Benjamin J. Vann is the Founder and CEO of Impact Ventures (IV), a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) startup accelerator and integrated capital fund dedicated to empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs through inclusive innovation and equitable access to capital. Since its founding in 2017, Impact Ventures has supported nearly 3,500 individuals and trained over 225 founders across 255 companies through its flagship accelerator program, resulting in $25M raised, 528 jobs created, and 5,300+ hours of training and mentorship delivered.
In 2022, the organization launched Texas’s first integrated capital fund, providing flexible loans and equity investments for underestimated founders statewide. IV has deployed nearly $2M to 70+ businesses in strategic grants, loans, and equity investments.
Benjamin brings over 17 years of cross-sector experience in finance, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and impact investing. His career includes leadership roles at Fidelity Investments, Fidelity Charitable, and Good Returns Group. He is a respected civic leader and has served in numerous appointed and board roles, including with the City of Dallas Planning Commission, The Dallas Foundation, and Builders of Hope CDC.
Recognized as one of D CEO’s 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders (2021 & 2025), Benjamin has received honors including the Dallas Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce’s Quest for Success Award, and fellowships with the Just Economy Institute, World Economic Forum, and Boston Impact Initiative. He is also a Senior Fellow for the SMU Hunt Institute.
A Wichita, Kansas native, Benjamin holds a finance degree from Washburn University, where he was a standout athlete. He’s a self-taught musician, avid vinyl collector, and proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. & St. Luke Community UMC.