SXSW Latinx Innovation HUB | Latino Innovation & Tech: A Conversation with Latinx Tech Investors

Flashback to SXSW Latino Innovation and Tech: A Conversation with Latinx Tech Investors and exciting conversations around the state and pulse of the LatinX tech ecosystem from venture to startups at SXSW LatinX Innovation HUB in Austin!

It’s always energizing to be around so many Latinx tech investors and entrepreneurs coming together to educate each other and drive positive change in the industry by sharing our collective experiences around what’s working and what’s not working in VC for diverse founders and funders. At Dream Big Ventures, we are passionate about educating and investing in diverse-led startups and collaborating with fellow funders that are making a difference in the world.

One of the things that stood out at the event was the growing opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech, despite the low number of diverse funders. With the rise of VCs and angel investors focusing on diversity and inclusion, there's never been a better time for Women, Latinx, and Black founders to start and scale their businesses. It's inspiring to be around so many diverse investors coming together with the purpose of helping our communities and we're proud to be part of this movement!

Special thanks to Thrive: Building Intergenerational Wealth led by My Money, My Future Ramona Ortega, and Black and Brown Founders, an initiative funded by the Nasdaq Foundation. Also thanks to Wells Fargo, The Inclusion Plus Institute, CryptoConexión Monica Talan, ALPFA Austin, Sabio School of Software Engineering, and SIDLEY Austin for their support in making this event possible. 🙏🏽

It was an honor to share the stage with Juliana Garaizar, Chief Development and Investment Officer & Head of Houston Incubator at Greentown Labs, Luis Martínez, Founder and CEO of We Tha Plug, Eli Velasquez, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Investors of Color, our Founder and CEO, Staci LaToison, and moderator, Jesse Martinez, Founder and CEO of LSA Global and Co-Founder of Latinx Startups. By working together, we will continue to magnify financial empowerment, entrepreneurship, and investment in the global LatinX community and beyond.

Learn more about Dream Big Ventures: https://DreamBigVenturesLLC.com

Watch the highlights and interviews with attendees: https://youtu.be/1vZuO_3-Aig
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Dream Big Ventures helps women and underrepresented founders raise capital for their startups because they are not adequately served by the current venture capital market. Our goal is to generate a meaningful increase in funding for women and diverse-led startups. We believe it's never too late to chase your dreams.

DBV Founder, Staci LaToison, has proven global experience and a track record in investing in startups, and as a Latina, she brings a unique perspective. As the Founding Partner of Dream Big Ventures, she is a venture capitalist and leader in innovation and strategy. Staci leverages her 22-year energy industry experience with Chevron, which includes expatriate assignments in China and Angola. This experience enabled her to shape and influence energy transition goals and fuel her passion for empowering others.

As a native Houstonian and first-generation college graduate, Staci earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Houston through the Bill and Melinda Gates Scholarship by way of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. She earned her MBA from the University of St. Thomas in International Business. Staci established VC firm Dream Big Ventures in 2022 after completing Columbia Business School’s Venture Capital and Private Equity program, where she serves as a Global Ambassador.

Staci is a Limited Partner in Mendoza Ventures, Portfolia, Softeq Venture Studio, and Urban Capital Network. Additional investments in her portfolio include Agility Bank, a women's and minority-owned bank in Houston, SpecsX AI Optometry clinics, and real estate. She is tapped into the emerging Houston innovation ecosystem and is a sought-after speaker, moderator, and judge for pitch showcases and tech summits at The Ion Houston.

She is on the Dean’s Advisory Board at the UH College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and serves on the Houston Hospice Executive Board of Directors. Staci also serves as a Board Advisor for the Softeq Venture Fund, an early-stage fund investing in technology companies.

Staci is a proud Puerto Rican and Cuban-leading Latina committed to increasing awareness and opportunities for women, Latinos, and other underestimated groups in Houston's diverse community.

Connect with her online:
LinkedIn: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/Staci-LaToison
Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/LaToisD
Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/Staci.LaToison