Investment fund and startup accelerator Impact Ventures announced the inaugural Inclusive Capital Summit, an assemblage of local, regional, and national voices to discuss historically why capital has lacked inclusivity and what we can do about it.
The event will be held May 3-5 at The Women’s Building at Fair Park, at 3800 Parry Ave., in Dallas.
“At Impact Ventures, we believe that genius is everywhere, but access and opportunity is not,” Impact Ventures founder and CEO Benjamin J. Vann said in a statement. “To build a truly representative and thriving business ecosystem, we must invest in the communities that have historically been underestimated.”
“The Inclusive Capital Summit will bring solution-based conversations to the forefront, equipping our community and business leaders with the knowledge, network and platform to carry their work forward, especially in the southern parts of the country,” Vann added.
Bestselling author Fawn Weaver to headline event
Fawn Weaver, a New York Times bestselling author, investor, entrepreneur and the first Black woman to lead a major spirits brand, will headline the event, Impact Ventures said. Her company recently surpassed $100 million in sales.
Weaver is the founder and CEO of Grant Sidney Inc. and Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, a fast-growing American whiskey brand. She is a TED Speaker as well as a USA Today and New York Times bestselling author who has made hundreds of radio and television appearances.
Weaver will join CEO Vann for a fireside chat
Weaver will join Vann for a fireside chat where she will share her journey of being the first Black woman to build a $1B+ company from the ground up, while also pursuing a commitment to social impact and inclusion, and how she uses her success to create opportunities for others.
“I’m grateful for Impact Ventures’ mission and am excited to join the inaugural Summit,” Weaver said in a statement. “Creating something from the ground up, as a woman and person of color, provides an equal amount of challenges and opportunities. Bringing together all the key players – the founders, investors and community partners – speaks to the power of community in addressing those perceived roadblocks and paving a more inclusive, opportunistic path forward.”
Among the topics to be explored at The Inclusive Capital Summit are:
- How do we address long-standing systemic issues like redlining and other exclusive policies?
- What role does the faith community have in economic justice?
- How investors can be more intentional with capital investment by cultivating relationships with founders from underserved communities
On its website, Impact Ventures has posted a request for speakers. The deadline to submit proposals is March 31.
The summit will include live performances by local artists and innovative activations. Impact Ventures said that the summit would conclude with a major announcement about how Dallas will become a leader in making capital more inclusive for underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.
Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.
R E A D N E X T
-
EarthX is seeking innovators and investors to participate in its 2023 EarthX E-Capital Summit April 19-22 at Fair Park in Dallas. At the summit, early-stage climate tech companies will be able to make pitches for a chance at a cash prize. There will also be discussions on investment and industry trends by leading industry professionals, investors, startups, and policymakers, EarthX said, along with curated and self-selected one-on-one networking meetings between investors, dealmakers, and innovators.
-
Game-changing leaders share insights on ways nonprofits can recover from pandemic-related setbacks and build resilience for long-term success at Capital One’s seventh annual summit.
-
Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas is expanding its impact in helping girls dream big and learn skills for life-long success with help from Capital One.
-
Dallas' Boss Women Media and Capital One are presenting the fourth consecutive Black Girl Magic Digital Summit. This year they aim to reach more entrepreneurs than ever before by premiering the pre-recorded event on Amazon's Prime Video. The summit will feature 26 founders, CEOs, and executives with advice on how to turn your side hustle into a main hustle, and much more. From a $100K pitch competition (apply by August 12!) and live watch parties across the U.S., get ready for the magic.
-
“Entrepreneurs of color are over-mentored and undercapitalized. While others are saying, ‘Here’s a program or mentorship,’ we’ve been one of the first groups to say, ‘Here’s that, plus capital, to get you there,’” says Benjamin Vann, founder and CEO at Impact Ventures.
