Our Story
Like all innovations, ConnXus was born out of frustration.
As the founder and managing partner of consulting firm Accel Advisors, Rod Robinson worked with Fortune 1000 companies to improve or create supplier diversity programs. Time and again, he heard from corporations how challenging it can be to identify new, quality, diverse suppliers. Likewise, he heard from small business owners and diverse suppliers how difficult it can be to share their qualifications or develop relationships with purchasing officers at large companies.
Like his clients, Rod found himself frustrated with incomplete databases, fragmented resources and expensive software. So he set out to create a more complete, convenient and cost-effective solution to meet the needs of both buyers and suppliers.
In 2010, ConnXus was born.
Board of Directors
Learn more about ConnXus and it’s leadership.
Rod Robinson
Rod Robinson is the founder and CEO of ConnXus, a supplier diversity software company that connects diverse suppliers to Fortune 2000 companies. In 2012, Rod was recognized by Ernst & Young as an Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.
Daryl Hammett
Daryl joined ConnXus as Chief Operations Officer in early 2014. He is a retired Senior Vice President and General Manager of Sears Optical, N.A., a licensed brand owned and operated by Luxottica Group.
Dave Cohen
David Cohen is a co-founder and Managing Partner of Techstars. Previously, David was a founder of several software and web technology companies. He was the founder and CTO of Pinpoint Technologies which was acquired by ZOLL Medical Corporation.
Chris Downie
Chris is the founder and CEO of SparkPeople.com, America’s largest online diet and healthy living community, with more than 15 million registered members. Chris started his career with consumer products giant Procter & Gamble.
Carlton Jenkins
Carlton is a founding partner in the Yucaipa Corporate Initiatives Growth Funds, a partnership between The Yucaipa Companies and Magic Johnson Enterprises with more than $500M of investable capital focused on high-growth investments within emerging markets and MWBE business sectors.
Mike Venerable
Mike is managing director of digital, software and health tech at CincyTech and a member of the CincyTech investment committee. Venerable has more than 20 years of experience as a software industry entrepreneur and executive.
Liz Luckett
Elizabeth (Liz) has an extensive background in philanthropy, technology, analysis and market research. Before joining TSEF, Liz was Director of Impact Investing at the Pershing Square Foundation.
Kesha Cash
Prior to founding Impact America Fund, Kesha launched Jalia Ventures, a minority-focused impact investing initiative that was funded by Josh Mailman and Serious Change, LP.
