Search Here

What happens when professional athletes, tech firms and venture capitalists spend their time exploring the exciting and lucrative vistas of information technology and business vision? Call it Venture Draft, a first-of-its-kind conference where smart minds and accomplished athletes will come together to form new ventures. This one-of-a-kind event is being held at St. Louis University's Anheuser-Busch Auditorium on August 10 and 11, 2012.

Hosted by the Brandon Williams Economic Development Corporation (BWEDC) and the St. Louis University Entrepreneurship Center, professional athletes, venture capitalists and technology experts will meet face-to-face to discuss new business opportunities. The conference is open to anyone interested in attending by registering at www.VentureDraft.com.

"The venture community is always trying to keep up with new technologies while professional athletes are looking for ways to leverage their playing days for more efficient and effective post-sports careers," says Brandon Williams, co-founder of BWEDC and former wide-receiver for the St. Louis Rams. "We understand the needs of both sectors and developed a platform to address them."

At Venture Draft 2012, the goal is to bridge the gap between current and former professional athletes, venture capitalists, tech firms, educational institutions and other IT-related organizations; bringing together athletes with entrepreneurs looking for investments in startup companies.

The conference will introduce attendees to the latest technology business opportunities, products and applications while assisting athletes with their careers, business education and investments.

More than 300 professional athletes, venture capitalists and tech firms have already signed up for the conference's workshops and networking. Speakers include Henry Wong, partner at Garage.com, who describes Venture Draft 2012 as "the ideal gateway for sharing and developing" tech ideas that are attractive to athletes and venture capitalists. Other speakers include: Daymond John, Entrepreneur, Founder, President and CEO of FUBU and investor on the ABC reality television seriesShark Tank; Gabe Lozano, Co-Founder and CEO of Lockerdome; Shawn Green, former MLB All-Star; Adam Edwards, Former NFL player and franchiser; and Ron Roy of Wines that Rock, to name a few.