Len Jessup

Managing Partner, Desert Forge Ventures

Fellow, Lincy Institute at UNLV

Len Jessup is a two-time university president, former business school dean, entrepreneur, and startup investor who has spent his career advancing innovation, leadership, and economic development. He previously served as president of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Claremont Graduate University. Jessup now serves as a Fellow at The Lincy Institute at UNLV and managing partner of Desert Forge Ventures, a venture capital fund supporting startups in areas such as AI, semiconductors, clean tech, and biotech.

John Kwon

Co-Founder & Executive Director, Korea Business Innovation Center

President & Director of Regulatory Affairs, SEALEXCO LLC

John Kwon is a regulatory consultant and economic strategist focused on accelerating foreign direct investment and technological expansion into Nevada. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Korea Business Innovation Center (K-BIC), he connects South Korean innovation with Nevada’s growing business ecosystem, helping high-growth companies navigate U.S. market entry. Since relocating to Nevada in 2022, he has played a key role in strengthening international business ties, supporting trade missions, and positioning Southern Nevada as a destination for global investment and innovation.

Zachary Miles

Interim Vice President, UNLV Economic Development

Executive Director, UNLV Research Foundation

Zach Miles leads efforts at UNLV to assess, protect, and commercialize intellectual property while helping startup companies build strong business foundations and connect with sources of capital. In his roles, he plays a key role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship across the university and region. Prior to joining UNLV, Miles served as deputy executive director of Technology Venture and Commercialization at the University of Utah and has co-founded, advised, and served as general counsel for several startup companies.

Eric Sanchez

CEO & Co-Founder, X2L BIO

Eric Sanchez is the CEO and Co-Founder of X2L BIO, a sports data company making remote VO₂ assessments more accessible through wearable technology. After successful corporate careers in advertising and pharmaceuticals, including with Eli Lilly’s Neuroscience Division, Eric spent the past two decades as a serial tech entrepreneur building SaaS, wearable technology, and AI-driven solutions to improve health outcomes. He holds multiple patents in impact indication, data tracking, and fitness assessment and has successfully led and exited several hardware and software startups.

Lorraine Yarde

Founder, Innovation Henderson

Lorraine Yarde is a founder, executive search strategist, and innovation ecosystem architect dedicated to building environments where entrepreneurs and enterprises thrive. A serial entrepreneur who has launched, scaled, and exited businesses, Lorraine advises founders on strategy, positioning, technology integration, and capital readiness. Through Innovation Henderson and Tech Alley Henderson, she is working to position Henderson as a destination for innovation by connecting founders, investors, operators, academic institutions, and public leaders.