Erik Ford
Founder & Managing Partner
Renn Global
Erik Ford is a technology-driven investor and entrepreneur pioneering the future of AI-powered investments. He holds a vision of weaving people, capital and technology together to move the world forward to a brighter future.
As Founder & Managing Partner of Renn Global, he leads a groundbreaking approach to private markets, leveraging AI to unlock capital efficiency at scale. Through CQ, an AI investment platform, Erik is building a multi-trillion dollar bridge connecting institutional investors and private wealth to high-impact opportunities across alternatives.
With $1B+ in investment experience and a track record of multiple $250M+ exits, Erik has shaped the growth of major companies, including Kaizen Platform (IPO, $500M+), Boost Media (acquired), and Triad Retail Media (acquired for $300M+). His leadership at Renn Global has driven $500M+ in investments with several multi-billion dollar conglomerates, family offices and asset managers.
Beyond investing, Erik is a venture builder and AI strategist, leading Renn Labs, an innovation studio applying AI to financial services/investments, creator media, and e-commerce. He is a Milken Institute Young Leaders Circle member, serves on the Military Family Support Network, is a mentor at Stanford’s ASES program, is Chairman Emeritus of the Financial Literacy for Kids Foundation and is a supporter of Scholars of Finance. He cares deeply about the future of children, empowering them via technology and food education, and is passionate about the military+veteran community.
Erik co-developed the first major and minor degrees in Entrepreneurship (ranked 13th nationally) at University of Tampa, and attended the Stanford Graduate School of Business executive programs in Corporate Entrepreneurship and M&A.
Erik is at the forefront of AI-driven investing, redefining how capital is deployed to move the world forward.
As Founder & Managing Partner of Renn Global, he leads a groundbreaking approach to private markets, leveraging AI to unlock capital efficiency at scale. Through CQ, an AI investment platform, Erik is building a multi-trillion dollar bridge connecting institutional investors and private wealth to high-impact opportunities across alternatives.
With $1B+ in investment experience and a track record of multiple $250M+ exits, Erik has shaped the growth of major companies, including Kaizen Platform (IPO, $500M+), Boost Media (acquired), and Triad Retail Media (acquired for $300M+). His leadership at Renn Global has driven $500M+ in investments with several multi-billion dollar conglomerates, family offices and asset managers.
Beyond investing, Erik is a venture builder and AI strategist, leading Renn Labs, an innovation studio applying AI to financial services/investments, creator media, and e-commerce. He is a Milken Institute Young Leaders Circle member, serves on the Military Family Support Network, is a mentor at Stanford’s ASES program, is Chairman Emeritus of the Financial Literacy for Kids Foundation and is a supporter of Scholars of Finance. He cares deeply about the future of children, empowering them via technology and food education, and is passionate about the military+veteran community.
Erik co-developed the first major and minor degrees in Entrepreneurship (ranked 13th nationally) at University of Tampa, and attended the Stanford Graduate School of Business executive programs in Corporate Entrepreneurship and M&A.
Erik is at the forefront of AI-driven investing, redefining how capital is deployed to move the world forward.
Sessions
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Leadership Workshop (Open to all)23-Feb-2026Salon 6 Ballroom