enrolled in UNC-Charlotte, earning his bachelor’s degree in History and Museum Studies, and a master’s in Theology from Summit Bible School.
Noted for his knowledge of industry and for his entertaining tone, Elmore is a renowned speaker in the finance world and travels the country speaking on the topics of startup success, innovation, entrepreneurship, sales, technology, blockchain, and automation.
Elmore considers himself to be a proud product of the North Carolina Community College system. It was with the support of instructors at Gaston College that he developed the learning and study skills that enabled his academic success. “I would not be where I am today without Gaston College,” he said.