SUMMIT SPEAKERS

  • General Partner, Edgewood Ventures + Redwood Collective

    Vishal Verma is a General Partner at Edgewood Ventures, LLC, and Redwood Collective, LLC, overseeing venture capital investments and fund of funds initiatives. He serves on the Boards of Darwin Ventures, Fortinet, Opthealth, and Witt Security and is a Senior Advisor to Hon. Dick Gephardt and Hon. Secretary Michael Chertoff on international strategy.

    Vishal is the founder of Sidebar Summit, a leading Silicon Valley networking platform, and is actively involved in the US-India Cybersecurity Track 1.5 Dialogue hosted by CFR and ORF. He is also a Trustee of the University of California, Merced, a member of the Leadership Council at the RFK Foundation, and a supporter of Best Buddies.

    Passionate about fostering entrepreneurship and education, Vishal founded the Hyde Park Angels during his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He also holds a B.S. in Marketing from Santa Clara University.

  • Co-Owner, Sacramento Kings

    Chris Kelly is a Silicon Valley investor with a long track record of building innovative companies and making the Internet a safer place for kids and adults alike. As the first Chief Privacy Officer, General Counsel, and Head of Global Public Policy for Facebook, Chris helped the company grow from its college roots to the ubiquitous communications medium that it is today. Chris’ development of the site’s safety and security policies around real-world identity and deployment of a highly-trained staff for rule and law enforcement are credited as critical elements in the company’s success.

    Chris left Facebook in 2009 to seek the Democratic nomination for Attorney General of California, garnering 16 percent of the vote in a seven-way race, his first run for statewide office. Since the June 2010 primary, he has become an active investor in companies seeking transformational improvements in technology, media, and finance. Currently, he serves as Chairman of Fandor, a San Francisco-based streaming media company focused on independent film and visual expression, and Chairman of MoviePass, a subscription-based movie ticketing service with headquarters in New York City.

    In 2013, Chris joined a group of California investors who purchased the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. As a member of the group’s executive board, Chris contributes his expertise in technology and management to basketball operations and the Golden1 Center, the team’s new state of the art arena that opened in 2016. The arena was recently named Best Elite Sports Facility in the world by the Sports Technology Awards, an annual recognition voted on by thought leaders in global technology and sports.

    As an attorney in private practice before his time at Facebook, Chris represented Netscape in the Microsoft antitrust case and Diamond Multimedia in the groundbreaking suit over the MP3 player that furthered personal use rights over digital content. Chris received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, a master’s degree from Yale University, and his law degree from Harvard University. Chris also serves on the Board of Directors for the San Francisco 49ers Academy, an alternative public middle school in East Palo Alto, and as Chair of the New Leaders Council, a nationwide leadership training program for young progressives.

  • Head of Investor Relations, IgniteGTM

    Harold Graham is an experienced investment banker and strategic advisor, currently leading Graham Partners, a firm dedicated to connecting strategically aligned partners across the capital stack. With over 25 years in the financial industry, Harold has played a key role in corporate development, investment banking, fundraising, and political consulting. He founded HW Graham & Associates, a firm specializing in corporate development, strategic partnerships, and fundraising campaigns for businesses and philanthropic organizations of all sizes. 

    Throughout his career, Harold has been involved in a wide range of projects, from creating and executing strategic development campaigns to securing private placements, equity, and debt financing for companies at various stages of growth. His expertise also spans M&A financing across multiple industries. 

    A former securities and commodities broker, Harold was registered with FINRA, NFA, and CFTC, holding Series 3, 7, and 63 licenses. His deep industry knowledge continues to guide Graham Partners' mission to provide innovative financial solutions and strategic growth opportunities. 

  • Co-Founder of Hotmail | Visionary Entrepreneur

    Sabeer Bhatia is a visionary entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of Hotmail, the world’s first web-based email service, which revolutionized global communication and was acquired by Microsoft for $400 million. A pioneer in technology and innovation, Sabeer now leads ventures aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, critical thinking, and cutting-edge technologies.

    His current initiatives include Rags2Riches, inspiring global creativity through entrepreneurial tools; ShowReel, democratizing critical thinking education; and BeCubed, combining AI and design to tackle global challenges. A dedicated philanthropist, Sabeer has spearheaded impactful projects, including rebuilding his alma mater, St. Joseph’s Boys High School in Bangalore.

    Sabeer’s career exemplifies innovation, leadership, and a commitment to enhancing society through technology.

  • Head of Basketball, WME Sports

    Bill Duffy is Head of Basketball with WME Sports and former Chairman & CEO of BDA Sports Management, which was founded over 35 years ago, is one of the most successful and respected agents in professional sports.

    Along with the agency, he currently represents more than 40 NBA players and has represented hundreds of professional basketball players internationally. 

    Throughout his career he has and continues to represent current stars including, Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Brandin Podziemski, Zion Williamson, Sabrina Ionescu, as well as Hall of Famers, Steve Nash and Yao Ming, and retired stars, Rajon Rondo, Antonio Davis, Joakim Noah and Goran Dragic.

     He was a standout basketball player at Santa Clara University after starting his career at the University of Minnesota. He was selected in the 5th round of the 1982 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets and in 2003 was inducted into SCU’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

    Bill and his wife, Jamese, live in Walnut Creek, California and have five children.

  • President & Chief Distribution Officer of HARTBEAT

    Jeff Clanagan is an acclaimed producer and visionary leader in entertainment. As President & Chief Distribution Officer of HARTBEAT, Kevin Hart’s global media company, he oversees HARTBEAT Media, connecting audiences through events, gaming, music, Web3, and a robust distribution network. Clanagan leads the LOL! Network, reaching millions across social, audio, and streaming platforms, and has produced hit projects like Die Hart, Hart to Heart, and Reality Check.

    Previously CEO of Laugh Out Loud and Codeblack Films, Clanagan has championed films like Frankie and Alice and Addicted, and pioneered innovative marketing strategies for titles like All Eyez On Me and Kevin Hart’s record-breaking specials Let Me Explain and What Now?. His career began promoting iconic tours such as Def Comedy Jam and NWA’s Straight Outta Compton.

    With over 300 films grossing $350M+ to his credit, Clanagan is recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to urban entertainment. A mentor to young talent, he founded Codeblack Elite Track Club and has earned accolades like the AAFCA Pioneer Award and Ebony Power 150. A University of Washington graduate and Harvard Business School alum, Clanagan lives in Los Angeles with his family.

  • Managing Partner, Suncoast Ventures

    Genevieve LeMarchal is the Managing Partner of Suncoast Ventures, driving investments in healthcare technology, AI/ML applications, digital health, and medtech, with a focus on underrepresented founders and impactful innovation. Under her leadership, Suncoast has launched the Suncoast Healthcare Equity Angels, backed by healthcare industry executives.

    Previously, Genevieve led a transformative healthcare program for Expert Dojo, earning recognition as one of the most prolific early-stage investors by Crunchbase and receiving the 2022 Biocom Lifescience Catalyst Award. She also co-founded the XXcelerate Fund and hosted the AdVentureous Podcast.

    A Pacific Northwest native, Genevieve now resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she continues to champion innovation and is working on her first book, AdVentureous, exploring purpose, impact, and the raw paths to success.

  • Venture Partner, Suncoast Ventures

    Dr. Tammy Mahaney is a Suncoast VC venture partner and Clinical Director of Bella Primary Care. She is a former Army Captain, Doctor of Nurse Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner. Tammy served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corp leading national forces in healthcare settings. She has received certification in the Advance Course with the American Board of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (ABAIM) and has 20 years of nursing experience ranging from Medical/Surgical, Pediatric, Cardiology, Telemetry, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), and worked In Los Angeles as a Gamma Knife Nurse collaborating with a specialized team of world-renowned Neurosurgeons, Anesthesiologists, Physicists, and Radiation Oncologist in helping patients with brain tumors.

    She is passionate about holistic-integrative health and volunteers in global health missions where she has served in clinical settings in Nicaragua, Tanzania, Vanuatu, El Salvador, Senegal and Ecuador. She has travelled to six continents and over fifty countries around the world on medical missions. Tammy is an active community builder and volunteers as a nurse consultant and sonographer at a busy pregnancy center in San Francisco, CA and in downtown Oakland, CA with a focus on empowering and educating underserved minority women.

    She and her husband are active in the community as volunteers and philanthropists. Tammy currently lives with her husband and 4 of their 10 children in the Bay Area in California along with their Golden Doodle and 3lb Yorkie.

  • Senior Managing Director at Evercore ISI, Research Division

    Mark Mahaney is a senior managing director and heads Evercore ISI’s Internet research team.

    Mr. Mahaney has covered internet stocks for over 25 years and has been consistently  recognized by Institutional Investor (now Extel) for his research, including 18 years as a top 3-ranked analyst and six years as a No. 1-ranked analyst. In 2024, he earned the No 1 rank in the internet SMID-cap category, in addition to runner-up in internet large-cap.

    Previously, Mr. Mahaney worked on both the sell-side and buy-side for American Technology Research, Morgan Stanley, Citibank and Royal Bank of Canada, among others. He began his career in management consulting with Deloitte & Touche and with the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Senate and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

    Mr. Mahaney is the author of the best-selling book Nothing But Net (McGraw Hill, 2022).

    He received his B.A. in political science and history from Amherst College, his M.A. from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. He is also the former lead bassist for Monkey Funk.

    Mr. Mahaney lives in Lafayette, California, with his wife, Tammy, and they have 10 children.

  • Data & AI Cloud Evangelist, Microsoft

    Ashley Tarver is a Data & AI Technology Evangelist at Microsoft, helping Silicon Valley’s largest companies shape the future of artificial intelligence. Based in San Francisco, he is also the board president of the Association of Corporate Growth – Silicon Valley Chapter and has successfully founded and exited three startups.

    With a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Alabama, Ashley’s career spans over two decades in strategic roles at Cisco, NTT, Cloudera, and Microsoft, working with Fortune 100 companies and Unicorns on complex digital transformation challenges. An active speaker, he covers topics such as AI, data privacy, autonomous vehicles, and cloud innovation.

    A former combat engineering officer in the US Army and member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, Ashley is also a dedicated board advisor and avid outdoorsman who enjoys skiing, fly fishing, and travel.

  • Senior NBA Agent, Klutch Sports Group

    Calvin Andrews is a Senior NBA Agent with Klutch Sports Group, where he represents top talent, including multiple top-five NBA Draft picks and first-round selections, negotiating major contracts and endorsement deals. With over two decades of experience in sports management, Calvin previously founded SAI Sports Management and served as Vice President of BDA Sports Management.

    Before his sports career, Calvin spent 12 years in corporate sales and marketing with Xerox Corporation. A former standout basketball player at Montana State University, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business with a focus on Marketing.

    Calvin is also dedicated to empowering athletes off the court. He co-founded Scholar Athletes Inc., which launched the renowned Oakland Soldiers AAU program, and he was inducted into the City of Oakland Parks and Rec Hall of Fame in 2024 for his impact on youth.

    Residing in Hercules, California, with his wife, Kacy, and son, Killian, Calvin remains committed to building legacies for his clients and inspiring the next generation.

  • CEO, Positive Coaching Alliance

    Jason Sacks is the CEO of Positive Coaching Alliance, a leading national nonprofit organization with the mission to change the culture of youth sports so that every child, regardless of social or economic circumstance, has access to a positive youth sports experience. A recognized national leader in the youth sports space, Jason brings exceptional credentials to his role, including having led PCA’s growth of impact to millions of youth participating in youth sports. Jason has created innovative partnerships across all of youth sports, media outlets, leading brands, including Curry Brand/Under Armour, ESPN, National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), Little League International, US Soccer Federation, and many more. Under his leadership, PCA has successfully expanded its reach and impact through partnerships and attracting leading philanthropic organizations to support PCA’s commitment to ensuring youth sports are done right in all communities across the country. Prior to joining PCA in 2006, Jason worked in sports television production at International Management Group (IMG) and in the Basketball Operations Department for the New York Knicks. Jason holds an undergraduate degree in Broadcast Journalism from Syracuse University and a Master’s degree in Sports Management from New York University. He has also served as an assistant coach for the Men’s Basketball Team at NYU and for Egg Harbor Township High School (NJ) and Perspectives Charter High School (Chicago). Jason is an adjunct instructor in Northwestern University’s Masters of Sports Administration program and volunteers as a youth sports coach.

  • Chief Business Officer, EMPIRE

    Alexandra is a dynamic leader and dealmaker with extensive expertise in the consumer internet, media, sports, and technology sectors. She has led transformative acquisitions for major companies like Amazon and Electronic Arts and driven significant growth for both high-growth startups and established public firms through her roles in business development, strategic finance, and operational leadership.

    Currently, Alex serves as Chief Business Officer at EMPIRE, the world’s largest independent record label, overseeing global P&L and spearheading revenue-driving initiatives, including licensing, merchandise, sync deals, and M&A. During her tenure, she has contributed to record-breaking achievements, such as Shaboozey's historic Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit, and advanced partnerships with major platforms like Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

    Before EMPIRE, Alex founded and managed Night Capital, a $100MM growth equity fund tied to MrBeast’s talent management agency, earning recognition as one of Hollywood's Top Dealmakers of 2022. She also served as Chief Strategy Officer at Night Media, where she guided talent-led business launches like MrBeast Burger.

    At Amazon, Alex spent six years leading groundbreaking initiatives. As Head of Global Strategic Initiatives for Amazon Music, she launched Amazon Music Live, Amp, and the Amazon Music Merch shop. Earlier, she managed global investments and acquisitions across Amazon’s digital content, gaming, and device sectors, while helping launch verticals like Luna (cloud gaming) and health & wellness.

    A UC Berkeley graduate with dual degrees in Business and Political Science, Alex also holds an MBA from The Wharton School, where she specialized in finance and management.

  • President, Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul SC

    Lindsay Barenz is President of the Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul. In soccer, she previously worked for the Washington Spirit, the National Women’s Soccer League, and Real Salt Lake. She was a White House Fellow in the Office of Management and Budget during the Obama Administration. She has been a lawyer, entrepreneur, campaign manager, and union organizer. Lindsay is a graduate of Yale Law School and the University of Utah.

  • SVP, Business & Legal Affairs, Skydance Sports

    Marjorie Williams is the SVP of Business & Legal Affairs at Skydance Sports, where she leads the Business & Legal team and oversees operations. Previously, she launched a boutique entertainment law firm representing top talent and served as a senior business affairs executive at Amazon Studios and United Talent Agency. Her career also includes roles at Endemol Shine North America and Viacom (Comedy Central and BET Networks).

    A retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Major with 22+ years of service, including tours abroad and support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, Marjorie brings a unique perspective to her work.

    A Los Angeles native, she holds degrees from Howard University, the University of Oklahoma, Loyola Law School, and an Executive MBA from the University of Michigan. Recognized by the National Bar Association as a Top 40 Lawyer Under 40 and the LA Business Journal as a Woman of Influence, Marjorie is a sought-after panelist and industry leader.

  • CEO, Hannah Gordon Advisors LLC

    Hannah Gordon is CEO of Hannah Gordon Advisors LLC and author of SZN OF CHANGE: the competitor’s playbook for joy on the path to victory. She has been recognized as a Sports Business Journal Forty Under 40 and Game Changer, The Athletic NFL Forty Under 40, Leaders Under 40, Silicon Valley Business Journal Woman of Influence, San Francisco Business Times Inspire award winner, Legal 500 GC PowerList US Rising Star, one of PureWow’s 20 in ‘20 up-and-coming leaders trying to better the world.

    She has been honored by ICA Cristo Rey as its Leader in Mission, by Sol Sisters with its Leading With Impact award, and by Silicon Valley Business Journal as a Corporate Counsel Diversity Champion. Named one of the most influential women in football by NFL.com, Gordon's prior roles include Chief Legal and Administrative Officer of the San Francisco 49ers. Gordon has appeared in Oprah Daily, Good Morning America, CBS News, The Daily Mail, The Huffington Post, among others. Hannah is a Presidential Leadership Scholar and a former Lecturer In Law at Stanford, where she earned a J.D. Hannah holds a B.A. from UCLA.

  • Writer, Filmmaker, Executive, Proximity Media

    D'Angelo "D'Lo" Louis is a writer, director, and producer from Richmond, California, whose journey from adversity to creativity has shaped his unique perspective. After a decade-long incarceration, D'Lo discovered his passion for storytelling and, upon his release in 2018, transitioned into the film industry. Within months, he worked as a director’s and producer’s assistant on major projects like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Space Jam: A New Legacy.

    Now a Creative Executive at Proximity Media, D'Lo has contributed to acclaimed films like Judas and the Black Messiah and Creed III, earning an Associate Producer credit. Beyond film, he directs music videos, commercials, and manages artists, infusing authenticity and depth into every project. D'Lo’s journey exemplifies resilience, transformation, and a commitment to impactful storytelling.

  • Actor and Director

    Born in Torrance, California, Denzel Whitaker is best known for his award-winning role in THE GREAT DEBATERS, performing opposite of his two namesakes, Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker. Numerous film and television shows list Denzel's name including fan favorites: BLACK PANTHER, CUT THROAT CITY, THE PURGE TV series, WARRIOR, U SHOOT VIDEOS?, ALL THAT and TRAINING DAY.

    In 2011, Denzel simultaneously began developing his skillset behind the camera as a filmmaker. Since then, he's garnered millions of views in the music video space, worked 5 years at Cartoon Network as an editor and illustrator on hits shows including BOONDOCKS and BLACK DYNAMITE, and is a published fashion photographer.

    His latest film ‘BRAND NEW’, is a deeply personal drama that showcases Denzel’s many hats as a co-writer, co-director, co-editor, and stars Denzel himself. The film’s debut World Tour was met with immense success, including an Audience Award for Best International short and five additional nominations.

  • Founder, Principal Agent, Elite Loyalty Sports

    Vincent Taylor, a distinguished and highly regarded NFL sports agent, has carved out a significant reputation in the competitive world of sports representation. As the founder and principal agent of Elite Loyalty Sports, Taylor is known for his relentless commitment to his clients, exceptional negotiation skills, and ability to identify and nurture top-tier talent. His passion for elevating athletes on and off the field has made him a trusted figure among players, families, and front offices across the NFL.

    Taylor’s clientele includes high-profile athletes such as TRENT WILLIAMS, WHO WILL BE THE FIRST BALLOT HALL OF FAMER AND ALSO THE RICHEST NON-QB IN NFL HISTORY, WITH $350 MILLION IN CONTRACTS SIGNED. Travon Walker was the number one pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. This monumental achievement solidified Taylor’s status as a super agent, showcasing his ability to navigate the complexities of the draft process while securing the best possible outcomes for his clients.

  • Founder of Sphere of Sports + Canyon Oaks

    Taj Tashombe is the founder of Sphere of Sports, a premier thought-leadership platform that convenes influential leaders across sports, business, and entertainment during global marquee events. Inspired by a vision to foster innovation, investment, and collaboration, Sphere of Sports creates a high-value environment for decision-makers, family offices, and private wealth leaders to engage in transformative dialogue and industry growth.

    As the Founder and CEO of Canyon Oaks, a global advisory firm, Taj leads impactful initiatives across sports, entertainment, hospitality, and global affairs, including high-profile projects like the Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, and the Olympics. With expertise in strategic partnerships and brand innovation, he bridges industries to create sustainable, forward-thinking solutions.

    A seasoned executive with experience at global brands such as Toyota, Hilton, Hyundai, and the Athletics, Taj’s career has been defined by his ability to identify untapped opportunities and align them with market trends. His leadership extends beyond business to include creative ventures like House of Tashombe, a bespoke fashion and lifestyle brand celebrating cultural sophistication and innovation.

    Taj’s work reflects a deep commitment to connecting industries, driving innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration and growth.