The speakers

Since 2013, Bobby Franklin has led the venture community’s preeminent trade association focused on empowering the next generation of transformative American companies. As president and CEO of the National Venture Capital Association, he champions public policy that supports the American entrepreneurial ecosystem, making NVCA the dominant voice of the U.S startup ecosystem.

In 2020, Franklin led the launch of Venture Forward, NVCA’s connected organization which drives the industry’s human capital by promoting a strong, diverse, and inclusive venture community that will fuel the economy of tomorrow. Through its VC University program, Venture Forward has educated more than 4,000 aspiring and early career VCs, many from historically underrepresented communities.

Prior to joining NVCA Franklin spent ten years at CTIA, representing the entire wireless industry. Before CTIA, he served as Vice President, Federal Government Affairs and head of Alltel’s Washington, D.C. office. Franklin began his professional career with eight years of experience on Capitol Hill working for the late Senator David Pryor (D-AR).

Franklin earned his B.S.B.A. in Finance and Banking from the University of Arkansas. He and his wife, Julia, have three young adult children and reside in Arlington, VA.

Bobby Franklin- President & CEO
National Venture Capital Association
Keynote SPeaker- lunch may 7

J.P. Keating is a seasoned corporate leader, venture capitalist, and Managing Partner of proChain Ventures, a specialist venture firm investing in the future of supply chain transformation. proChain’s notable Midwest investments include Avol Aerospace, Intramotev, Laundris, Simporter, and Arvist.

With a career spanning 27 years with industry giants such as Allstate, Conagra Brands, Ameren, Anheuser-Busch InBev, and Boeing, J.P. has built deep expertise in supply chain innovation, startup ecosystem engagement, and venture investing. Along with his corporate roles, J.P. has been a venture partner and investor with VU Venture Partners and Zillion Technologies Ventures, and a long-time mentor and “corporate guy in residence” for numerous accelerators and incubators across the U.S.

J.P. is a double graduate of Saint Louis University, a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). He is actively involved in many industry organizations that include the Global Corporate Venturing Leadership Society, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, and the National Defense Transportation Association. 

A recognized “super-connector”, J.P. is passionate about leveraging his network to support and develop founders, fostering innovation for corporate colleagues, and transforming supply chains for good!

Dr. William D. Paiva is the Founder and Managing Partner of OLSF Ventures, an early-stage healthcare venture fund that has been fostering innovation in Oklahoma for over 24 years. Over the course of his career, Dr. Paiva has played a pivotal role in helping portfolio companies raise more than $600 million in venture capital, secure over $2 billion in corporate co-development funding, and achieve exits exceeding $1.5 billion.

Beyond his accomplishments in venture capital, he co-founded the Center for Health Systems Innovation (CHSI) at Oklahoma State University in collaboration with Cerner CEO and OSU alumnus Neal Patterson. CHSI is dedicated to transforming rural and Native American healthcare through innovative care models and technology solutions.

Most recently, Dr. Paiva launched My Life In The Middle Seat, a platform designed to help individuals optimize their personal and professional mindsets for success, drawing from his extensive experience working with high-achieving entrepreneurs and investors. Dr. Paiva holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology from the University of Oklahoma, an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, and has completed advanced studies in international finance at the London Business School.