Ben Pring is an internationally recognized futurist, author, and technology strategist who has spent his career exploring how emerging technologies reshape business, work, and society. As the co-founder and former head of Cognizant’s Center for the Future of Work, Ben has advised Fortune 500 leaders and global investors on the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence and digital transformation. He is the co-author of “What To Do When Machines Do Everything” and “Monster: A Tough Love Letter On Taming the Machines That Rule Our Jobs, Lives, and Future.” Ben’s insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and Forbes. At the Frances Ann Forum, Ben will explore the future of AI and machine learning in business and investment, offering an expert lens on how these forces are redefining venture capital.

Brian Anderson is the Co-Founder and CEO of RAZE Fintech, a pioneering platform advancing the tokenization of venture capital and alternative assets. Through RAZE, Brian and his team are building the infrastructure that allows private companies and funds to raise, manage, and trade capital using blockchain technology, creating new pathways for liquidity, transparency, and investor participation. A seasoned entrepreneur and innovator, Brian has deep experience in fintech, digital assets, and decentralized finance. His work bridges the worlds of traditional venture capital and Web3, helping shape the next era of fundraising and investment. At the Frances Ann Forum, Brian will present on the emergence of digital currency and tokenization in venture capital and explore how innovative funding models are transforming the way capital flows to high-growth ventures.

Raised by her grandparents in The Bronx, Jessica was the first person to graduate college on her BLOCK, let alone family, and went on to graduate from one of the top 5 law schools in the country and become a world traveler. In her 25 years as a practicing tax attorney and former Big Four Principal in the Asset Management space, she led an over $15 million team and built out two practice offices from scratch. Jessica also cofounded Comp Sci HS in The Bronx, a STEM school for underserved students and created the Rose Gorley Memorial Scholarship to provide a Catholic School education for financially unstable students at her alma mater, Villa Maria Academy. She survived a near death experience to become a fierce advocate for domestic violence survivors, helping them access resources, heal, and thrive post abuse. She's passionate about educating women on all things finance and tax, so that they can have more time, money and freedom to live life on their own terms, standing on their own two feet, in alignment with their values. Lastly, Jessica feels it is her patriotic duty to help people break out of the employee mentality and pay less in taxes, so they can use their cash to grow and invest in businesses, build communities and leave a legacy impact. She resides in Tampa, Florida with her three rescue pets, Finn, Nyx & Seamus, and is constantly losing a battle against orange fur. Jessica will be moderating this event.

Rob Basso is the CEO of his company, Rob Basso, where he helps business leaders and founders navigate growth, strengthen operations, and lead with confidence. A seasoned entrepreneur and published author, Rob has built and scaled multiple companies and advised founders through more than $250 million in successful exits. Known for his practical insights and direct, energizing approach, he combines strategic expertise with a passion for helping others achieve lasting success. At the Frances Ann Forum, Rob will be interviewing Ben Pring- a conversation you don't want to miss!

Mark is what some call the “unconventional banker.” Perhaps this is due to his entrepreneurial background in addition to finance. Mark became a banker in 2004 but was an entrepreneur well before a banker. And his first investment came in 2009 with a Chicago startup called BabbaCo, a year later Gary Vaynerhuck and his brother AJ became investors and added BabbaCo to their list of clients. This was huge for BabbaCo, and taught Mark a ton about life as an investor. Today he is the Market President at one of the fastest growing community banks in the country and a key part of their growth in Florida. He was relocated to Naples from Chicago in 2019 and is very active in the community along with his volunteering as board chair elect with the YMCA of Collier County.  

FinStrat Management is a leading outsourced financial department services firm providing accounting, finance, and reporting solutions to B2B SaaS companies, investors, RIAs, and venture capital firms. FinStrat helps organizations improve financial performance, strengthen investor confidence, and make smarter, data-driven decisions through expert fractional CFO and financial operations support.