Building Inclusive Ecosystems: Cincinnati & Beyond

As an innovation focussed venture capital investor and economic development leader, Candice Matthews Brackeen works to influence outcomes for entrepreneurs who are typically underfunded and outside of access to the networks necessary to scale. Her motivation to make change in this space was originally inspired by her own experiences as a woman and tech founder of color determined to find support in her local ecosystem and continues to be driven by her desire to create structures for the support of minority innovators.

Candice’s approach to building an inclusive ecosystem in Cincinnati began as a small weekly meet-up including several of her peers facing similar difficulties and quickly led to her challenging small business funding inequities across the state of Ohio. Candice’s efforts ultimately influenced legislation around an ongoing, dedicated allocation of Ohio’s Small Business Administration (SBA) funds to minority-led businesses across the state. She also led local corporations and universities including Kroger, Procter and Gamble, and the University of Cincinnati to meaningful engagement with the startup community, creating opportunities for innovators to access their labs, technologies, and other key resources.

Candice’s local weekly meetups became the catalyst for Lightship Foundation, where she now shares entrepreneurship education programming and ecosystem-building guidance across a dozen US cities and has led tech founders to more than $100 million in funding. Her journey continues to represent the truth that social impact can be both measurable and profitable.

Entrepreneurship

How underserved founders can and do build high-growth companies. Navigating the challenges inherent to minority entrepreneurship including access to networks and capital.

Venture Capital

The pandemic, social unrest and their influence on minority-led funds, How disproportionate access to capital inhibits overall economic growth in minority communities.

Navigating the Tech Industry as a Woman

Sharing personal experiences and insights on overcoming gender barriers and stereotypes in the tech industry, and offering strategies for success

Attendees will learn:

• Personal Experiences and Insights: Attendees will hear personal stories and experiences from women who have navigated the tech industry, including challenges they have encountered and successes they have achieved. These firsthand accounts will provide valuable insights into the realities of being a woman in tech.
• Overcoming Gender Barriers and Stereotypes: The session will explore the gender barriers and stereotypes that women often encounter in the tech industry, such as bias, discrimination, imposter syndrome, and lack of representation. Attendees will learn strategies for overcoming these obstacles and thriving in a male-dominated field.
• Building Confidence and Resilience: Attendees will gain insights into building confidence and resilience in the face of adversity. They will learn techniques for asserting themselves, advocating for their ideas, and navigating challenging situations with grace and resilience.
• Negotiation and Career Advancement: The session will offer practical tips and strategies for negotiation, career advancement, and leadership development. Attendees will learn how to negotiate for fair compensation, advocate for career advancement opportunities, and cultivate leadership skills to succeed in their careers.
• Support Networks and Mentorship: The session will emphasize the importance of building support networks and seeking mentorship in the tech industry. Attendees will learn about the benefits of mentorship, networking, and allyship in advancing their careers and overcoming challenges.
• Creating Inclusive Work Environments: The session will discuss the importance of creating inclusive work environments where women feel valued, respected, and supported. Attendees will learn about strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion within organizations and advocating for cultural change.
• Empowerment and Advocacy: Finally, the session will inspire attendees to take action and become advocates for change in the tech industry. Attendees will learn how to empower themselves and others, challenge gender stereotypes, and drive positive change towards greater gender equity and diversity in tech.

Overall, attendees will leave the session feeling inspired, empowered, and equipped with practical strategies for navigating the tech industry as women and overcoming gender barriers to achieve success.

The Future of Tech Innovation

Discussing emerging trends, technologies, and disruptions shaping the future of the tech industry, and the role of women leaders in driving innovation

Attendees will learn:

• Emerging Trends and Technologies: Attendees will gain an understanding of the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of the tech industry. This may include innovations in artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and more.
• Disruptions and Challenges: The session will explore disruptive forces and challenges facing the tech industry, such as cybersecurity threats, data privacy concerns, regulatory changes, and societal implications of technological advancements.
• Opportunities for Innovation: Attendees will learn about opportunities for innovation within the tech industry, including untapped markets, niche segments, and areas where technology can address global challenges and improve quality of life.
• Role of Women Leaders: The session will highlight the important role that women leaders play in driving innovation and shaping the future of technology. Attendees will hear from female leaders who have made significant contributions to the tech industry and learn about their experiences, insights, and strategies for success.
• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: The session will emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion in driving innovation. Attendees will learn about the benefits of diverse teams and inclusive cultures in fostering creativity, problem-solving, and innovation within organizations.
• Overcoming Barriers: Attendees will gain insights into the barriers and challenges faced by women in the tech industry and strategies for overcoming them. This may include addressing gender bias, advocating for equal opportunities, and fostering supportive environments for women in tech.
• Collaboration and Networking: The session may provide opportunities for attendees to network with women leaders in the tech industry, exchange ideas, and build connections. Collaboration and knowledge sharing among attendees can further drive innovation and create opportunities for partnership.

Overall, attendees will leave the session with a deeper understanding of the future direction of tech innovation, the contributions of women leaders in driving innovation, and actionable insights for navigating the evolving landscape of the tech industry.

The Role of Venture Capital in Tech Ecosystem

Discussing the role of venture capital in fostering entrepreneurship, driving innovation, and shaping the future of technology

Attendees will learn:

• Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Attendees will understand how venture capital contributes to the growth and vitality of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the technology industry. They will learn about the relationship between VC funding and the creation, growth, and success of tech startups.
• Fostering Innovation: The session will explore how venture capital serves as a catalyst for innovation by providing funding, resources, and expertise to entrepreneurs and startups. Attendees will learn about the role of VC in supporting research and development, technology commercialization, and disruptive innovations.
• Driving Entrepreneurship: Attendees will gain insights into how venture capital drives entrepreneurship by providing capital and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs, enabling them to pursue their ideas, build scalable businesses, and bring products and services to market.
• Shaping the Future of Technology: The session will discuss how venture capital shapes the future of technology by fueling advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, and information technology. Attendees will learn about the impact of VC funding on the development of new technologies and solutions that address global challenges and opportunities.
• Risk and Return: Attendees will understand the risk-return dynamics of venture capital investments, including the high-risk nature of early-stage investments and the potential for significant returns on successful exits. They will learn about strategies for mitigating risk and maximizing returns in VC investments.
• Economic Impact: The session may also explore the broader economic impact of venture capital on job creation, economic growth, and wealth generation. Attendees will learn about the ripple effects of successful tech startups funded by VC on local and global economies.
• Future Trends: Finally, the session may discuss future trends and developments in the venture capital landscape, including emerging investment sectors, changing investor preferences, and the evolving role of VC in shaping the future of technology and society.

Overall, attendees will leave the session with a comprehensive understanding of the critical role that venture capital plays in fostering entrepreneurship, driving innovation, and shaping the future of technology in the global economy."