T.J. Breeden
Keynote Speaker: Managing Partner of Fuze Fund; Championing Equity & Diversity in STEM Education, Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital Investment
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T.J. Breeden Biography
Dr. T.J. Breeden is the Founder and Managing Partner of Fuze Fund, where he leads the development and execution of fund strategies, forges impactful public and private partnerships, and expands the firm’s resource network to enhance value for its portfolio companies. Under his leadership, Fuze Fund is dedicated to empowering underrepresented founders—particularly minority, women, and veteran-led ventures—through targeted capital investment and strategic support and the launch of the firm's flagship $30M venture capital fund.
Dr. Breeden’s venture capital journey began in 2021, inspired by his work as Founder and Executive Director of Emerging Entrepreneurs, Inc., a non-profit committed to advancing the economic interests of underserved communities, including military families, women, urban youth, and minority populations. Over the years, his programs have impacted over 10,000 veterans, founders, and youth, earning him prestigious accolades, including being honored by President Obama as a “Champion of Change” and named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s “Veterans Entrepreneurship Advocate of the Year.” Additionally, Dr. Breeden was recognized by Black Enterprise as a “Modern Man of Distinction” and received the Cathy Hughes "Business Community Service" Award and the Dr. John Hope Franklin "Humanitarian of the Year" Award from Radio One for his outstanding contributions to economic empowerment.
In 2024, Dr. Breeden was accepted into the U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Speaker Program, where he collaborates with global leaders on critical issues such as social entrepreneurship, educational equity, and equitable venture investment. He also serves as Director of Programs at ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities.
Dr. Breeden holds a Doctorate of Education (EdD) from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises from Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management, and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from East Carolina University. His research and professional work focus on creating inclusive economic ecosystems and advancing diversity in STEM fields for Black women and girls, and how HBCUs are bridging the equity gap.
Dr. Breeden is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and is a lifelong North Carolinian.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on T.J. Breeden and other top speakers and celebrities.
T.J. Breeden Speaking Topics
Leveling the Playing Field: How Venture Capital Can Bridge the Equity Gap
Entrepreneurship is a powerful engine for economic growth, yet minority and underrepresented founders still receive less than 2% of venture capital funding. In this insightful talk, I explore how venture capitalists can play a pivotal role in closing the equity gap by investing in diverse leadership and creating equitable opportunities in the entrepreneurial space. We will discuss the strategies, tools, and ecosystem-building practices necessary to empower minority and underrepresented founders, with examples drawn from my experiences at Fuze Fund and my non-profit, Emerging Entrepreneurs, Inc.
Attendee Results:
- Gain a deeper understanding of the systemic barriers facing underrepresented founders.
- Learn actionable steps that venture capitalists and fund managers can take to prioritize diversity in investment portfolios.
- Explore case studies of successful minority-led ventures and how they overcame funding challenges.
- Build an actionable framework for creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Power of Purpose: Leveraging Venture Capital for Social Impact
Social entrepreneurship is about more than just profits—it's about making a measurable difference in society. In this session, I share how venture capital and philanthropy can work hand-in-hand to foster innovation in social enterprises. We will explore how investors can strategically align their resources with social good, providing capital to founders who are tackling societal issues like education, healthcare, and sustainability. I’ll discuss my work as Director of Programs at ABFE and how philanthropy can be a force multiplier for venture capital in driving social impact.
Attendee Results:
- Learn how to integrate social impact into traditional venture capital models.
- Understand the importance of philanthropy in supporting high-potential social entrepreneurs.
- Discover tools for measuring social and economic impact within venture portfolios.
- Gain insights into building partnerships with non-profits and public-sector organizations.
STEM Education and Racial Equity: Building Pathways for the Future
Despite advancements in STEM, racial disparities continue to limit opportunities for African American women and girls. In this talk, I explore the intersection of STEM education and entrepreneurship, sharing insights from my doctoral research on underrepresentation in STEM fields. We will examine how educational institutions and venture capital can collaborate to create pathways that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM education and entrepreneurial ventures.
Attendee Results:
- Understand the root causes of racial disparities in STEM education.
- Learn how educational programs can be designed to support minority students in STEM fields.
- Explore real-world examples of how venture capital can support STEM-focused startups led by underrepresented founders.
- Build actionable strategies for creating inclusive STEM programs in schools, universities, and communities.
Disruptive Innovation: How Inclusive Leadership Unlocks Creativity in Venture Capital
As industries evolve, so too must our approach to leadership in venture capital. This talk focuses on the role of diverse leadership in driving disruptive innovation within startups. Drawing from my experience in launching Fuze Fund, I discuss how fostering an inclusive and diverse environment can lead to breakthrough ideas and innovation, benefiting both investors and entrepreneurs. We’ll look at the success stories of minority-led ventures and the role of venture capitalists in cultivating an inclusive entrepreneurial culture.
Attendee Results:
- Learn how diverse leadership teams contribute to innovation and success in startups.
- Gain insight into the practical steps that venture capitalists can take to prioritize diversity in their firms.
- Explore the correlation between inclusive leadership and business growth, with real-world examples.
- Build leadership strategies that attract top talent from underrepresented backgrounds.
T.J. Breeden Videos
How do I book T.J. Breeden to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like T.J. Breeden for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for T.J. Breeden, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for T.J. Breeden or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book T.J. Breeden for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for T.J. Breeden, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire T.J. Breeden, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does T.J. Breeden speak about?
T.J. Breeden is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Finance, Venture Capital, DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Black Heritage, Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, Social Activism, Philanthropy, Education, Innovation, STEM and STEM Education.
Where does T.J. Breeden travel from?
T.J. Breeden generally travels from Raleigh, NC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for T.J. Breeden?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like T.J. Breeden for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book T.J. Breeden for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host T.J. Breeden or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
T.J. Breeden is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Finance, Venture Capital and DEI. Please contact us for live or virtual event fee details. T.J. Breeden generally travels from Raleigh, NC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Christopher Gray, Miranda K. Brawn and Dr. Michael Time. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling T.J. Breeden for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
T.J. Breeden Speaking Topics
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Equity in Entrepreneurship: Empowering Minority and Underrepresented Founders
Leveling the Playing Field: How Venture Capital Can Bridge the Equity Gap
Entrepreneurship is a powerful engine for economic growth, yet minority and underrepresented founders still receive less than 2% of venture capital funding. In this insightful talk, I explore how venture capitalists can play a pivotal role in closing the equity gap by investing in diverse leadership and creating equitable opportunities in the entrepreneurial space. We will discuss the strategies, tools, and ecosystem-building practices necessary to empower minority and underrepresented founders, with examples drawn from my experiences at Fuze Fund and my non-profit, Emerging Entrepreneurs, Inc.
Attendee Results:
- Gain a deeper understanding of the systemic barriers facing underrepresented founders.
- Learn actionable steps that venture capitalists and fund managers can take to prioritize diversity in investment portfolios.
- Explore case studies of successful minority-led ventures and how they overcame funding challenges.
- Build an actionable framework for creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
-
Philanthropy and Social Entrepreneurship: Driving Social Change through Innovation
The Power of Purpose: Leveraging Venture Capital for Social Impact
Social entrepreneurship is about more than just profits—it's about making a measurable difference in society. In this session, I share how venture capital and philanthropy can work hand-in-hand to foster innovation in social enterprises. We will explore how investors can strategically align their resources with social good, providing capital to founders who are tackling societal issues like education, healthcare, and sustainability. I’ll discuss my work as Director of Programs at ABFE and how philanthropy can be a force multiplier for venture capital in driving social impact.
Attendee Results:
- Learn how to integrate social impact into traditional venture capital models.
- Understand the importance of philanthropy in supporting high-potential social entrepreneurs.
- Discover tools for measuring social and economic impact within venture portfolios.
- Gain insights into building partnerships with non-profits and public-sector organizations.
-
Breaking Barriers: Promoting Racial Equity in STEM through Education and Entrepreneurship
STEM Education and Racial Equity: Building Pathways for the Future
Despite advancements in STEM, racial disparities continue to limit opportunities for African American women and girls. In this talk, I explore the intersection of STEM education and entrepreneurship, sharing insights from my doctoral research on underrepresentation in STEM fields. We will examine how educational institutions and venture capital can collaborate to create pathways that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM education and entrepreneurial ventures.
Attendee Results:
- Understand the root causes of racial disparities in STEM education.
- Learn how educational programs can be designed to support minority students in STEM fields.
- Explore real-world examples of how venture capital can support STEM-focused startups led by underrepresented founders.
- Build actionable strategies for creating inclusive STEM programs in schools, universities, and communities.
-
Leadership in Venture Capital: Fostering Diversity and Innovation Diverse Leadership
Disruptive Innovation: How Inclusive Leadership Unlocks Creativity in Venture Capital
As industries evolve, so too must our approach to leadership in venture capital. This talk focuses on the role of diverse leadership in driving disruptive innovation within startups. Drawing from my experience in launching Fuze Fund, I discuss how fostering an inclusive and diverse environment can lead to breakthrough ideas and innovation, benefiting both investors and entrepreneurs. We’ll look at the success stories of minority-led ventures and the role of venture capitalists in cultivating an inclusive entrepreneurial culture.
Attendee Results:
- Learn how diverse leadership teams contribute to innovation and success in startups.
- Gain insight into the practical steps that venture capitalists can take to prioritize diversity in their firms.
- Explore the correlation between inclusive leadership and business growth, with real-world examples.
- Build leadership strategies that attract top talent from underrepresented backgrounds.
VIDEO
T.J. Breeden Videos
FAQS
-
How do I book T.J. Breeden to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like T.J. Breeden for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for T.J. Breeden, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for T.J. Breeden or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book T.J. Breeden for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for T.J. Breeden, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. For the most current speaking fee to hire T.J. Breeden, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does T.J. Breeden speak about?
T.J. Breeden is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Finance, Venture Capital, DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Black Heritage, Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, Social Activism, Philanthropy, Education, Innovation, STEM and STEM Education. -
Where does T.J. Breeden travel from?
T.J. Breeden generally travels from Raleigh, NC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for T.J. Breeden?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like T.J. Breeden for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book T.J. Breeden for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host T.J. Breeden or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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