By SGN | Updated 24 Jul 2025
“Communities come together when they are hit the hardest.”
If there’s one thing Christoper Fong can attest to during his 17-year-long career in tech, it’s the power of community.
And being in the unique position of helming multiple community vehicles – Xoogler.co, a 30,000 member forum for current and ex-Googlers to find their own, and Key AI, a platform that aims to help professionals make meaningful connections,- he has had the privilege of witnessing how people in close-knit communities have always risen to the occasion when the time calls for it.
“I know people who have found business partners, investment opportunities, and tons of new friends by being part of a community. That is where its magic lies,” he recalls.
However, finding like-minded folks to be in a community with can be daunting and time-consuming, even for people who are well-embedded within the community or industry in question. Current networking events focus on quantity rather than quality, and do not provide a way for participants to find each other before, during, or after the event on a native platform.
This is the problem Christopher is trying to address with his newest community-building project, Key AI. And he is relying on artificial intelligence to provide time-strapped professionals with tailored recommendations based on their interests and projects.
Forging community ties early on
Born in Singapore and raised in Sydney, Christopher’s diverse background has given him a unique perspective on the importance of community, especially close-knit ones. He spent his formative years in Singapore’s Seletar Hills, attending Maris Stella Primary School and spending Sundays at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, amidst like-minded kin within the spiritual community.
These early experiences instilled in him a sense of belonging.
Christopher’s journey into the world of technology and startups began during his university years. A visit to the U.S. when he was 19, followed by an exchange programme at Cornell University exposed him to the nation’s vibrant tech ecosystem.
His time at Cornell helped him realise the critical role of alumni networks in fostering growth and opportunity, witnessing firsthand how shared experiences and connections could lead to significant advancements in one’s career. These realisations would later become a driving force behind his ventures.
“I saw how dynamic the tech ecosystem is, how helpful alumni networks can be, and how the power of community can create real opportunities,” he shares.
Making waves at Google
After graduating, Christopher embarked on a career that would provide him with a vantage point into game-changing technological innovations.
He joined Expedia in 2004, moved on to Google in 2006, where he spent eight and a half years contributing to the tech giant’s formidable growth. During those years, Google underwent monumental change, its status as a simple search bar changing forever with the introduction of landmark products like Android smartphones, YouTube, and self-driving cars (Waymo).
As part of the emerging business development team, Project Sand Hill, Christopher worked closely with startups and renowned venture capital firms like Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz, to cultivate strategic partnerships.
“My job was to showcase Google products and resources to these startups and venture capital firms, and demonstrate all the different ways Google’s vast ecosystem can assist them,” he explains.
He facilitated collaboration between high-performing startups like Coinbase, Lyft and MyFitness Pal, with various Google product teams, including Search, Ads, Cloud, YouTube, Nest, Chrome, and Android.
This experience provided him with invaluable insights into the operations of successful startups and the dynamics of the tech industry, gaining a deep understanding of their unique needs and challenges.
Working at Google reinforced Christopher’s belief in the power of collaboration and community. “I saw how strategic partnerships and well-nurtured networks could accelerate growth and success,” he says.
Project Sand Hill would be his final role at Google, before he left to pursue his dream job of working closely with startups across different Google product areas.
The birth of Xoogler.co
“I fell into it,” Christopher says, when asked how he started the Xoogler community.
The initial idea was simple: create a platform for current and former Google employees to connect, collaborate, and support each other. What began as an email list quickly evolved into a global community and movement.
Xoogler.co’s growth was organic, and fuelled by a shared desire between Googlers and ex-Googlers to stay connected and assist one another. The community organised meetups, both in-person and online, and launched initiatives like “Xoogler Demo Day,” where former Google founders could showcase their startups, and secure funding.
“The concept of Xoogler Demo Day spread like wildfire, because it resonated with investors and entrepreneurs worldwide,” Christopher notes. “Ex-Googlers in Paris, Chicago, Bangalore, Zurich, Singapore, and London were all setting up their own versions of Xoogler Demo Day.”
The community experienced significant growth during two major events: the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and Google’s layoffs in 2023. During these times of uncertainty, Xoogler.co became a vital support network, providing members with resources, mentorship, and a sense of belonging.
And while COVID-19 undeniably brought loneliness and isolation, Christopher saw how the online world brought people together like never before. “People from all corners of the world were suddenly talking to each other. People who used to be time-strapped, now found themselves able to sit back and meet others virtually,” Christopher remarks.
The membership swelled once more, climbing from 14,000 to 28,000 over two months, following the 2023 layoffs at Google. This highlighted the platform’s importance during troubling times of transition.
Xoogler.co also launched Xoogler School, an initiative that offered educational programmes and mentorship opportunities. This programme allowed ex-Googlers to share their expertise with the wider community, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and skill development.
“The biggest takeaway from the circumstances that led to the formation of Xoogler School was that people across the globe were hungry for knowledge shared by Google alumni,” Christopher mentions. “One of our biggest learnings was that ex-Googlers wanted to teach everyone else, and that there was a huge appetite for knowledge.”
Redefining professional networking with Key AI
While Xoogler.co focused on the Google alumni community, Christopher recognised a broader need for more effective professional networking.
“Traditional networking events often prioritise quantity over quality, leaving attendees with numerous connections but few meaningful relationships,” he shares. “This realisation led to the birth of Key AI.”
Funded by notable investors from Singapore and Silicon Valley, Key AI leverages artificial intelligence to facilitate smarter and more targeted networking. The platform analyses users’ profiles, interests, and goals to recommend relevant contacts and opportunities.
“I wanted to create opportunities for people beyond the Google alumni circle, and one way of doing that is via professional networks,” Christopher explains. “It can be challenging to find the right people to speak to. So, how can we open doors and connect people to projects they’d be interested in, or help them grow in their career? That’s what Key AI aims to solve.”
Key AI aims to be a “professional life co-pilot,” guiding users toward meaningful connections and career advancement. The platform addresses the fragmented nature of traditional networking by providing pre-event insights, facilitating introductions, and enabling post-event follow-ups. “
The AI component of Key AI plays a crucial role in making networking more efficient and effective. It helps users identify the right people to connect with based on their specific needs and interests.
“On an individual level, you can check out people’s LinkedIn and X profiles. But AI can help you identify three people you should be speaking with right now, based on the initiatives and projects they’ve kickstarted, or the direction you’re trying to move towards,” he elaborates.
Building a base in Singapore
Christopher, who has been in Singapore since February 2023, moved at the invitation of Jeffrey Chia, then-Regional Director (San Francisco) of the Singapore Economic Development Board.
“Jeffrey was scouting people that could be interested in coming to Singapore on the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass. We met in August 2022, after Kim Lee (Talent Director of Sequoia Capital) referred him to me.”
Applying for the Pass, which has proven to be immensely beneficial to Christopher’s career in Singapore, turned out to be seamless. “Being on the ONE Pass has allowed me to start Key AI,” he shares. “ I would recommend it to any entrepreneur looking to set up a similar initiative in Singapore.
“I was drawn to return to Singapore given the country’s commitment to innovation and its ability to attract top talent. Tech startups in Singapore move regionally and internationally very quickly,” he observes. “To make an impact, you need to think globally and solve global problems.”
Since arriving back in Singapore, Christopher has actively engaged with the local tech and startup scene. His vision for this year includes creating a vibrant hub for tech professionals, where they can access cutting-edge knowledge, connect with peers, and drive innovation. To turn this dream into a reality, he is working closely with the Singapore Global Network (SGN) to establish community spaces where tech professionals can gather, collaborate, and learn.
“Imagine if we had a permanent space where people from different types of companies and industries could come together to learn,” he envisions. “Such a space will foster collaboration and accelerate the growth of the local tech ecosystem.”
Crafting a clear call to action
Christopher’s mission is clear: to empower professionals with the tools to build communities that drive success. Whether through Xoogler.co, Unlock (Key AI’s community that assists with career transitions), or Key AI, his focus remains on fostering connections that matter.
“Communities thrive when people support each other,” he says. “If we can amplify this with technology, the impact will be limitless.”
Now, he invites others to be part of this movement — whether as entrepreneurs, mentors, or professionals looking to build meaningful networks. “The future of networking isn’t just about who you meet — it’s about how you connect and grow together.”
Meet Christopher
Christopher Fong has deep expertise in the tech community building space. His unique position as the co-founder of platforms like Xoogler.co and Key AI has lent him unique insights into what makes a solid community tick.
Connect with him here – bonus points if you own or run a space that aligns with his vision.
