51°µÍø

Caruth Institute @ Cox

From blockchain to venture investing, the Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship provides essential insights and connections in the world of entrepreneurism. In addition, the Institute offers budding entrepreneurs a face-to-face platform to meet potential investors in the bimonthly Southwest Venture Forum. Another signature Caruth event: The annual Dallas 100™ Awards, honoring the fastest-growing privately held companies in the Dallas area.

For 34 years, the Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship at the 51°µÍø Cox School of Business and the Dallas 100™ sponsors have celebrated area entrepreneurs’ innovative spirit, determination, and business savvy. We have saluted the diversity, creativity, and resolve it takes to create and sustain a successful business in today’s hyper-competitive environment.

The Southwest Venture Forum

The 51°µÍø Cox Southwest Venture Forum (@smucoxswvf) is a public bi-monthly breakfast meeting where the Dallas venture community comes together to network and gain insights into different venture financing topics that are timely and relevant to the management of their portfolio of investments and fund strategy and operations. In 1990, the Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship assumed responsibility for operating the Southwest Venture Forum, founded by a local venture capital firm in 1984.

Entrepreneurs are also selected to present their business plans at each meeting to attendees. If you are interested in presenting, you must submit to the selection committee as follows:

A two to three-page business plan or executive summary that describes:

• The opportunity and business concept.

• The existing or proposed products and, or services.

• The industry and target markets in which they will operate.

• Accomplishments of key management personnel.

• Summarized financial projections of sales, profits, and cash flows.

• What they are seeking in terms of financing to build their company.

Please submit at least five weeks before the following forum to Nancy J. Hong at nhong@smu.edu.

Following the presentations by selected entrepreneurs, prominent investors or expert panels discuss current venture financing topics. Attendees in the forum consist of venture investors, entrepreneurs, bankers, attorneys, accountants, and consultants working with early- and intermediate-stage growth-oriented entrepreneurs and their firms.

The Southwest Venture Forum cordially invites you to:

Topic: Insights on Texas’ Innovation and Growth for All

Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: Check-in/Coffee/Networking starts at 7:00 AM
Breakfast at 7:30 AM
Program from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Location: 51°µÍø Cox Business School - ECOX1248: EY Gallery ---Easy parking on Bishop Boulevard
Registration deadline: Monday, November 18, 2024

Regardless of whether you lean red or blue, the upcoming Southwest Venture Forum promises an enlightening look at the economic and policy shifts that could shape Dallas, Texas, the U.S., and beyond.

Join us for a deep dive into new frontiers in innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship in Texas, covering:

• The Texas Stock Exchange: What will this mean for business growth?
• Texas’ Top 10 Global GDP Ranking and strong outlook for growth.
• Proposed Import Tariffs—feasibility, likely implementation, and potential impact.
• The Office of Government Efficiency, with Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy at the helm: What’s realistic?

Following these thought-provoking discussions, engage in an audience Q&A to explore these topics further.

We’re honored to feature Tom Leppert and Dan Branch as speakers. With a unique blend of government and business insight, Mr. Leppert—former White House Fellow, Dallas Mayor, investor, and seasoned CEO—brings a wealth of experience across industries. Mr. Branch, a partner at Winstead Law Firm, has over 30 years of expertise in business law and legislative leadership, having served as both Secretary and Chairman of the Texas Public Finance Authority and a representative in the Texas Legislature.
Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights into Texas’ future from two experts whose perspectives bridge the worlds of business and policy. Join us at the Southwest Venture Forum!

Speakers:
Dan Branch, Shareholder at Winstead, PC, and a Former member of the Texas House of Representatives

Thomas Leppert, Accomplished high profile, leader in both the private and public sector & the former Mayor of the City of Dallas.  
 
Moderator: John Terry, President of ChurchillTerry, Managing Partner at Verist Capital Management & Adjunct Professor at 51°µÍø Cox School of Business

For more information, contact us at caruth@smu.edu