Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship

Southwest Venture Forum

In 1990, the Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship assumed responsibility for operating the Southwest Venture Forum, which had been founded by a local venture capital firm in 1984. The non-profit forum is a bimonthly breakfast meeting where entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their businesses meet with venture investors and the professional community to solicit financing and obtain advice.

Entrepreneurs present 2-3 page business plans or executive summaries that describe:

  • The opportunity and business concept.
  • The existing or proposed products and/or services.
  • The industry and target markets in which they will operate.
  • Accomplishments of key management personnel.
  • Summarized financial projections of sales, profits, and cash flows.
  • What they are seeking in terms of financing to build their company.
  • Please submit at least 5 weeks before next forum to patekriska@yahoo.com

Following the presentations by selected entrepreneurs, current venture financing topics are discussed by prominent investors or expert panels. Membership in the forum consists of entrepreneurs, venture investors, bankers, attorneys, accountants, and consultants working with early- and intermediate-stage growth-oriented entrepreneurs and their firms.

The Southwest Venture Forum cordially invites you to:

Topic: Survivor: Venture Capital Edition

  • Thursday, September 21, 2023
  • 7:00 AM Check-in/Coffee/Networking
  • 7:30 AM Plated breakfast
  • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Program
  • Location: Park City Club, 5956 Sherry Ln. Dallas, TX 75225
  • Registration will close Monday, September 18, 2023 at 5:00 PM. 

Speaker: TBD

Moderator: David Matthews, Founder/Managing Director

Regular Registration

Student Registration

Topic: TBD

  • Thursday, November 16, 2023
  • 7:00 AM Check-in/Coffee/Networking
  • 7:30 AM Plated breakfast
  • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Program
  • Location: Park City Club, 5956 Sherry Ln. Dallas, TX 75225
  • Registration will close Monday, November 13, 2023 at 5:00 PM. 

Speaker: TBD

Regular Registration

Student Registration

For more information, contact Nancy J. Hong at nhong@smu.edu

Venture Capital Update: 2023 Presentation Download
Venture Capital Update: 2022 Presentation Download
Venture Capital Update: 2021 Presentation Download
Venture Capital Update: 2020 Presentation Download
Venture Capital Update: 2019 Presentation Download
PE Independent Sponsors 5/10/18 Forum