Southwest Venture Forum

Join The SMU Cox Caruth Institute and the Spears Institute on Thursday, January 22nd for a morning of networking, community, and high-impact perspective on where the VC landscape is heading!

We’re thrilled to welcome Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of NVCA – the National Venture Capital Association, as this year’s keynote speaker, alongside co-hosts Dr. Emily W. Choi of the Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship and Josh Taylor of the William S. Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

Speaker: Bobby Franklin | President and CEO of NVCA – the National Venture Capital Association

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026

Time: Check-in/Networking/Breakfast Buffet starts at 7:00 AM

Program/Keynote: 8:00 - 9:30 AM

Location: SMU Collins Executive Education Center | 3150 Binkley Ave., Dallas, TX 75205

Parking in Binkley Garage (adjacent to Collins Center). Parking pass will be included in price of ticket.

Registration deadline: Thursday, January 15, 2025

Co-Hosts:

• Dr. Emily W. Choi, Executive Director | The Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship
• Josh Taylor, Executive Director | The William S. Spears Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership