Forging the Future heads to Austin for the Texas Venture Forum & Gala to discuss community-driven innovation happening across the state and the impacts of the Texas triangle on the global economy. From Austin’s own backyard to Latin America, Chris talks with directors, CEOs, and futurists in this mashup episode about their respective projects and their hopeful aspirations for the future of venture capital. Talking points include pebble funds, curated networks, global portfolios, exponential technologies, and more.

Denny Chared, Founder of DC Finance, joins Chris at the Texas Venture Gala & Forum in Austin to discuss the current trends and future potential of family office investments in tech and venture. With origins in Israel and a base in New York, DC Finance builds an international network of high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and investors for mutual growth and support through first-tier events worldwide. Talking points include building community amongst family offices and investors, encouraging family offices to become less risk-averse and more tech-oriented, and the future of family investments and upcoming trends.

Jay Steinfeld, Founder of Blinds.com and Entrepreneur in Residence at Rice Business School, presses rewind to take Chris to 2001 to discuss the founding, innovating, and selling his company. Originally started as Laura’s Draperies, Bedspreads, and More, Blinds.com was inspired by Jay’s desire to evolve continuously, and ended up being sold to Home Depot in 2014. Talking points include the four E’s of Blinds.com culture, Jay’s philosophy on hiring and training new employees, and how to make a smooth transition in company acquisition.