DFW Startup Week sponsored by Capital One

✨ Feel Good Friday Vibes! ✨ That’s a wrap on the 10th annual #DFWStartupWeek — and WOW, what an unforgettable week it was! From inspiring speakers to powerful connections, we celebrated the best of entrepreneurship in North Texas. 💛 Thank you to everyone who showed up, showed out, and helped make #DSW25 one for the books! But the fun doesn’t stop here… 👀 Stay tuned all year long for sneak peeks into next year’s DSW, and 📅 Be sure to check out The DEC Network for even more events, workshops, and networking opportunities to keep your momentum going. #FeelGoodFriday #DSWTurns10 #TheDECNetwork #StartupCommunity #Entrepreneurship #FortWorthStartups #DallasStartups #InnovationNeverStops

Celebrating Mentorship and Legacy! This past Wednesday, we were proud to witness a powerful moment in the NTAN community — Brandon Ward mentee of NTAN member Ichan Stall, was honored with the Mentor Legacy Award. This recognition celebrates not only Brandon’s leadership and dedication, but also the lasting impact of strong mentorship in shaping the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Congratulations to both Brandon and Ichan for embodying the spirit of growth, guidance, and giving back! #NTAN #MentorshipMatters #LegacyAward #StartupDFW #Innovation #NorthTexasLeadership #AngelInvesting

🎬 That's a wrap on DallasMeetup goes CPG 🥳 Last night the team at DallasMeetup joined forces w/ overbookMD, Networking Executives, REATA Commercial Realty, Workbox, Way To Work Productions, Dr Delphinium Designs+Events & The Drake Studios to host 1,200+ networkers for the official DFW Startup Week sponsored by Capital One after-party. Thanks to everyone who attended & all of the Featured Networkers who participated! 🤝 🫶 ✔️ Marc Nathan ✔️ Dylan M. Jones ✔️ Justin Anderson ✔️ Cydnee Jasmine Clark ✔️ Andrea Ridout ✔️ Nikita Seal ✔️ Sebastian Vera ✔️ Caleb Vander Esch ✔️ Joe Daly ✔️ Nathan Butorac ✔️ Flip Croft-Caderao ✔️ Jenica Oliver ✔️ Lynn Callaway ✔️ Derek Ramos ✔️ Trevor Landry ✔️ Janzen Eagler ✔️ Dave Weaver ✔️ Whitney Rowell ✔️ Cecilia Rios Murrieta ✔️ Kat Weaver ✔️ Quinn Sullivan ✔️ Rodrigo Ricaud ✔️ Addison LaBonte ✔️ Lynn Wilford Scarborough ✔️ Billy Knox ✔️ Jeff Richards ✔️ Matty Schirle ✔️ Le'Spencer Walker ✔️ Diana Palchik Video shot, edited and produced by Francis Enyinnaya Ufomadu with Way to Work Productions. https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/g4EpuVn5

This week, SMU Cox School of Business and the SMU Cox - William S. Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership are hosting DFW Startup Week sponsored by Capital One. Startup Week brings together entrepreneurs and change-makers for a week-long experience, where they exchange ideas, collaborate and grow alongside the 10th largest startup ecosystem in the US.

Influence isn't just a buzzword—it's the strategic differentiator that separates thriving brands, founders and creators. Yesterday, I had the privilege of sharing this insight with founders at DFW Startup Week sponsored by Capital One at my alma mater SMU Cox School of Business on the Brand & Marketing track, as I spoke to my consulting work supporting brands to build influence, and shared recent learnings. Moderator Spencer Traver posed a fantastic question to me: "With your experience across B2B, B2C, and Creator strategies, is there a common thread that moves the needle?" My response was immediate: influence wins. It's not about having the loudest voice or the biggest budget. It's about understanding that growth comes from becoming the brand relate to, turn to, trust, and ultimately champion. Whether you're selling software or marketing consumer products: build for awareness and influence. I outlined three actionable tactics—ranked from lowest to highest barrier to entry—that any founder can implement immediately. I shared how to quantify influence based on your current growth stage and tactics. The energy in the room reminded me why I love supporting founders: you are fearless, future-forward, and building influence.

Just made it to SMU for the Startup Funding Track of Dallas Startup Week. Come join me on campus today and then head to the www.dallasmeetup.com Happy Hour

Grateful to have served as a track captain and moderator at DFW Startup Week sponsored by Capital One for the second consecutive year - an experience that continues to inspire and energize me. The depth of knowledge shared in these sessions is truly remarkable. We explored marketing strategy, innovative branding, strategic messaging and positioning, and the dynamic world of AI. The breadth of content we covered in a short period of time was outstanding. I enjoyed learning alongside our audience in real time. What makes this event particularly special is the caliber of speakers who generously share their expertise: Sean Donovan Colby Jones (Kruger) Jericho Groenland Cam Means Todd Blyleven Regina Campbell Megan Dobbs Meeks Dessie Brown Keeya Allen Bora Laci, MBA These industry leaders take time from their busy schedules to contribute to DFW's startup ecosystem, offering invaluable insights drawn from their years of experience and success. I want to express my sincere thanks to the organizing team for trusting me with this role again (Chloe Pryor Kendall Kennedy Bill Chinn), and to every speaker who contributed their wisdom and experience to make this event truly impactful. If you attended the event - or are interested in discussing any of the topics covered - I'd love to connect and continue the conversation. Let's keep building and learning together. #DFWStartupWeek #StartupCommunity #Marketing #Innovation

🎉 It’s Day 4 — the FINAL day of #DSW25! What a week it’s been! From inspiring speakers to unforgettable connections, we’ve seen the very best of the DFW startup community. 💥 Enjoy this reel of highlights — and if you haven’t made it out yet, there’s still time! Come join us today for an amazing final lineup you won’t want to miss. Let’s finish strong! #DSWTurns10 #FinalDay #TheDECNetwork #DFWStartupWeek #StartupCommunity #InnovationInAction

The magic of DFW Startup Week sponsored by Capital One! 😃 ✨

This morning at Southern Methodist University the team at DallasMeetup was recognized as DFW Startup Week sponsored by Capital One’s 'Community Catalyst' Award Winner. The Community Catalyst drives opportunities for mentorship, advancement and networking. Thanks to our partners at The DEC Network for putting this incredible #startup conference on, and thanks to the #DFW community for the outpouring of support. 🥳 🫶 We're headed into only our 4th-ever cohort (#CPG) this Thursday, and every piece of validation along the way has given our team the fuel to progress forward and give back to the place we call home ❤️ Register 👉 https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/g4EpuVn5 #DallasMeetup is supported by overbookMD, Networking Executives, Workbox, REATA Commercial Realty 🤝 Francis Enyinnaya Ufomadu Thomas Brachey, PMP Kyle Gray Jessica Stettler Chrissy Edwards Michael Mills Tyler Riddell, Leadership MBA Laila Sarvarian Aaron W. Stephen Ellis Alexie Estrada Shawna Bankovich Dane Fuentes Chris Martin Cliff Newby Brandon Stokes Bobby Miller, MBA Lacey Garner Mati Fombang Michael Drake Jasmine Ohen Bora Laci, MBA James C. Lewis Bahadir 'Baha' Koseli Ichan Stall Tad W Perryman James Wang Amy Sulgrove Kendall Kennedy