Lorenzo Thione: Elevating LGBTQ+ Leaders in Venture Capital | SALT Talks #131 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Lorenzo Tionne discusses his journey from studying engineering to becoming a serial entrepreneur in the fields of AI, Broadway, and venture investing, all while advocating for LGBTQ+ leaders.

Key Insights

• 💠 Tionne's diverse background and experiences have shaped his journey as an entrepreneur, producer, and advocate.
• 💦 The power of storytelling and representation is a common thread in Tionne's work, inspiring change and fostering empathy.
• 🌍 Tionne emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in both startups and the theater world.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How did Lorenzo Tionne become involved in Broadway production and what led to the creation of his Tony Award-winning musical, Allegiance?

Tionne's journey in Broadway began when he met actor George Takei, which sparked the idea of telling the story of Japanese internment during World War II. After years of development, Allegiance opened on Broadway in 2015, shedding light on a critical moment in history.

Q: How did Tionne balance his involvement in AI and technology with his passion for storytelling and theater?

Tionne found a connection between the power of storytelling and the advancements in AI. He believes that technology can enhance the theater experience and enable more impactful storytelling.

Q: How does Tionne contribute to the advancement of LGBTQ+ leaders in the startup ecosystem?

Tionne co-founded StartOut, an entrepreneurial network supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. He also invests in diverse-founded companies through Angels and encourages diversity in the venture capital ecosystem.

Q: What are Tionne's key predictions for the tech industry in 2021?

Tionne anticipates significant innovation in AI, particularly in healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and climate change solutions. He believes we will witness the transformative power of technology in these domains.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Lorenzo Tionne shares his background, from studying engineering in Texas to starting his first company, a semantic search engine, and later co-founding StartOut and Angels, organizations dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem.

• He discusses his involvement in Broadway as a Tony Award-winning producer, explaining how his experiences and passion for storytelling influenced his work in the theater industry.

• Tionne highlights the importance of representation and inclusion, both in startups and the theater world, and how he strives to create opportunities for underrepresented voices.