Jan Ryan
Serial Entrepreneur, Tech Executive, Exec Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, University of Texas
Entrepreneur, tech executive and investor, Jan Ryan has been focused on building expansion stage companies for 28 years, resulting in four successful acquisitions and one IPO. In 2017 she joined the University of Texas to serve as Exec. Dir. of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and help launch the new School of Design and Creative Technologies. Jan’s long-standing mantra has always been: “Wake up each day falling in love with making your customers’ lives better.”
When her last company Social Dynamx was acquired in 2012, Jan's passion for women entrepreneurs led her to found Women@Austin, a community 100% focused on advancing female-led business. With currently over 1000 members, and a Board with many of Austin’s most successful female leaders, Women@Austin has made great strides to strengthen the ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in Austin. Today Jan serves as Advisor and Board member for some of Austin’s most innovative young companies, and she is both a Partner at Capital Factory and mentor at Tech Stars. In the Fall of 2017, Women@Austin became part of Notley Ventures social impact ecosystem, with the joint vision of helping Austin become the most successful city in the nation for women entrepreneurs.
Jan has been featured on the cover of Austin Woman magazine, listed in Texas Monthly's Power Issue of most influential Texans, received the “Woman of Distinction” award in 2016 by Texas Girls Scouts, and is an active contributor in the media for entrepreneurship and women in business.
She enjoys long distance cycling and has built with her hubby a 100% off-the-grid, sustainable ranch retreat outside of Wimberley, Texas.
Previously (3):
GA + Facebook Present - Women in Tech: Female Founders
Featuring women founders in tech; we'll hear the stories of highly successful women from different fields within the industry.
Fireside Chat with Hayley Wakefield & Farewell Party for The Refinery
Come hear from The Refinery's founder, Hayley Wakefield, as she shares lessons learned, and join us for a farewell celebration honoring the incredible community she built.
Career Camp X 2030 | Fostering Innovation in ATX + After Party
Career Camp X 2030 Week | We’re bringing in local companies leading the charge on innovation in Austin for a panel discussion and wrapping up with one heck of a party!