Chicago, IL
July 15, 2026
10:30 AM — 11:45 AM
Associate and Registered Patent Attorney Ben Vaughan will speak on the panel, “From Stonewall to Silicon Valley: Reshaping the Venture Capital Landscape” at the 2026 Lavender Law® Conference & Career Fair. Attendees will learn from industry leaders about the nuts and bolts of launching a company or fund, including raising capital, protecting IP, avoiding legal compliance mistakes, hiring and incentivizing employees, and guarding data privacy. Special attention will be given to unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ founders and fund managers. The panel will also explore opportunities and challenges stemming from California’s Fair Investment Practices by Venture Capital Companies Law (FIPVCC), commonly referred to as SB 54, as amended by SB 164, which became effective in 2026. Under the FIPVCC, any covered venture capital company with a nexus to California must survey and report demographic data voluntarily provided by founding team members of businesses invested in during the prior calendar year. Speakers on this panel will be members of the Legal Advisory Council of the LGBT+ VC non-profit organization. LGBT+ VC is dedicated to solving the root causes of the LGBTQ+ wealth gap. Communities confront systemic discrimination and economic disparities that make it nearly impossible for many to achieve financial freedom. LGBTQ+ people deserve fair treatment, equal opportunities, and investment in their innovation.