Mr. Jeff Amerine is nationally recognized for the creation of lasting venture ecosystems, and in 2021 co-authored the bestselling book, “Creating Startup Junkies – Building Sustainable Venture Ecosystems in Unexpected Places”. Jeff has held senior leadership positions in nine startups and multiple Fortune 500 companies, including American Freightways and FedEx Freight. He has made more than 90+ venture investments. Jeff now leads Startup Junkie Consulting, and co-leads Innovation Junkie and Cadron Capital Partners. Jeff served as Associate Vice Provost, Research and Economic Development, and Director of Technology Ventures at the University of Arkansas until leaving to pursue Startup Junkie Consulting full-time in 2015. He still serves as an adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at University of Arkansas. Jeff graduated from United States Naval Academy in 1984, served as an Air Force Officer for 6 years, and holds a Master of Science in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas.