YOU’RE INVITED
Venture Capital Discussion
Mar. 12 at 2pm
Get insider perspective from prominent venture capitalists through engaging Q&A hosted by Austin native Carl Grant III. Explore how innovation can thrive in the present economic climate and glean actionable insights on each fund’s interests, the unique leadership dynamics in this industry, and the role faith plays in this space.
All Sunday Service at SXSW events are free to attend but will require you to save your spot with an Eventbrite ticket.
the lineup
Jake Thomsen
Managing Partner | Sovereigns Capital
Jake serves as the Managing Partner for Sovereign's Capital. He leads the Venture Capital team across the U.S. and Southeast Asia, investing in faith-driven tech founders who seek great financial outcomes while loving their neighbors as they lead their companies. Jake’s career spans operational and advisory roles, from tech start-ups to public companies. Before he joined Sovereign's in 2016, he was a manager in the Strategic Innovation Group at Booz Allen, where he launched and managed IoT and cybersecurity SaaS products. He lives in Durham, North Carolina with his wife Lauren, and three kids.
Natalie Buford-Young
CEO | Springboard Enterprises
Natalie Buford-Young, CEO, leads Springboard Enterprises. Their mission is to accelerate the growth of entrepreneurial companies led by women, through access to essential resources and a global community of experts. Previously, Natalie served as Managing Director of Market Development for Deloitte's venture capital, private equity, and emerging private company practices. Natalie served as Executive Director for Deloitte's Tech-Venture Center, which provides programs and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. To date, Springboard's portfolio includes 880 women-led companies, which have created $36 billion in value over the last 23 years.
Marcus Stroud
Co-Founder & Managing Partner | TXV Partners
Marcus is a founding partner at TXV. He focuses on investments across consumer technology and software. Prior to TXV, Marcus was a partner at ClG and an associate at Vida Capital and MarketAxess. Marcus has been named to the ABBJ 40 under 40, the Dallas CEO 500 for both 2020 and 2021, and the Forbes 30 under 30 class of 2022. He serves on the board of Dallas-based Trey Athletes. He received his B.A. from Princeton where he played football. He is a die-hard Cowboys fan and loves cheering for his Tigers and Longhorns on Saturdays.
Jan Ryan
CEO | 3Hills Group
Serial entrepreneur, Board Director, and tech executive, Jan Ryan has focused on building expansion stage companies for over 30 years, resulting in four successful acquisitions and one IPO. She founded 3HillsGroup, a strategic consulting firm to advise venture-backed startup CEOs and C-teams on issues of innovation and scale. As Executive Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at COFA, she created a Women in Entrepreneurship Class at UT, and co-created the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute, KSWELI, to advance female founders and leaders. When Jan is not working with and mentoring startups, she enjoys long distance cycling in Austin with her husband.
Brett Martin
Co-Founder & President | Kumospace
Brett Martin is President & Co-Founder of Kumospace, the virtual office platform, as well as Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Charge Ventures in Brooklyn, NY. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School, where he teaches data analytics and technology strategy. A serial entrepreneur, Brett has spent his entire career building or investing in technology startups, including stints as an EIR of PrimaryVC, Co-Founder of Switchapp, Co-Founder of Sonar, Director of Investments of Appfund, and Vice (media company). Outside of technology, Brett has published his Fulbright research in Harvard Business, founded an indie rock band, started a non-profit, and sailed 6,000 miles on a 30ft sailboat.
