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Entrepreneur Speaker Series

Startups and New Technology in Hospitality

Entrepreneur Speaker Series

The hospitality and tourism sectors are not only among the most significant ones globally, but they are of special importance for Southern California. Both in terms of employment and spending, they represent industries with steady current and future growth. In recent years, technology and innovation have increasingly brought change to these very traditional industries. Major brands experiment with new technologies from robotics to data analytics, and young start-ups bring disruption to an entire industry. After a keynote of hospitality innovator and successful venture capitalist Dave Berkus, panelists Jeff Lapin, Chris Hovanessian, and Adam and Jordan Hollander will bring insights into these changing industries and share their personal experiences.

Keynote: 

Dave Berkus, Managing PartnerWayfare Ventures   |  Bio

Dave Berkus has a well-established track record in operations, venture investing and corporate board service, both public and private. As an entrepreneur, he has formed, managed and sold successful businesses in the entertainment and software arenas. As a private equity investor, he has obtained healthy returns from liquidity events in over a dozen investments in early-stage ventures. He acts as CEO coach and advisory board member to a number of technology companies, both public and private.

He is current or recent board chairman or board member for numerous public and private technology companies. Active in a total of over 40 companies, he was recognized as “Director of the Year” by the Orange County-based Forum for Corporate Directors and “Technology Leader of the Year” by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. He is co-author of 14 books for entrepreneurs, investors and corporate boards. 

Berkus has made over 161 investments in early stage ventures, for which he has an IRR of 101 percent, and manages six early stage funds, including Berkus Technology Ventures LLC, Kodiak Ventures, L.P., Wayfare Ventures LLC, and three Tech Coast Angels ACE Funds, where he is also chairman emeritus of TCA. He serves as a trustee of Occidental College, where he is vice chair of the Board. He is often engaged as keynote speaker for events worldwide, speaking on trends in technology and of success factors for early stage companies.

Panel:

Jeff Lapin, PartnerWayfare Ventures  |  Bio

Chris Hovanessian, Co-founderWhistle  |  Bio

Adam and Jordan Hollander, Co-foundersHotel Tech Report  |  Bios

Agenda:

The evening will begin with networking and a bite to eat at 6 p.m., the main speaker will go on at 6:45, and the event will conclude by 8 p.m. There is no charge, but registration is required as seating is limited.

Our Sponsors:

NewCo Foundation

Community Leaders Association

Bank of the West

The Entrepreneur Speaker Series is a monthly event and is an opportunity for entrepreneurs and people who have an entrepreneurial mindset to network with each other, and learn from other experienced entrepreneurs. The Speaker Series is an energetic environment where like-minded and passionate people come together to share their ideas and build relationships. The room is filled with great connections and individuals who are enthusiastic about entrepreneurship and helping new businesses get their start.


Register

Register by May 2

Sponsored By
School of Management Center for Entrepreneurship

Contact

Susan Wood
swood@callutheran.edu
805-493-3091
Website

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