North Texas innovators and investors are gearing up for an annual power surge as Venture Dallas announces the initial speaker lineup for its 2024 summit. Set for October 30 at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the event will bring together entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and industry leaders, showcasing the region’s increasing strength in the VC arena.
Headlining the summit are Jesse Draper, founding partner of Halogen Ventures; James H. Lee, CEO of the Texas Stock Exchange; and Christopher Darby, former CEO of In-Q-Tel, alongside U.S. Senator John Cornyn. The roster also features local startup founders, venture capitalists, and industry experts, covering sectors from the creator economy to healthcare innovation.
Now in its fourth year, the event—backed by J.P. Morgan and Perot Jain—focuses on fostering high-value connections. “Conversations and introductions are oxygen for startups,” said Bryan Chambers, president of Capital Factory and co-founder of Venture Dallas, in an interview with Dallas Innovates earlier this summer. “Our goal is to create an environment where meaningful connections lead to tangible outcomes.”
Venture Dallas’ commitment to real-world results sets the tone for a summit focused on current and emerging trends in tech and investment.
2024 Venture Dallas speakers
As of today, Venture Dallas organizers have shared the following confirmed speakers, with additional announcements anticipated in the coming weeks.
Jesse Draper
Founding Partner, Halogen Ventures
Draper, a fourth-generation venture capitalist, focuses on early-stage investing in consumer technology companies led by women and co-ed teams. Her portfolio includes over 75 companies such as The Skimm, Babylist, and ThirdLove. She will share her perspectives on supporting female founders and fostering diversity in the tech industry.
Shaping the Future of Markets:
Launching the Texas Stock Exchange
Jim Lee
CEO, Texas Stock Exchange
Lee will discuss the launch of the Texas Stock Exchange, focusing on its mission to empower businesses by broadening access to capital markets. He will share insights on TXSE’s vision and anticipated impact on Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond.
The Future of the Creator Economy
Jason Illian
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Highpoint Capital
Known for his early investment in Dude Perfect and leadership in identifying high-growth startups, Illian will explore trends in the creator economy and highlight new opportunities for investors.
Coby Cotton
Co-Founder, Dude Perfect
As a co-founder of the YouTube sports and entertainment group with over 60 million subscribers, Cotton will share insights on the evolution of a global brand and scaling in the digital age.
Andrew Yaffe
CEO, Dude Perfect
Recently appointed as the Dude’s first CEO, Yaffe brings expertise from the NBA to lead Dude Perfect into its next chapter. He will discuss strategies for brand expansion and more.
National Security Investment Trends
Christopher Darby
Former CEO, In-Q-Tel; Global Head of Venture Investments, Cerberus
With nearly two decades at In-Q-Tel, a firm bridging technology and the U.S. intelligence community and now focusing on now focusing on global venture investments at Cerberus, Darby will address investment trends in national security and more.
Sen. John Cornyn
U.S. Senator for Texas
Senator Cornyn has been a key advocate for national security, defense, and technological innovation since being elected in 2002, representing Texas with a focus on public-private partnerships.
Lessons from Leading Dallas Investors
Darren Blanton
Managing Partner & Founder, Colt Ventures
Blanton, the founder of Colt Ventures, will share his expertise in investing in disruptive technologies and early-stage companies.
David Hunt
President, Hunt Technology Ventures
Hunt leads Hunt Technology Ventures, a firm known for its strategic investments in advanced technology sectors.
Pioneering Digital Frontiers: Insights from Tech Founders with J.P. Morgan
Mike Fey
Co-Founder & CEO, Island Technology
Fey is the co-founder of Island Technology, a firm revolutionizing enterprise security with advanced browser-based solutions.
Wes Cummins
Co-Founder & CEO, Applied Digital
Cummins leads Applied Digital, recently raising significant funds from Nvidia, positioning the company at the forefront of AI and advanced computing.
Healthcare Innovation
Nicole Small
CEO, LH Holdings; Former CEO, Perot Museum
Small, who oversees all aspects of investments and philanthropic endeavors at LH Holdings, will explore developments in biotech and life sciences, highlighting the role of organizations like Lyda Hill Philanthropies.
Amy Abernethy, MD, PhD
Co-Founder, Highlander Health
Dr. Abernethy is the cofounder of Highlander Health and a leading healthcare innovator, having held key roles at Flatiron Health, Duke University, and Verily. She is also a former principal deputy commissioner of the FDA, with over 500 publications to her name.
Brad Hirsch, MD
Co-Founder, Highlander Health
Dr. Hirsch is the cofounder of Highlander Health and a seasoned oncologist, entrepreneur, and product leader, previously leading product at Verily and founding clinical research company SignalPath.
To learn more or register
To learn more about the event, read our story or go here to register.
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