It only happens once a year—and as always, it’s big. DFW Startup Week turns 10 in 2025, and the milestone event is shaping up to be the most ambitious yet.

With five full days of summits, sessions, startup energy, and community events, DSW25 brings together entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and ecosystem builders from across North Texas and beyond. The DEC Network’s flagship event runs Sunday, August 3, through Thursday, August 7, with DSW25 Basecamp headquartered at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business.

If you’ve been before, you know the drill: block your calendar, register for free, and plan your week strategically. And if you’re new to DSW, welcome. Here’s your ultimate guide—curated by the Dallas Innovates team, who haven’t missed a single year since DFW Startup Week began.

Formerly known as Dallas Startup Week, the new name introduced this year reflects how far this ecosystem has come, with a reach as big as North Texas itself.

From AI to angel investing, every DSW25 track, summit, and session is designed to fuel startups and grow our region’s innovation economy. We’ve done the click-heavy digging so you don’t have to. Consider this your lean-back, all-in guide to #DSW25.

The big picture

This is the nation’s second-largest startup week—and general admission is free. Hosted by The DEC Network and presented by Capital One, the conference takes over SMU with satellite events across the region. Each day features speakers and events around funding, innovation, leadership, and disruption. You’ll also find interactive workshops.

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

Key summits include:
– Disrupt Dallas Summit (Monday, Aug. 4), headlined by serial entrepreneur Cedric Nash;
– Corporate Startup Innovation Summit (Tuesday, Aug. 5), with a keynote by Shazam founder Chris Barton;
– Women of Innovation Summit (Wednesday, Aug. 6), featuring bestselling author Brianna Wiest; and
– Future of Venture Forum (Thursday, Aug. 7), with Trust & Will co-founders Cody Barbo and Daniel Goldstein.

The week kicks off on Sunday, Aug. 3, with community events in Dallas, Fort Worth, Richardson, and Plano.

Also on tap are networking happy hours, marketplaces, mentorship sessions, pitch competitions, and special workshops hosted by Texas Capital, Amazon, and Verizon.

Basecamp and beyond

Most programming happens at SMU Cox School of Business, aka Basecamp. According to the DEC Network, you can plan for on-campus eats (Panera, The Market, and The Exchange), and use the Binkley Parking Center address in your GPS: 3105 Binkley Ave, Dallas, TX 75205. Look for DSW25 flags and wayfinders. Bonus tip: Download the Myngly app to connect with other attendees before, during, and after.

That’s the overview. Now let’s break it down.

With dozens of events and nearly 300 speakers on deck, there’s a lot to take in. We combed through the lineup to spotlight key picks from our editors. Scroll on, mark your calendar, and keep an eye on the live schedule. Times and locations can change.

Plan by track

Here’s a curated look at DSW25’s content tracks.

AI Track
(Monday, Aug. 4)
Presented by: Worlds
Track Captains: Re-Vive director Bill Cockerill, VC Arena CEO Dan Sinawat, Quantawatt CEO Rashmi Varma, and strategy leader Ruchi Prasad

Explore the future of AI, and how technologists are building real-world AI solutions. Learn how startups are using artificial intelligence to solve problems, launch products, and unlock new markets.

• “The Shift to Physical AI: AI’s Real-World Awakening”
  10:00 a.m. | Speaker: Dave Copps, CEO and co-founder, Worlds

• “AI to ROI: Turning Innovation into Impact”
  11:30 a.m. | Speakers: Worlds’ Garrett Long, Jason Beavers, Southwest Airlines’ Kevin Kleist, Dave Copps; Bhaskar Lokanathan, startup development at Microsoft for Startups

• “Beyond the Buzzwords: Decoding Agents and Workflows”
  1:00 p.m. | Speakers: Worlds Jake Umbrage, Slalom’s Ryan Hilliard, Worlds Ross Bates, Microsoft’s Bhaskar Lokanathan

[Photo: DSW24, The DEC Network]

Capital Access Track
(Tuesday, Aug. 5)

Presented by: Dallas Collaborative for Capital Access

This track breaks down the barriers between startups and the capital they need to grow. From traditional lending to CDFIs and community partnerships, these sessions spotlight ways founders can fund their next move.

• “Bankable: Breaking Down the Traditional Lending Process”
  10:00 a.m.
  Moderator: Keisha Allen
  Panelists: Angel DeLeon (Texas Bank), Mack Davis (Bank OZK), Larsha Thomas (SouthState Bank)

• “Demystifying CDFIs: What They Are and How They Can Help You Grow”
  11:30 a.m.
  Moderator: Marisol Ashford (Comerica)
  Panelists: Tassjania Lozano (DreamSpring), ShaRhonda Hill (TruFund), Nichol Solis (PeopleFund), Jennifer Dale (LiftFund)

• “Unlocking Capital Access: How the DCCA Prepares You to Secure the Bag”
  1:00 p.m.
  Moderator: Mikki Moss (Harmony Bank)
  Panelists: Tassjania Lozano (DreamSpring), Tracy Irby (TWU Center for Women Entrepreneurs), Cortney Beauregard (community builder and strategist)

Student founders display their custom startup flags at the SMU Spears Launch Accelerator earlier this year. [Photo: SMU Spears Institute]

SMU Entrepreneurship Showcase
(Tuesday, Aug. 5)

Presented by: SMU Cox Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership
Track Captains: SMU’s Josh Taylor and Morganne Stewart

Leadership is a startup skill. This track dives into how founders make decisions, build teams, and execute—featuring insight from SMU faculty, accelerator heads, and entrepreneurs who’ve been there.

• “Spears LAUNCH Accelerator Founder Session”
  10:00 a.m.
  Speakers: Josh Taylor, executive director, Spears Institute, SMU Cox; Bhavana Kumar, head of accelerator, Spears Institute, SMU Cox

• “Is It Really a Good Idea? How to Kill Bad Ideas Fast”
  11:30 a.m.
  Speaker: Yoram Soloman, author and innovation expert

• “Entrepreneurship at SMU”
  1:00 p.m.
  Speakers: Josh Taylor, Emily Choi, executive director, SMU Caruth Institute, professor of practice, Bhavana Kumar, James Loomstein, adjunct professor, SMU Cox; founder, Rogue Marketing

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

Marketing + Branding Track
(Wednesday, Aug. 6)

Track Captain: Sustainment’s Spencer Traver

Built for marketers at any stage—from startup founders figuring it out to pros ready to level up—this track helps founders sharpen their story, scale their audience, and rethink brand in a world of shifting algorithms and short attention spans.

• “Brand Like a Pro: Storytelling from the Frontlines of Sports and Tech”
  10:00 a.m.
  Moderator: Spencer Traver, head of marketing, Sustainment
  Panelists:
  – Sean Donovan, chief innovation officer, TRG, who is known for work at the intersection of AI, culture, and design
  – Jericho Groenland, VP of marketing, Major League Rugby and the former brand leader at MillerCoors, TopGolf, and Dickies
  – Colby Jones, former senior director of marketing, LTK, who scaled LTK to a $2B+ valuation
  – Cam Means, brand team, PGA of America, who also helped take ROKA’s digital brand national

• “Marketing That Speaks: Crafting Messages That Cut Through the Noise”
  11:30 a.m.
  Moderator: Spencer Traver
  Panelists:
  – Todd Blyleven, former MLB scout and TEDx speaker, who is a mental health advocate and leadership expert
  – Regina Campbell, SVP of marketing, Tanger Outlets and a former exec at Havas, Dr Pepper Snapple, Neiman Marcus, and more
  – Megan Dobbs Meeks, VP of marketing, VICTORY+ and former marketer for Dallas Mavericks and Bally Sports

• “The First Customers: Marketing for Founders Figuring It Out”
  1:00 p.m.
  Moderator: Keeya Allen, program coordinator, The DEC Network
  Panelists:
  – Dessie Brown, lifestyle marketing expert, LD Unlimited, and head of digital programing behind Genius Entertainment
  – Bora Laci, manager, North Highland, and strategic leader

Bonus Spotlight

You can also hear from Calvin and Vanessa Jackson, the duo behind The Lemon Ad Stand. (Aug. 6, 11 a.m.). Their creative agency blends storytelling, branding, and purpose. Their mission? “Help make the world sweeter.”

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

Healthcare Track
(Thursday, Aug. 7)

Track Captains: Health Wildcatters’ Lindsey Settles and Hubert Zajicek

This track explores the startup journey in healthcare, from launch to scale. Hear from founders, funders, and industry experts on funding, legal strategy, innovation, and lessons from the front lines.

• “The DFW Healthcare Ecosystem”
  10:00 a.m.
  Speakers:
  – Jovelyn Castellanos, director of strategic initiatives, Health Wildcatters
  – Gabby Everett-May, director of operations and strategy, BioLabs Pegasus Park
  – Paul Corson, chief innovation officer, UT Arlington
  – Tiffanie Tovar, director of programs and community, MassChallenge

• “DFW Healthcare Investment Landscape”
  11:30 a.m.
  Speakers:
  – JR Garcia, investor, Green Park & Golf Ventures
  – Lucas Rodriguez, biopharma founder and executive 
  – Greg M. Howison, partner, Munck Wilson Mandala (IP law)
  – James Wang, investor, advisor, and healthcare speaker 
  – Hubert Zajicek, CEO and co-founder, Health Wildcatters

• “Healthcare: Startup War Stories”
  1:00 p.m.
  Speakers:
  – Sanket Chauhan MD, physician and entrepreneur in robotic oncology; CEO and founder, Surgical Automations
  – Sandra Saldana, CEO & co-founder, Alva Health
  – Patrick Smale, CEO and co-founder, ClearSight Therapeutics
  – Jonathan Pinto, CEO and co-founder, Rhythmm Healthcare
  – Chris Brickler, CEO and co-founder of MyndVR

[Photo: DSW24, Dallas Innovates]

Startup Funding Track
(Thursday, Aug. 7)

Presented by: Vela Wood
Track Captain: Mike Wilkes, corporate innovation, Plug and Play Tech Center

This track digs into how startups get funded, with sessions on early-stage capital, inclusive investing, and strategic exits. Hear directly from founders, investors, and legal experts on term sheets, trends, and alternative paths to raising capital.

• “Women in Venture Capital”
  10:00 a.m.
  Speakers:
  – Laura Baldwin, veteran finance and investor relations leader; managing director, Golden Seeds
  – Bora Laci, strategic leader; manager, North Highland
  – Mariela Salas, executive director, SomosVC

• “The Many Types of an Exit”
  11:30 a.m.
  Speakers:
  – Chris Wilkes, founder/operator with experience in dozens of exits; currently CEO of EnginSoft
  – Todd Viegut, M&A strategist focused on breakthrough technologies; principal-managing director-owner of TKV6 Strategies

• “Current Trends of VC Investment”
  1:00 p.m.
  Speakers:
  – Kevin Vela, partner, Vela Wood
  – David Evans, technologist and AI-focused serial entrepreneur; managing partner Sentiero Ventures

Signature Summits
Four summits. Four big themes. These are the centerpiece events of the DSW week, designed to spark big ideas and deeper connections.

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

Disrupt Dallas Summit
(Monday, Aug. 4 | 2:00–7:00 p.m.)

Presented by: Charles Schwab Bank
Summit Chairs: Lubbock Smith III, Chairman Emeritus; Frank Espree; and Keeya Allen

This summit is a high-impact afternoon focused on inclusive entrepreneurship, community leadership, and wealth-building. Expect real talk, bold ideas, and a keynote from Cedric Nash—plus a surprise dose of line dancing.

• “A Legacy of Impact: Black & Hispanic Chambers Shaping the Next Century”
  2:15–3:10 p.m.
  Moderator: Cortney Beauregard, known as “CortneyTheConnector,” president DeSoto Area Chamber of Commerce
  Speakers:
  – Amanda Moreno-Lake, president of redevelopment, Jim Lake Companies; 2025 GDHCC Chairwoman, Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  – Harrison Blair, president and CEO, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
  – Gilberto Atayde, vice president operations, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

• “Secure the Bag, Protect Your Peace: A Wealth and Wellness Conversation”
  3:15–3:55 p.m.
  Moderator: Kala Garner, Co-founder and CEO, Well Rise
  Speakers:
  – JuNene K, holistic health practitioner; founder, Muhimu Oils Wellness Center
  – Karen Cherry-Brown, founder, SIPS Consults

• “Fireside Chat: Content Marketing, Content Creating, How to Grow Your Business”
  4:00–4:40 p.m.
  Moderator: Zorric Sia, podcaster and founder of Hello Studios, empowering creators
  Speakers:
  – Kayla McDowell, founder, Dallas Black Bloggers and billing analyst, Lemonade
  – Asia Wright, entrepreneur and attorney; founder, The Wright Choice
  – Benny Kounlavouth, founder, Ascendo Social

• Interactive Line Dancing!
  4:40–5:00 p.m.
  Move, connect, and celebrate with fellow attendees in this fun and high-energy break.

• Keynote Conversation: Cedric Nash
  5:00–6:00 p.m.
  Cedric Nash—known as “Your Millionaire Mentor”—is the founder of Oakland Consulting and creator of the Black Wealth Summit. At Disrupt Dallas, he’ll share his personal path to wealth-building and why access, education, and ownership are essential tools for equity.
  Speaker: Cedric Nash, entrepreneur, investor, and author of Millionaire Money Moves
  Moderator: Cleo Greene, co-host of NBC’s Texas Today

• Disrupt Dallas: Social Hour
  6:00–7:00 p.m.

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

Corporate Startup Innovation Summit
(Tuesday, Aug. 5 | 2:00–7:00 p.m.)

Presented by: Capital One, in partnership with the Dallas Regional Chamber

Shazam’s Chris Barton kicks things off with a keynote on bringing “impossible ideas” to life. Stick around for pitch finals, a next-level AI session, and a happy hour to match the energy in the room.

• Keynote: “Bring Impossible Ideas to Life”
  2:00–3:15 p.m.
  Speaker: Chris Barton, founder of Shazam; three-time startup founder and tech investor

• Accelerator Pitch Finals
  3:15–4:30 p.m.

• “Next-Level AI for Entrepreneurs”
  4:35–5:15 p.m.
  Speakers:
  – Dan Sinawat, founder and CEO of AI CONNEX and VC ARENA
  – James Harding, Manager, Gen AI Technical Solutions Consultant, Google
  – William (Bill) Cockerill, director, business development, Re-Vive
  – Michael Petersen, CXO and founder, Raise a Hood
  Moderator: Duane Dankesreiter, SVP of Research and Innovation Dallas Regional Chamber

• Accelerator Pitch Awards
  5:20–5:40 p.m.
  Speaker: Kamlesh Talreja, Capital One

• Corporate Startup Innovation Summit Happy Hour
  5:45–7:30 p.m.

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

Women of Innovation Summit
(Wednesday, Aug. 6 | 2:00–8:30 p.m.)

Presented by: Mary Kay

Expect a full afternoon of panels, founder stories, and funding insights—capped by a keynote from bestselling author Brianna Wiest and a Women’s Marketplace + Happy Hour.

• “She Builds, We Rise”
  2:15–3:00 p.m.
  Speaker: Froswa’ Booker-Drew, author of Front Porch Wisdom and founder of Soulstice Consultancy

• Authors Corner
  2:15–8:30 p.m.
  Featuring:
  – Froswa’ Booker-Drew
  – Brianna Wiest, bestselling author of The Mountain Is You, 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think, The Pivot Year, and more

• “Build Your Circle & Fund Your FutHER”
  3:15–3:45 p.m.
  Moderator: Tarsha Hearns, entrepreneur and ecosystem builder, VP of entrepreneurship, Small Business Majority
  Speakers:
  – Frances Smith-Dean, owner, The Financial Educator
  – Holly Burrow, founder, eqALL Business Solutions
  – Jennifer Chandler, Dallas market president, Bank of America Private Bank; head of philanthropic solutions, Bank of America

• “WEDallas: Her Hustle, Her Way”
  4:00–4:30 p.m.
  Speakers:
  – Cherie Turner, founder & CEO, Mommy Scrubs
  – Lizbet Palmer, founder, Wayfarist Media
  – Melina Mayfield, founder & creative director, By M Squared; founder, ReBloomed

• “Brilliance, Beauty, and Balance: Prioritizing Self-Care for Women Leaders”
  4:45–5:15 p.m.
  Moderator: Leah Frazier
  Speakers:
  – Kimber Shelton, clinical psychologist and mental health equity advocate
  – Taylor Freeman, founder and family therapist, Root to Rise Family Therapy
  – Veronica Torres-Hazley, founder, Hey Chica!, co-owner Workplace Fit Co.
  – Marlene Faulkner
  – Tammy Johnson

• Keynote Conversation: Brianna Wiest
  5:30–6:30 p.m.
  Speaker: Brianna Wiest, bestselling author of 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think, The Mountain Is You, and The Pivot Year.
  Moderator: Leah Frazier, founder of Think Three Media

• Women’s Marketplace + Happy Hour
  6:30–8:30 p.m.
  Connect, browse, and shop with local women-owned businesses, innovators, and partners.

[Photo: DSW23, The DEC Network]

Future of Venture Forum
(Thursday, Aug. 7 | 2:15–6:00 p.m.)

Presented by: Justworks and the McKinney EDC and MEDC Innovation Fund, in partnership with North Texas Angel Network and 1845 Venture Studios

This summit brings together VC leaders, startup founders, and angel networks to tackle impact investing, alt-capital models, and hear about the rise of the Texas Stock Exchange.

• “Impact Investing”
  2:15–3:00 p.m.
  Moderator: Bhavna Kumar, head of accelerator, SMU Cox Spears Institute
  Speakers:
  – Becky Cullum, philanthropic strategy expert, EVP, NCF North Texas
  – Benjamin J. Vann, founder & CEO, Impact Ventures
  – Salah Boukadoum, social entrepreneur and impact investing thought leader

• “Alternative Capital Solutions”
  3:10–4:00 p.m.
  Moderator: Annabel Reeves Morgan, private wealth advisor, Goldman Sachs
  Speakers:
  – Mav Shafi, commercial banker, J.P. Morgan
  – Ryan Brown, co-founder & managing partner, 1845 Venture Studio
  – Tyler Brock, founder and CEO of BridgePoint Capital Solutions
  – Troy Billett, fund manager, MEDC

• “Texas Stock Exchange, NYSE & NASDAQ”
  4:10–4:55 p.m.
  Speakers:
  – Jeff Karcher, global managing director, Texas Stock Exchange
  – Nicole Chambers, Global Managing Director, Texas Stock Exchange
  Moderator: Trey Bowles, founder & managing partner, The Bowles Investment Group

• Keynote Conversation: Trust & Will
  5:05–6:00 p.m.
  Cody Barbo and Daniel Goldstein are founders who’ve navigated VC funding, regulated industries, and consumer tech—and scaled by building trust in one of life’s most personal categories. Trust & Will is a fast-growing startup that’s rethinking estate planning with simple, legally valid online wills, trusts, and guardianship tools. Designed to be accessible and affordable, the platform has helped more than 500,000 families and raised over $50 million from investors along the way.
  Speakers:
  – Cody Barbo, founder and CEO, Trust & Will
  – Daniel Goldstein, president and COO, Trust & Will
  Moderator: Trey Bowles

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

Meetups, marketplaces, and happy hours

Where the connections happen from curated mixers to community meetups at Basecamp and elsewhere across the region.

Note: Some events require RSVPs or have limited space. Check listings early and plan ahead.

• Coffee & Co-Innovation: Meet the Angels
  Monday–Thursday, Aug. 4–7 @ 7:00–10:00 a.m.
  UTD Richardson IQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd., Richardson
  Daily morning meetups with angel groups, founders, and innovation leaders.
  Info here.

• Startup Alley Expo + Happy Hour
  Monday, Aug. 4 @ 7:00–9:00 p.m.
  SMU Cox School of Business
  Founders, partners, and community builders come together to showcase innovation and share a drink.
  
  

  [Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

• Spotlight on Fintech: MassChallenge Breakfast
  Tuesday, Aug. 5 @ 8:30–10:00 a.m.
  SMU Cox School of Business
  Morning conversation with early-stage fintech founders and ecosystem leaders.
  Register here.

• Corporate Summit Happy Hour
  Tuesday, Aug. 5 @ 5:45–7:30 p.m.
  SMU Cox School of Business
  Connect with founders, VCs, and corporate leaders after the summit sessions wrap.
   
• Women’s Marketplace + Happy Hour
  Wednesday, Aug. 6 @ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
  SMU Cox School of Business
  Shop and connect with women-owned brands and summit speakers.
  
  

  [Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

• DallasMeetup Community Event
  Thursday, Aug. 7 @ 6:00–9:00 p.m.
  HERO, 3090 Nowitzki Way, Dallas
  This high-energy mixer brings together founders, operators, and brand leaders from across the region—with a special focus this time on CPG. It’s one of the largest meetups of the week, with more than 1,200 RSVPs already in as of this writing.
  Register here.

• Food & Wine Industry Meetup
  Thursday, Aug. 7 @ 7:00–9:00 p.m.
  Knife Steakhouse, 5300 E. Mockingbird Ln., Dallas
  A casual mixer for innovators across food, beverage, and hospitality.
  More info here.

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

Special events

These standout events go beyond the tracks and summits with pitches, one-time workshops, awards, expos, and community-driven programming across North Texas. Some are hosted around the region.

Again, some of these events require RSVPs or have limited space. Check listings early and plan ahead.

• Mentorship & Startup Awards
  Tue, Aug. 5 @ 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  SMU Cox School of Business
  Celebrating standout startups—and the mentors behind them.
  
  

  [Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

• Texas Capital: Fueling Texas-Sized Ambition
  Monday, Aug. 4 @ 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  SMU Cox School of Business
  Learn about flexible funding options for small businesses, no SBA backing required.

• Amazon Small Business Events
  Thu, Aug. 7 @ 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 3:00–4:00 p.m.
  SMU Cox School of Business
  Insights from sellers and step-by-step help for launching in Amazon’s store.

• Next Wave Accelerator Demo Day
  Thursday, Aug. 7 @ 5:30–8:30 p.m.
  Dallas Holocaust & Human Rights Museum
  Watch startup pitches from accelerator grads at a powerful community venue.
  Info to register here.

• Texas AI Challenge
  Thursday, Aug. 7 @ 6:00–9:00 p.m.
  SMU Collins Executive Education Center
  Texas’ first statewide pitch competition of its type is focused on applied AI solutions and real-world impact.
  Info to register here.

Don’t miss it

DFW Startup Week happens just once a year, and this one marks 10. Whether you’re building, funding, mentoring, or just getting started, there’s never been a better time to plug in, the organizers say.

As Capital One’s Sanjiv Yajnik put it, innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. “We must encourage and invest in entrepreneurs to build strong, vibrant communities,” he said, calling DSW a key driver of economic momentum across the region.

Quick links and info

Register for free: dfwstartupweek.com

Explore the full schedule: dfwstartupweek.com/dsw25

Download the Myngly app.

Tag your posts: @DFWStartupWeek • Hashtag: #DSW25

Basecamp address:
SMU Cox School of Business
6214 Bishop Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75275

For GPS/parking:
Binkley Parking Center
3105 Binkley Ave
Dallas, TX 75205
Map here.

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