2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
Presented By: Brown & Brown
Jenn Bonine
Founder & CEO
Vahalla Capital
Jenn Bonine has made her mark in the tech industry as a visionary leader and the first female CEO in the AI platform testing space. Her career has been marked by innovation and leadership. She co-founded four startups, achieving milestones such as securing venture-backed funding and completing a successful exit to a major tech company. Her past collaborations have included top-tier companies like Microsoft, Google, Dell, HBO, Disney, Riot Games, and Epic Games, where she contributed to groundbreaking projects and forged valuable industry partnerships.
Jenn’s impact is far-reaching. She is a founding board member of the U.S. Expo EDU Committee, an Executive Board Member of the Avery Williamson Reach Foundation, and a Council Member of the Digital Economist.
Today, she leads Valhalla Capital, a firm she founded to address inequities in funding and to empower underrepresented founders, especially women, to achieve generational wealth through entrepreneurship. Valhalla Capital’s unique business model provides accessible capital that allows founders to retain control of their companies while scaling for greater impact. The firm is deeply committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and Jenn’s work has positioned Valhalla Capital as a driving force for sustainable growth.
Danny Cunagin
Co-CEO
Invenshure
Danny Cunagin is a dynamic leader and Co-Founder of Invenshure, a venture studio with a global presence in Minneapolis and Budapest that specializes in transforming breakthrough ideas into successful ventures. With a track record of building innovative companies, Danny has co-founded seven companies and achieved three successful exits, helping shape the future of healthcare and biotech. As the former CEO of Steady State Imaging, he led the company to its acquisition by GE Healthcare in 2011, setting a high bar for innovation in the medical technology field. Another success story from Invenshure’s portfolio is Imbio, an AI-driven imaging company that recently merged with 4DMedical, combining strengths to enhance lung and cardiothoracic care through advanced analysis.
Under Danny’s leadership, Invenshure operates with a set of core guiding principles known as its "North Stars." These include a relentless focus on solving challenging problems, a commitment to advancing healthcare through technology, and a belief in empowering intelligent, passionate teams to drive meaningful change. These principles guide every new venture, ensuring that each company Danny helps build is rooted in innovation and has the potential to make a lasting impact on patient care. Currently, he serves as CEO of MEKanistic Therapeutics, a company developing a first-in-class dual inhibitor for cancer treatment. With $5 million in initial funding secured, Danny is working towards raising an additional $30-40 million for Phase 1 clinical trials. His vision and commitment have delivered both financial success and advancements in life-saving technologies, leaving a lasting impact on the medical field.
John Stavig
Managing Director
Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship, University of Minnesota
John Stavig has been a transformative force in Minnesota’s entrepreneurial ecosystem as the Managing Director of the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Minnesota. Since joining the center in 2005, John has led initiatives that have empowered thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs and shaped the region’s startup landscape. Under his leadership, the Holmes Center has become a key resource for students and innovators, offering experiential learning and connecting them to seasoned mentors and industry leaders. John has also played a pivotal role in the growth of the Minnesota Cup, which has become the largest statewide startup competition in the U.S. Since its inception, the competition has helped over 25,000 entrepreneurs and awarded more than $2.5 million in cash prizes, enabling startups to raise over $400 million in subsequent funding. The Minnesota Cup’s inclusive approach has fostered opportunities for diverse founders across the state, including a focus on clean tech, food and agriculture, and women entrepreneurs.
Before joining the university, John spent his career in management consulting, private equity, and tech investments, raising over $300 million for various ventures.
Kathleen Tune
Partner
Capita3 Ventures
Kathleen Tune is a visionary leader in the healthcare investment space, serving as Managing Partner at Capita3 Ventures, a firm dedicated to empowering women who are leading innovation at the intersection of Deep Tech and Digital Health. With more than 25 years of experience, Kathleen has built a reputation for her strategic insights and expertise in venture capital, growth equity, and corporate strategy. She co-founded Marani Health, where she serves as Board Chair, guiding the company’s mission to improve maternal and infant health through advanced technology. Kathleen is also Chair at Visura Technologies and Independent Chair at Electromed, Inc. (NASDAQ: ELMD), where she plays a crucial role in steering these organizations toward growth and innovation. Throughout her career, Kathleen has overseen numerous high-impact investments, focusing on medical devices, diagnostics, and connected health solutions. She previously led portfolio company investments at Thomas, McNerney & Partners and served as a healthcare analyst at Piper Jaffray, where she specialized in medical technology. Her expertise extends to M&A transactions, business development, and sales and marketing strategy. Kathleen’s influence as a board member and advisor has been instrumental in driving transformative advancements in the healthcare industry.