You already know that Urban Tech Connect is on track to be bigger and better than ever in 2020. Now it’s time for some intros. We’re excited to begin introducing keynote speakers who will be taking the stage at Plug In South LA’s two-day conference in May:
Travis Holoway, Co-Founder and CEO, SoLo Funds
Travis Holoway is the co-founder and CEO of SoLo Funds, a mobile lending exchange that provides affordable access to loans under $1,000. SoLo was created to disrupt the predatory payday lending industry, and it’s currently considered to be one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in the country.
Before co-founding the company, Holoway worked in the financial services industry as a financial advisor. During that time he noticed a disconnect between the wealthy clients he met with on a daily basis and the 78% of Americans who live from paycheck to paycheck, and are often forced to take loans from family, friends, or predatory lenders charging annual percentage rates averaging 400%. SoLo offers a direct path to financial stability with loans ranging from $50 to $1,000. Lenders can earn appreciation tips while borrowers set their own payback terms. Holoway has been quoted in outlets that include American Banker, Black Enterprise, Forbes, and the Los Angeles Business Journal. He lives in Los Angeles.
Rodney Williams, Co-Founder and CCO, Lisnr
Rodney Williams is the co-founder and CCO of Lisnr, a data-over-sound platform that enables secure wireless device to device communication for payments, mobility, and connected devices. Lisnr’s software powers connected experiences across the customer journey. Lisnr has been backed by leading partners like Visa, Synchrony Financial, Metro, Target, and Intel. Prior to co-founding Lisnr, Rodney served multiple brand roles at Procter & Gamble.
Williams is a former trustee of the board of directors for the University of Cincinnati, a member of the board of advisors of Howard University as well as chairman of the board and co-founder of SoLo Funds. He has received recognition including being named one of Ad Age’s 40 Under 40 in 2013. Lisnr received a Cannes Gold Lion in 2015 for innovative technology and made CNBC’s Disruptor 50 companies list in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. Williams is a graduate of West Virginia University and Howard University. He is a member of the 2019 class of Henry Crown Fellows at the Aspen Institute.
Early Registration Open
Urban Tech Connect begins May 20 with a focus on tech opportunities for Gen Z. The first day of the conference features co-working and office hours followed by breakout sessions, workshops, and demos. Inspiring expert panels, fireside chats, and talks take place throughout Day 2.
Early registration for Urban Tech Connect 2020 is available here. Stay tuned for details about conference sessions and scholarships.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or partner? Connect with us at partner@pluginsouthla.com.
