—driven with purpose
Our Mission and Values
Startup Ventura is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs across Ventura County. Through world-class accelerator programs, mentorship, and community collaboration, we help founders turn bold ideas into thriving companies that create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen our local economy.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
We believe in the courage, creativity, and resilience of founders.
Community First
We exist to lift up Ventura County by supporting the people who shape its future.
Excellence with Integrity
We set ambitious goals, pursue them aggressively, and uphold the highest standards of trust and accountability.
—Meet The Team
Meet the Passionate Minds Driving Our Vision Forward
Get to know the people who turn vision into action and see how their unique talents fuel our purpose. Our team brings together diverse expertise, shared values, and a commitment to our mission.
Luke Erickson
Chairman,
Managing Director
Luke Erickson is the founder of Startup Ventura and serves as Chairman and Managing Director of the organization. With a background in business development and entrepreneurship, Luke launched Startup Ventura in 2025 to bring nationally recognized accelerator programs, including gBETA in partnership with Gener8tor, to Ventura County. Driven by a passion for empowering founders and strengthening the local economy, he leads the organization’s programming, partnerships, and community impact initiatives. Luke’s vision is to position Ventura as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurial growth.
Brent-Stig Kraus
Board Member,
Senior Revenue Executive
Brent Stig Kraus is a senior revenue executive with extensive experience scaling SaaS companies through hypergrowth and strategic exits. He most recently served as CRO at SevenRooms, acquired by DoorDash in a $1.2B transaction, and previously held leadership roles at ChowNow and MINDBODY during its $1.9B acquisition by Vista Equity Partners. Earlier in his career, Brent helped drive Lynda.com’s growth leading to its $1.5B acquisition by LinkedIn. With a track record of building high-performing teams and driving transformative growth across multiple SaaS verticals, Brent brings deep expertise in enterprise sales, go-to-market strategy, and operational excellence.
Brian Gonzalez
Board Member,
Co-Founder & CTO of Curri
Brian Gonzalez is the CTO and co-founder of Curri, a nationwide delivery and logistics platform built for construction wholesalers and distributors. He began his career in startups in 2010 at Dollar Shave Club and has been immersed in the entrepreneurial world ever since. After earning his master’s degree in data science, Brian launched Curri in the heart of downtown Ventura, where he continues to lead technology and innovation today. Under his leadership, Curri has raised capital from leading investors including Y Combinator and Bessemer Venture Partners.
— Collaborating For Impact
Key Stakeholders & Community Partners
Startup Ventura is proud to collaborate with leading organizations that share our mission of building Ventura County’s entrepreneurial future:
City of Ventura
Supporting innovation at the heart of our community.
Ventura Community
College District
Providing educational pathways
and resources for the next generation
of founders.
Ventura County
Credit Union
Empowering financial growth
and community investment in
local entrepreneurship.
Upcoming Event Information
Startup Ventura First Annual Fundraiser
Date/Time:
November 14
6PM — 9PM
Location:
Ventura, California
Our first annual fundraiser will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, community leaders, and supporters to celebrate and fuel Ventura’s startup community. Attendees will hear from founders, learn about our upcoming accelerator program, and contribute to building the future of innovation in Ventura County.
Join us to connect and learn more about our vision.
Let’s Work Together
Contact
We are building a stronger, more innovative Ventura County. For partnerships, collaborations, event participation or to join our mission, please get in touch.
