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Chris Dykstra
CEO and Founder at Warecorp / Partner at Brown Venture Group / Founder at GoodCarts
Professional Background
Chris Dykstra is a dynamic and innovative entrepreneur based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with an impressive track record in the technology and media sectors. He has established himself as a leader and pioneering force, having founded multiple successful ventures that primarily focus on community impact and entrepreneurship. As a Partner in Brown Venture Group, Chris is at the forefront of investing in underrepresented entrepreneurs, specifically those from Black, Native American, and LatinX communities, helping to create opportunities and foster growth within these demographics.
Chris is also the founder of GoodCarts.co, a vibrant network aimed at connecting purpose-driven entrepreneurs for collective growth and impact. This initiative exemplifies his commitment to fostering community, bridging connections, and promoting social responsibility in business practices. His role as the founding partner and CEO of Warecorp, an international software engineering and consulting company, further reflects his dedication to supporting impact entrepreneurs and change agents who strive to improve the world through technology and innovation.
In addition to these ventures, Chris co-founded and served as a partner in Drupal Squad, a collective dedicated to the development and optimization of Drupal-based solutions for a variety of clients. His entrepreneurial journey also includes the establishment and curation of TheContributor.com, an online publication that features the writings of a diverse network of bloggers, showcasing community-driven perspectives on contemporary issues. As Chair-emeritus and co-founder of The UpTake, he contributed to creating an acclaimed non-profit online video news organization, amplifying underrepresented voices in media.
Education and Achievements
Chris has a robust educational background, having pursued two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Studio Art and Journalism, as well as Communications, from Augsburg College. This unique blend of education has equipped him with the skills necessary to transition seamlessly into both the arts and the corporate world. His foundation in journalism and art not only enhances his entrepreneurship but also permeates his work in media and community building.
Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Chris honed his expertise at EPAM Systems where he served as Vice President of eCommerce. In this role, he provided technology vision and leadership for well-known clients, including West Publishing, SBLI USA, Alloy.com, Target, Lasvegas.com, and Aeromexico.com. His experience at EPAM marked a significant phase of his career, where he was instrumental in streamlining eCommerce strategies and enhancing digital product offerings.
Prior to his tenure at EPAM, he made significant strides in his role as Director of Interactive Alliances at FirePond, where he led a talented team across five countries, developing an influential global interactive agency focused on online user experience for renowned brands such as General Motors, Renault, Subaru, and IBM. This experience laid the groundwork for Chris’s digital impact, enabling him to merge creativity with technology effectively.
Artistic Pursuits
Outside of his entrepreneurial endeavors, Chris is also a talented practicing artist. He channels his creativity through painting and drawing, with his artworks featured on his personal website. His artistic expressions not only reflect his innovative spirit but also contribute to his multifaceted identity as both an entrepreneur and an artist. Through his art, he continues to push boundaries and engage with the community on a deeper level, showcasing how creativity can intertwine with technology and business.
Achievements
Chris Dykstra is a true trailblazer, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible in technology and media. His achievements are not only evident in the numerous successful ventures he has launched and led but also in the impact he has made within his community. As a founding member of one of the first Benefit Corporations in the world, Global Contribution (GC), he plays a pivotal role in driving investments toward communities aimed at creating shared prosperity. This initiative emphasizes his dedication to ethical business practices and social entrepreneurship.
Through his roles and contributions, Chris embodies the qualities of a visionary leader committed to fostering innovation, community engagement, and social responsibility. His extensive experience in both the technology landscape and media sector, paired with his artistic talents, uniquely positions him as a multifaceted entrepreneur who continually strives to make a positive difference in the world. Whether through his investment efforts, leadership in tech ventures, or artistic pursuits, Chris Dykstra is a remarkable example of how one individual can inspire change and inspire other entrepreneurs to follow in their footsteps.
