About me
Benjamin J. Vann (Ben), is an award-winning social entrepreneur, impact investor, public speaker, and economic justice advocate. He is the Founder and CEO of Impact Ventures, a 501c3 startup accelerator and integrated capital fund with a mission to empower talented, yet underestimated Women and Communities of color through inclusive entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and integrated capital.
As a 2020 Boston Impact Initiative Fund Building Fellow, 2018 World Economic Forum Global Shaper Fellow, Partner at Dallas Social Venture Partners, Dana Juett Social Venture Resident, and 2015 Mayor’s Star Council Alumni, Benjamin has been recognized both locally and nationally as a results-oriented change maker and thought leader for his business insight, strategy, collaborative cross-sector approach, and unique skillset to create innovative initiatives and solutions that positively impact communities. He consults and advises startup and early-stage business owners on their strategy, business model, finance, fundraising, and leadership. He also speaks frequently to students, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives on topics surrounding building inclusive ecosystems, impact investing/venture capital, inclusive leadership, social entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and more.
Benjamin brings over 15 years of professional expertise in finance, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and impact investing, combined with grass root social sector experience in community organizing, civic engagement, workforce and economic empowerment, and non-profit governance. He also serves as an executive board member to a number of civic organizations, city municipalities, as well as for-profit companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Benjamin is a Midwest native of Wichita, KS and earned his Bachelor Degree in Finance from Washburn University, where he was also a standout Defensive Back. Benjamin also played professional football in the Indoor Football League (IFL) for the Kansas Koyotes and was the Defensive Coordinator at Highland Park High School in Topeka, Ks. He is a self-taught musician of four instruments, avid vinyl collector, and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.
