In a year where the phrases “unprecedented times,” “new normal,” and “are you kidding me” are tired from overuse, many of us are struggling to identify the path forward. SeedCon aims to address this question by bringing together entrepreneurs and investors who are already moving forward and building for the future. These individuals are weathering the storm and seizing opportunities in their respective markets. And these markets are some of those most impacted by COVID-19: logistics, retail, and delivery; professional development and productivity tools; and health.

We would also like to acknowledge that this year has been incredibly difficult for the Chicago community that we love. Ticket proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund by Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF) to provide financial support to restaurant workers in need as well as the Compassion Fund by Children’s First Fund to promote a safe, supportive, and equitable learning environment for the students and families facing adverse circumstances.

This year’s conference is restricted to Chicago Booth students and alumni. Outside registrants will not be permitted.

For more information contact: Nora Mansfield at Nora.Mansfield@ChicagoBooth.edu

Agenda

This year’s conference will be hosted through the Hopin Platform. Access to this platform will be provided to attendees following their registration.

DAY 1: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 // Professional Development & Productivity Tools

11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Introductory Remarks

Starr Marcello, MA ’04, MBA ’17, Deputy Dean for MBA Programs, Chicago Booth

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Keynote: Education in a Post-Covid World

Deborah Quazzo, Managing Partner, GSV Ventures; Board Member at organizations including Degreed and The Khan Academy

Moderated by: Ellen Rudnick, MBA ’73, Senior Advisor, Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. – Panel: Trends Shaping the Future of Work

Mila Ferrell, Senior Product Leader at Zoom

Vinay Hiremath, Cofounder and CTO of Loom

Moderated by: Waverly Deutsch, Clinical Professor, Chicago Booth; Director, UChicago Global Entrepreneurs Network, Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

DAY 2: Thursday, January 28, 2021 // Health

11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Introductory Remarks

Steve Kaplan, Neubauer Family Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance, Chicago Booth; Kessenich E.P. Faculty Director, Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Keynote: The Path Forward in Life Sciences

Robert Nelsen, Cofounder, ARCH Venture Partners

Moderated by: Steve Kaplan, Neubauer Family Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance, Chicago Booth; Kessenich E.P. Faculty Director, Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

1:00 – 2:00 pm. – Fireside Chat

Lee Shapiro will discuss how digital health companies are evolving care and helping patients through the pandemic.

Lee Shapiro, Managing Director, 7Wire Ventures

Moderated by: Scott Meadow, Clinical Professor of Entrepreneurship, Chicago Booth

DAY 3: Friday, January 29, 2021 // Logistics, Retail, and Delivery

11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Introductory Remarks

Mark Tebbe, Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship, Chicago Booth

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – Keynote: Pivoting Amid Covid-19

Nick Kokonas, Co-Owner, Alinea Group; Cofounder and CEO, Tock

Moderated by: Jason Heltzer, MBA ’02, Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship, Chicago Booth; Managing Partner, Origin Ventures

1:00 – 2:00 pm. – Panel: Future of Retail, Logistics, and Delivery

Michael Ronen, CEO and Managing Partner, Oud Capital

Dhruv Saxena, CEO, Shipbop

Moderated by: Ira Weiss, MBA ’99, PhD ’01, Clinical Professor of Accounting and Entrepreneurship, Chicago Booth; General Partner, Hyde Park Venture Partners

2:00 – 2:15 p.m. – Closing Remarks

Dan Sachs, Executive Director, Education and Programs, Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

2:15 – 4:15 p.m. – Networking Hour