Robins Entrepreneur Series

At the Robins School of Business, we believe the best way to learn about entrepreneurship is by hearing directly from those who live it every day. The Robins Entrepreneur Series brings accomplished founders, innovators, and business leaders to campus to share their journeys—highlighting the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned along the way. Students gain valuable insights, ask questions, and make connections that inspire the next generation of entrepreneurial thinkers.

The Discussion

This series of hybrid events is perfect for budding entrepreneurs, experienced executive-mentors cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, early stage investors, and students exploring innovative product design.

At each session, business founders serve as guest speakers sharing about their career, their firm's business model, as well as the successes and challenges in the product development process. Participants learn from the speakers’ experiences, discuss valuable insights, and connect with other entrepreneurs, students, faculty, and investors.

Logistics

A light lunch is served, as entrepreneurs connect with one another, learn from peers, and contribute to the conversation.

  • 11:30 a.m. EST - Coffee & Connection
  • 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. EST - Presentation & Discussion

No pre-registration is required.

Join us:
Robins School of Business
iLab Room 123
102 UR Drive
University of Richmond, VA 23173

Free parking is available in the U5 and U6 lots immediately adjacent to the Robins School. Please enter the main foyer, turn to the left and proceed to room 123 (EY Innovation Lab) on the ground floor.
Please note that visitors have a two hour parking window.

Please sign in when you enter the room, providing your license plate number. On Zoom Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83836020707

2025-26 Speakers

All events take place in the Robins School's EY iLab (room 123) from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

September 5, 2025 - David Deal, Principal Creative Director, Deal Design

September 12, 2025 - Tom Loker, Founder & Chairman, Individual Centricity Corp, and Brian Ilg, Chief Sales Officer, Babl AI

September 19, 2025 - Joe Sanchez, Director of Partnerships - North America, Techstars

October 3, 2025 - Steven Buchko, Co-founder & CEO, Steve AI, and Jamie Mattioli, Founder & Financial Advisor, River City Financial

October 17, 2025 - Elsie Harper-Anderson, Associate Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University

October 24, 2025 - Carl Knoblock, District Director, Small Business Administration

October 31, 2025 - Chadwick Blythe, Founder & CEO, PlanTechHub

November 7, 2025 - Joe Benevento, CEO, Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation

November 14, 2025 - Tim Black, CEO, Blueswipe