Evan Poncelet
Evan Poncelet is currently Co-founder, CEO, and Managing Partner at Dreamward Group, Executive Director at Venture Black, and Chief Executive Officer at Washington State Black Angel Network. He founded Dreamward Ventures, Venture Black, and Washington State Black Angel Network, all of which are still running. His expertise is in developing venture capital ecosystems and supporting underrepresented founders and investors.
Recent coverage
Front-page news, podcasts and videos about Evan
Derrick Watson announces eōsware wins first place and 409A valuation at PitchForce x Venture Black event during Seattle Tech Week
Derrick Watson announces eōsware won first place and a 409A valuation award at the PitchForce x Venture Black Startup & Investor Speed Dating event during Seattle Tech Week, and highlights the supportive founder-investor ecosystem and mentorship that made the win meaningful. He thanks co-founder Jaymar Freeman and several mentors and organizations, and congratulates fellow winners Rashad Hart and Nicole Rémy.
Wink Therapeutics Wins Seattle Pitch Event, Gains $50K-$100K Investment for RNA-Based Type 1 Diabetes Therapy
Wink Therapeutics, a Miami-based RNA biotech startup focused on Type 1 diabetes, won first place and $50,000-$100,000 investment at a Seattle pitch event hosted by Venture Black. The company uses RNA therapeutics to restore pancreatic beta cells and was founded by biotech veteran Warren Marcus.
Seattle Freeze and Pessimistic Culture Challenge City’s Startup Growth, Say Local Entrepreneurs
Seattle's startup scene struggles with a culture known as the 'Seattle Freeze' and a 'celebration of pessimism,' creating challenges like passive-aggressiveness and discouragement among entrepreneurs. Industry leaders at a Washington Technology Industry Association event noted that this social dynamic hinders networking, investment, and the enthusiasm needed for startup growth.
Organizations
See all 11-
Dreamward Ventures Co-founder, CEO, Managing Partner 2024–present · current
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Venture Black Executive Director 2024–present · current
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Washington State Black Angel Network Chief Executive Officer 2023–present · current
Education
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World Affairs Council Fellow, International Relations and Affairs · 2025
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BLCK VC Black Venture Institure Cohort 7 Venture Capital · 2024
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VC Lab Venture Institute Cohort 2 · 2023
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Seattle Angel Conference Angel Investing · 2023
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Seattle University Master of Science (M.S.), Computer Science · 2010–2014
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Gonzaga University Bachelor of Engineering (BE), Electrical and Computer · 2004–2010
