Here’s Your Ultimate Insider Guide to DSW25 » Dallas Innovates

It only happens once a year—and as always, it’s large. DFW Startup Week turns 10 in 2025, and the milestone event is shaping up to be the most ambitious yet.

With five full days of summits, sessions, startup energy, and community events, DSW25 brings toreceiveher entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and ecosystem builders from across North Texas and beyond. The event runs Sunday, August 3, through Thursday, August 7, with DSW25 Basecamp headquartered at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business.

If you’ve been before, you know the drill: block your calfinishar, register for free, and plan your week strategically. And if you’re new to DSW, welcome. Here’s your ultimate guide—curated by the Dallas Innovates team, who haven’t missed a single year since DFW Startup Week launched.

Formerly known as Dallas Startup Week, the new name introduced this year reflects how far this ecosystem has come, with a reach as large as North Texas itself.

From AI to angel investing, every DSW25 track, summit, and session is designed to fuel startups and grow our region’s innovation economy. We’ve done the click-heavy digging so you don’t have to. Consider this your lean-back, all-in guide to everything that matters during #DSW25.

The large picture

This is the nation’s second-largest startup week—and general admission is free. Hosted by The DEC Network and presented by Capital One, the conference takes over SMU with sanotifyite events across the region. Each day features speakers and events around funding, innovation, leadership, and disruption. You’ll also find interactive workshops.

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

Key summits include:
– Disrupt Dallas Summit (Monday, Aug. 4), headlined by serial entrepreneur Cedric Nash;
– Corporate Startup Innovation Summit (Tuesday, Aug. 5), with a keynote by Shazam founder Chris Barton;
– Women of Innovation Summit (Wednesday, Aug. 6), featuring bestselling author Brianna Wiest; and
– Future of Venture Forum (Thursday, Aug. 7), with Trust & Will co-founders Cody Barbo and Daniel Goldstein.

The week kicks off with community events in Dallas, Fort Worth, Richardson, and Plano, on Sunday, Aug. 3.

Also on tap are networking happy hours, marketplaces, mentorship sessions, pitch competitions, and special workshops hosted by Texas Capital, Amazon, and Verizon.

Basecamp and beyond

Most programming happens at SMU Cox School of Business, aka Basecamp. According to the DEC Network, you can plan for on-campus eats (Panera, The Market, and The Exalter), and apply the Binkley Parking Center address in your GPS: 3105 Binkley Ave, Dallas, TX 75205. Look for DSW25 flags and wayfinders. Bonus tip: Download the Myngly app to connect with other attfinishees before, during, and after.

That’s the overview. Now let’s break it down.

With more than 200 events and over 400 speakers on deck, there’s a lot to take in. We combed through the lineup to spotlight key picks from our editors. Scroll on, mark your calfinishar, and keep an eye on the live schedule. Times and locations can alter.

Plan by track

Here’s a curated see at DSW25’s content tracks.

AI Track
(Monday, Aug. 4)
Presented by: Worlds
Track Captains: Bill Cockerill, Dan Sinawat, Rashmi Varma, and Ruchi Prasad

Explore the future of AI, and how technologists are building real-world AI solutions. Learn how startups are applying artificial innotifyigence to solve problems, launch products, and unlock new markets.

“The Shift to Physical AI: AI’s Real-World Awakening”
10:00 a.m. | Speaker: Dave Copps, CEO and co-founder, Worlds
“AI to ROI: Turning Innovation into Impact”
11:30 a.m. | Speakers: Garrett Long, Jason Beavers, Kevin Kleist, Dave Copps, Bhquestionar Lokanathan
“Beyond the Buzzwords: Decoding Agents and Workflows”
1:00 p.m. | Speakers: Jake Umbrage, Ryan Hilliard, Ross Bates, Bhquestionar Lokanathan

Student founders display their custom startup flags at the SMU Spears Launch Accelerator earlier this year. [Photo: SMU Spears Institute]

SMU Entrepreneurship Showcase
(Tuesday, Aug. 5)

Presented by: SMU Cox Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership
Track Captains: Josh Taylor and Morganne Stewart

Leadership is a startup skill. This track dives into how founders build decisions, build teams, and execute—featuring insight from SMU faculty, accelerator heads, and entrepreneurs who’ve been there.

“Spears LAUNCH Accelerator Founder Session”
10:00 a.m.
Speakers: Josh Taylor, executive director, Spears Institute, SMU Cox; Bhavana Kumar, head of accelerator, Spears Institute, SMU Cox
“Is It Really a Good Idea? How to Kill Bad Ideas Fast”
11:30 a.m.
Speaker: Yoram Soloman, author and innovation expert
“Entrepreneurship at SMU”
1:00 p.m.
Speakers: Josh Taylor, Emily Choi, executive director, SMU Caruth Institute, professor of practice, Bhavana Kumar, James Loomstein, adjunct professor, SMU Cox; founder, Rogue Marketing

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

Marketing + Branding Track
(Wednesday, Aug. 6)

Track Captain: Spencer Traver

Built for marketers at any stage—from startup founders figuring it out to pros ready to level up—this track supports founders sharpen their story, scale their audience, and rebelieve brand in a world of shifting algorithms and short attention spans.

“Brand Like a Pro: Storynotifying from the Frontlines of Sports and Tech”
10:00 a.m.
Moderator: Spencer Traver, Head of Marketing, Sustainment
Panelists:
– Sean Donovan, chief innovation officer, TRG, who is known for work at the intersection of AI, culture, and design
– Jericho Groenland, VP of marketing, Major League Rugby and the former brand leader at MillerCoors, TopGolf, and Dickies
– Colby Jones, former senior director of marketing, LTK, who scaled LTK to a $2B+ valuation
– Cam Means, Brand Team, PGA of America—supported take ROKA’s digital brand national
“Marketing That Speaks: Crafting Messages That Cut Through the Noise”
11:30 a.m.
Moderator: Spencer Traver
Panelists:
– Todd Blyleven, former MLB scout and TEDx speaker, who is a mental health advocate and leadership expert
– Regina Campbell, SVP of marketing, Tanger Outlets and a former exec at Havas, Dr Pepper Snapple, Neiman Marcus, and more
– Megan Dobbs Meeks, VP of marketing, VICTORY+ amd former marketer for Dallas Mavericks and Bally Sports

“The First Customers: Marketing for Founders Figuring It Out”
1:00 p.m.
Moderator: Keeya Allen, program coordinator, The DEC Network
Panelists:
– Dessie Brown, founder, LD Unlimited and marketing strategist behind Genius Entertainment and TwoGether Land
– Bora Laci, strategic consultant, who is known for supporting early-stage teams turn large ideas into actionable go-to-market plans

Bonus Spotlight

You can also hear from Calvin and Vanessa Jackson, the duo behind The Lemon Ad Stand. (Aug. 6, 11 a.m.). Their creative agency blfinishs storynotifying, branding, and purpose. Their mission? “Help build the world sweeter.”

Healthcare Track
(Thursday, Aug. 7)

Track Captains: Lindsey Settles and Hubert Zajicek

This track explores the startup journey in healthcare, from launch to scale. Hear from founders, funders, and industest experts on funding, legal strategy, innovation, and lessons from the front lines.

“The DFW Healthcare Ecosystem”
10:00 a.m.
Speakers:
– Jovelyn Casnotifyanos, director of strategic initiatives, Health Wildcatters
– Gabby Everett-May, director of operations and strategy, BioLabs Pegasus Park
– Paul Corson, chief innovation officer, UT Arlington
– Tiffanie Tovar, director of program and community, MassChallenge
“DFW Healthcare Investment Landscape”
11:30 a.m.
Speakers:
– JR Garcia, investor, Green Park & Golf Ventures
– Lucas Rodriguez, healthcare executive
– Greg M. Howison, partner, Munck Wilson Mandala (IP law)
– James Wang, healthcare speaker
– Hubert Zajicek, CEO & co-founder, Health Wildcatters
“Startup War Stories”
1:00 p.m.
Speakers:
– Dr. Sanket Chauhan, physician and entrepreneur in robotic oncology
– Sandra Saldana, CEO & co-founder, Alva Health
– Patrick Smale, CEO, ClearSight Therapeutics
– Jonathan Pinto, CEO, Rhythmm Health
– Chris Brickler, healthcare entrepreneur

Startup Funding Track
(Thursday, Aug. 7)

Presented by: Vela Wood
Track Captain: Mike Wilkes

This track digs into how startups receive funded, with sessions on early-stage capital, inclusive investing, and strategic exits. Hear directly from founders, investors, and legal experts on term sheets, trfinishs, and alternative paths to raising capital.

“Women in Venture Capital”
10:00 a.m.
Speakers:
– Laura Baldwin, veteran finance and investor relations leader
– Bora Laci, cross-functional strategist and alter leader
– Dr. Mariela Salas, executive director, SomosVC
“The Many Types of an Exit”
11:30 a.m.
Speakers:
– Chris Wilkes, founder/operator with experience in dozens of exits
– Todd Viegut, M&A strategist focapplyd on breakthrough technologies
“Current Trfinishs of VC Investment”
1:00 p.m.
Speakers:
– Kevin Vela, partner, Vela Wood
– David Evans, technologist and AI-focapplyd serial entrepreneur

Signature Summits
Four summits. Four large themes. These are the centerpiece events of the DSW week, designed to spark large ideas and deeper connections.

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

Disrupt Dallas Summit
(Monday, Aug. 4 | 2:00–7:00 p.m.)

Presented by: Charles Schwab Bank
Summit Chairs: Lubbock Smith III, Chairman Emeritus; Frank Espree; and Keeya Allen

This summit is a high-impact afternoon focapplyd on inclusive entrepreneurship, community leadership, and wealth-building. Expect real talk, bold ideas, and a keynote from Cedric Nash—plus a surprise dose of line dancing.

“A Legacy of Impact: Black & Hispanic Chambers Shaping the Next Century”
2:15–3:10 p.m.
Moderator: Cortney Beauregard, known as “CortneyTheConnector,” who is a digital marketing expert and event producer
Speakers:
– Amanda Moreno-Lake, president of redevelopment, Jim Lake Companies
– Harrison Blair, president, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce
– Gilberto Atayde, vice president, Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
“Secure the Bag, Protect Your Peace: A Wealth and Wellness Conversation”
3:15–3:55 p.m.
Moderator: Kala Garner, CEO, SimplyBetterCo
Speakers:
– Dr. JuNene K, doctor of natural medicine; founder, Muhimu Oils Wellness Center
– Honorable Karen Cherry-Brown, healthcare entrepreneur; founder, SIPS Consults
“Fireside Chat: Content Marketing, Content Creating, How to Grow Your Business”
4:00–4:40 p.m.
Moderator: Zorric Sia, podcaster and founder empowering creators
Speakers:
– Kayla McDowell, founder, Dallas Black Bloggers and KCM Agency
– Asia Wright, entrepreneur and attorney; founder, The Wright Choice
– Benny Kounlavouth, founder, Ascfinisho Social
Interactive Line Dancing!
4:40–5:00 p.m.
Move, connect, and celebrate with fellow attfinishees in this fun and high-energy break.

Keynote Conversation: Cedric Nash
5:00–6:00 p.m.
Cedric Nash—known as “Your Millionaire Mentor”—is the founder of Oakland Consulting and creator of the Black Wealth Summit. At Disrupt Dallas, he’ll share his personal path to wealth-building and why access, education, and ownership are essential tools for equity.
Speaker: Cedric Nash, entrepreneur, investor, and author of Millionaire Money Moves
Moderator: Cleo Greene, co-host of NBC’s Texas Today
Social Hour
6:00–7:00 p.m.

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

Corporate Startup Innovation Summit
(Tuesday, Aug. 5 | 2:00–7:00 p.m.)

Presented by: Capital One, in partnership with the Dallas Regional Chamber

Shazam’s Chris Barton kicks things off with a keynote on bringing “impossible ideas” to life. Stick around for pitch finals, a next-level AI session, and a happy hour to match the energy in the room.

Keynote: “Bring Impossible Ideas to Life”
2:00–3:15 p.m.
Speaker: Chris Barton, founder of Shazam; three-time startup founder and tech investor
Accelerator Pitch Finals
3:15–4:30 p.m.
“Next-Level AI for Entrepreneurs”
4:35–5:15 p.m.
Speakers:
– Dan Sinawat
– Bill Cockerill
Moderator: Duane Dankesreiter, SVP of Research and Innovation, Dallas Regional Chamber
Accelerator Pitch Awards
5:20–5:40 p.m.
Networking Happy Hour
5:45–7:30 p.m.

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

Women of Innovation Summit
(Wednesday, Aug. 6 | 2:00–8:30 p.m.)

Presented by: Mary Kay

Expect a full afternoon of panels, founder stories, and funding insights—capped by a keynote from bestselling author Brianna Wiest and a Women’s Marketplace + Happy Hour.

“She Builds, We Rise”
2:15–3:00 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew, author of Front Porch Wisdom and founder of Soulstice Consultancy
Authors Corner
2:15–8:30 p.m.
Featuring:
– Dr. Froswa’ Booker-Drew
– Brianna Wiest, Bestselling author of The Mountain Is You, 101 Esdeclares That Will Change the Way You Think, The Pivot Year, and more
“Build Your Circle & Fund Your FutHER”
3:15–3:45 p.m.
Moderator: Tarsha Hearns, entrepreneur and ecosystem builder
Speakers:
– Frances Smith-Dean, executive director, Access Capital
– Holly Burrow, founder, EQALL Business Solutions
– Jennifer Chandler, managing director & president, Bank of America Dallas; head of philanthropic solutions
“WEDallas: Her Hustle, Her Way”
4:00–4:30 p.m.
Speakers:
– Cherie Turner, founder & CEO, Mommy Scrubs
– Lizbet Palmer, founder, Wayfarist Media
– Melina Mayfield, founder & creative director, By M Squared; founder, ReBloomed
“Brilliance, Beauty, and Balance: Prioritizing Self-Care for Women Leaders”
4:45–5:15 p.m.
Moderator: Leah Frazier, Esq., CMT, MCT-MP, RMT
Speakers:
– Kimber Shelton, clinical psychologist and mental health equity advocate
– Taylor Freeman, PhD, LMFT, LPC
– Veronica Torres-Hazley
– Marlene Faulkner
– Tammy Johnson
Keynote Conversation: Brianna Wiest
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Speaker: Brianna Wiest, Bestselling author of The Mountain Is You, The Pivot Year, and more
Moderator: Leah Frazier, founder of Think Three Media
Women’s Marketplace + Happy Hour
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Connect, browse, and shop with local women-owned businesses, innovators, and partners.

[Photo: DSW24, The DEC Network]

Future of Venture Forum
(Thursday, Aug. 7 | 2:15–6:00 p.m.)

Presented by: Justworks and MEDC Innovation Fund, in partnership with North Texas Angel Network and 1845 Venture Studios

This summit brings toreceiveher VC leaders, startup founders, and angel networks to tackle impact investing, alt-capital models, and hear about the rise of the Texas Stock Exalter.

“Impact Investing”
2:15–3:00 p.m.
Moderator: Bhavna Kumar, Head of Accelerator, SMU Cox Spears Institute
Speakers:
– Becky Cullum, Philanthropic Strategy Expert, NCF North Texas
– Benjamin J. Vann, Founder & CEO, Impact Ventures
– Salah Boukadoum, Social Entrepreneur and Impact Investing Thought Leader
“Alternative Capital Solutions”
3:10–4:00 p.m.
Moderator: Annabel Reeves Morgan, Private Wealth Advisor, Goldman Sachs
Speakers:
Mav Shafi, Commercial Banker, J.P. Morgan
Ryan Brown, Co-founder & Managing Partner, 1845 Venture Studio
Tyler Brock
Troy Billett, Entrepreneur and Strategic Investor
“Texas Stock Exalter, NYSE & NASDAQ”
4:10–4:55 p.m.
Speakers:
– Jeff Karcher, Global Managing Director, Texas Stock Exalter
– Nicole Chambers, Global Managing Director of Listings, Texas Stock Exalter
Moderator: Trey Bowles, Founder & Managing Partner, The Bowles Investment Group
Keynote Conversation: Trust & Will
5:05–6:00 p.m.
Cody Barbo and Daniel Goldstein are founders who’ve navigated VC funding, regulated industries, and consumer tech—and scaled by building trust in one of life’s most personal categories. Trust & Will is a rapid-growing startup that’s rebelieveing estate planning with simple, legally valid online wills, trusts, and guardianship tools. Designed to be accessible and affordable, the platform has supported more than 500,000 families and raised over $50 million from investors along the way.
Speakers:
– Cody Barbo, Founder & CEO, Trust & Will
– Daniel Goldstein, President & COO, Trust & Will
Moderator: Trey Bowles

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

Meetups, marketplaces, and happy hours

Where the connections happen from curated mixers to community meetups at Basecamp and elsewhere across the region.

Note: Some events require RSVPs or have limited space. Check listings early and plan ahead.

Coffee & Co-Innovation: Meet the Angels
Mon–Thu, Aug. 4–7 @ 7:00–10:00 a.m.
UTD Richardson IQ, 1302 E. Collins Blvd., Richardson
Daily morning meetups with angel groups, founders, and innovation leaders.
Info here.
Startup Alley Expo + Happy Hour
Mon, Aug. 4 @ 7:00–9:00 p.m.
SMU Cox School of Business
Founders, partners, and community builders come toreceiveher to displaycase innovation and share a drink.

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]
Spotlight on Fintech: MassChallenge Breakrapid
Tue, Aug. 5 @ 8:30–10:00 a.m.
SMU Cox School of Business
Morning conversation with early-stage fintech founders and ecosystem leaders.
Register here.
Corporate Summit Happy Hour
Tue, Aug. 5 @ 5:45–7:30 p.m.
SMU Cox School of Business
Connect with founders, VCs, and corporate leaders after the summit sessions wrap.
Women’s Marketplace + Happy Hour
Wed, Aug. 6 @ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
SMU Cox School of Business
Shop and connect with women-owned brands and summit speakers.

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]
DallasMeetup Community Event
Thu, Aug. 7 @ 6:00–9:00 p.m.
HERO, 3090 Nowitzki Way, Dallas
This high-energy mixer brings toreceiveher founders, operators, and brand leaders from across the region—with a special focus this time on CPG. It’s one of the largest meetups of the week, with more than 1,200 RSVPs already in as of this writing.
Register here.
Food & Wine Industest Meetup
Thu, Aug. 7 @ 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Knife Steakhoapply, 5300 E. Mockingbird Ln., Dallas
A casual mixer for innovators across food, beverage, and hospitality.
More info here.

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]

Special events

These standout events go beyond the tracks and summits with pitches, one-time workshops, awards, expos, and community-driven programming across North Texas. Some are hosted around the region.

Again, some of these events require RSVPs or have limited space. Check listings early and plan ahead.

Mentorship & Startup Awards
Tue, Aug. 5 @ 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
SMU Cox School of Business
Celebrating standout startups and the mentors behind them.

[Screenshot: DSW24 video recap]
Texas Capital: Fueling Texas-Sized Ambition
Mon, Aug. 4 @ 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
SMU Cox School of Business
Learn about flexible funding options for compact businesses—no SBA backing required.
Amazon Small Business Events
Thu, Aug. 7 @ 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. & 3:00–4:00 p.m.
SMU Cox School of Business
Insights from sellers and step-by-step support for launching in Amazon’s store.
Next Wave Accelerator Demo Day
Thu, Aug. 7 @ 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Dallas Holocaust & Human Rights Mapplyum
Watch startup pitches from accelerator grads at a powerful community venue.
Info to register here.
Texas AI Challenge
Thu, Aug. 7 @ 6:00–9:00 p.m.
SMU Collins Executive Education Center
Texas’ first statewide pitch competition of its type is focapplyd on applied AI solutions and real-world impact.
Info to register here.

Don’t miss it

DFW Startup Week happens just once a year, and this one marks 10. Whether you’re building, funding, mentoring, or just receiveting started, there’s never been a better time to plug in, the organizers declare.

As Capital One’s Sanjiv Yajnik put it, innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. “We must encourage and invest in entrepreneurs to build strong, vibrant communities,” he declared, calling DSW a key driver of economic momentum across the region.