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Speakers

Chris Shonk
Managing Director
Liahona Ventures

Chris started his first business at fourteen and has been financially self-sufficient from that day on. Beyond that he has actively sought out opportunities to improve the environment of those around him. Chris served in the US Special Forces to provide money for college and attain leadership and strategic execution skills from the world’s most elite operators. Chris won the highly prestigious Special Warfare Soldier of the Year award while on active duty. He specialized in unconventional warfare, medical and communication training.

He worked as an analyst at Merrill Lynch before attending the nation’s top venture and entrepreneur MBA program, the Acton MBA. Upon graduation Chris cofounded Austin’s first local investment bank, Virtus Financial Group, and managed the firm’s private equity fund. Chris sold his interests in 2006 and focused on personal investments.

Chris is committed to excellence and the betterment of consumer based businesses, he is an active angel investor and brings experience, counsel and capital to many companies looking to grow. Known as a numbers based operator Chris is a sought after director and advisor, currently serving at Display Points Holdings, Minggl.com, Sneaky Games, EndlessBeauty.com, EZ Money Pawn and the Central Texas Angel Network. Chris is the largest owner of Massage Envy clinics. He helps provide local jobs for over 500 people in Central Texas.

Chris has been interviewed by such major publications as Business Week, Inc. Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, Fast Company and Forbes. He was the first alumni to start an endowment for the Acton MBA to afford other deserving entrepreneurs the opportunity to change the world.