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How I Built This is a Ventech speaker series featuring candid conversations with founders and operators who have built, scaled, and navigated real companies.
Join us at Cabrillo Pavilion for an evening of insights, lessons learned, and honest storytelling as our featured speaker shares their journey — from early ideas and inflection points to challenges, pivots, and growth. This is not a pitch, but a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to build a company.
Designed for founders, investors, and anyone curious about entrepreneurship, this event offers practical takeaways, thoughtful discussion, and the opportunity to connect with the Central Coast innovation community.
Moderated by:
Marcus Chevitarese, Founder, SIGHTIR
Featured Panelists:
Bill Parrish, Co-Founder, CTO, Chairman of the Board, Seek Thermal
Dan Engel, Dan Engel, Managing Partner & Founder, Santa Barbara Venture Partners & FastSpring
John MacFarlane, Technology and Consumer High-Growth Leader, Former CEO of Sonos
Spring Events
March 25th
How I Built This- Santa Barbara Edition
@ Cabrillo Pavilion
April 22nd
PitchFest 2026
@ Cabrillo Pavilion
Ventech, Inc. is the premier hub for business and technology innovation in the Central Coast region. Our mission is to build meaningful connections, educate, and inspire at the vibrant intersection of business, technology, and entrepreneurship. Through our signature events and schedule, we create unique opportunities for learning, networking, and growth, catering to entrepreneurs and business leaders across Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties.
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Don't miss out on the chance to be part of our vibrant community. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on the latest events, and announcements that Ventech has to offer. Join us in shaping the future of business and technology.Join us at Ventech, where innovation meets inspiration at the crossroads of business and technology.
Recap of our February Mixer
Insider Insights
"The opportunity to present Chareau to the Ventech community has introduced us to an incredible local network. We’ve brought new investment into the company, met local professionals and organizations such as the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, and brought new awareness for our growing brand and distillery opening up in downtown Santa Barbara this summer."
Kurt Charron, Founder Chareau
Thank you to our sponsors
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