Chris Lyons President of Web3 Media at a16z crypto

Christopher Lyons is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and President of Web3 Media at a16z crypto. Lyons joined a16z in 2013, first as chief of staff to co-founder Ben Horowitz. In 2021, he helped launch a16z's first $400M Seed Fund. Prior to that, he founded the firm's Cultural Leadership Fund (CLF). Launched in 2018, CLF became a beacon of change, connecting the world's greatest cultural leaders (athletes, entertainers, musicians, and executives) with cutting-edge technology companies. More importantly, it became a platform to uplift Black builders and creators, fostering their journey toward excellence in the tech industry. Under Lyons' leadership, the CLF Fund became Silicon Valley's inaugural venture capital fund comprised entirely of Black Limited Partners, setting a powerful precedent for inclusivity in the sector.Lyons' career began in the music industry, honing his skills as a sound engineer under the mentorship of Grammy-Award-winning producer Jermaine Dupri. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch PictureMenu, a pioneering mobile app and digital menu platform. He sits on the boards of Yuga Labs, The James Beard Foundation, The Black Economic Alliance, and New Story Charity. Additionally, Lyons is the proud founder of Lyons Wine, an Italian wine brand that reflects his passion for craftsmanship.In recognition of his exceptional leadership and contributions to the tech industry, Lyons became a Kauffman Fellow graduate (Class ‘19). He is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated (KT Spring ‘07), where he continues to foster a sense of community and mentorship.

Andrew Kimball President & CEO of New York City Economic Development Corporation

Andrew Kimball is President & CEO of New York City Economic Development Corporation, where he leads NYCEDC’s work growing an innovative and inclusive economy for all New Yorkers. Prior to his appointment in 2022, Andrew served as the CEO of Industry City, where he directed the transformation of the long-underutilized industrial facility in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Under his leadership, Industry City invested over $450 million in infrastructure and place-making initiatives, and grew thousands of jobs and hundreds of businesses, ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies. Andrew previously served as President and CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, overseeing the transformation of the 300-acre former Naval ship-building facility into a national model for the creation of innovation-economy jobs, sustainability, and community partnerships. Prior to his time at the Navy Yard, Andrew served as director of operations for NYC2012, the privately funded bid to bring the 2012 Olympic Games to New York City, and as vice president of the New York Public Library. Up until his appointment to NYCEDC, Andrew sat on numerous boards, including the Coro New York Leadership Center, where he served as chair; Prospect Park Alliance; Gowanus Canal Conservancy; Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce; Citizens Budget Commission; and the NYS Regional Economic Development Council.

Vrinda Menon CTO, Head of Managed Accounts and Transformative AI, JP Morgan Private Bank

Vrinda Menon is the Chief Technology Officer and Head of Managed Accounts and Transformative AI for the Global Private Bank of JP Morgan Chase. In this role, she partners closely with the Global Heads of the business to deliver technology and tools that raise the bar on how they provide first class offerings and service to our clients. Vrinda is currently the Executive Sponsor for "TakeITforward" an initiative supporting the advancement of over 15,000 women technologists at JP Morgan Chase. Prior to her JP Morgan Chase role, Vrinda was Global Head of Funding & Liquidity Technology at Goldman Sachs.

Nick Simmons New Pursuit CEO

Pursuit is excited to welcome Nick Simmons as our new CEO. He has spent his career tackling some of the toughest challenges in education and workforce development. He started in the classroom as a founding teacher and acting principal in Harlem, then went on to lead statewide workforce strategy in Connecticut and advise Governor Ned Lamont on policy. As Senior Advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Education, he helped guide the national effort to reopen schools during the pandemic. Across roles, he has mobilized hundreds of millions of dollars for workforce programs and built partnerships between government, philanthropy, and business. Nick joins Pursuit with a deep belief in the power of technology, AI, and workforce innovation to create good jobs and lasting economic mobility.

Read Nick's CEO announcement →

The Glasshouse is the preeminent private event space of NYC with expansive views of Manhattan, Hudson River, and beyond.

660 12th Avenue (West Side Highway) between 48th and 49th Streets New York, NY 10019

• 6 pm – 7:00 pm Cocktail Hour

• 7:00 – 9:30 pm Dinner & Award Ceremony

• 9:30 – 11 pm After Party

Lead Sponsor Table: $100,000
Premium tables with 15 guests including 2 Fellows + recognition as Lead Sponsor on Bash materials and during the program.

Growth Investor Table: $50,000
A premium table with 10 guests including 2 Fellows + recognition as Growth Investor on Bash materials and during the program.

Impact Investor Table: $25,000
A prime table with 10 guests including 2 Fellows + recognition as Impact Investor on Bash materials and during the program.

Angel Investor Table: $10,000
A table with 9 guests including 1 Fellow + recognition as Growth Investor on Bash materials.

Individual Ticket: $1,500
One seat at a table.

Your commitment empowers our mission. Our corporate packages includes various types of table options and prominent recognition in Bash materials, website, social media posts, and throughout the live program.

To learn more about the details of each package, please see our Corporate Sponsorship.