Andrẻ Swanston

André Swanston is a visionary tech entrepreneur and media executive whose bold foresight and strategic risk-taking propelled him from just $9 in his pocket to one of the few Black Americans to achieve a nine-figure business exit. As co-founder and CEO of Tru Optik, a pioneer in data and identity for streaming media, Swanston led the company to its acquisition by TransUnion in 2020—ranking among the top ten largest exits by a Black founder.

A Bronx native, Swanston launched his first business, an event production company, while still in college. At 23, he opened one of New England’s largest nightclubs, and by 28, he was one of the youngest Vice Presidents of Investments at JP Morgan Chase & Co. Fueled by his entrepreneurial drive, he left finance to launch Tru Optik, which became a leader in connected TV, streaming audio, and gaming data solutions.

An accomplished former Division 1 track athlete, Swanston’s “need for speed” now defines his rapid scaling of ventures and investments. Today, he is a frequent contributor to Bloomberg, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal, and serves on the board of Connecticut Innovations, appointed by Governor Ned Lamont.

A dedicated investor in minority- and women-owned businesses, Swanston and his wife also support education and community-based initiatives nationwide. He holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Connecticut and is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

KEYNOTE TOPICS

• Strategies for Raising Capital
• Strategies for Entrepreneurs
• Investing in Diverse Entrepreneurs (MWBE)
• Web 3.0 Next State
• Intersection of Sports, Entertainment, and Technology