Join Curt Doman, renowned entrepreneur and VC investor, and Cord Bowen, Director of the Doman Innovation Studio, for an exchange on “Igniting Startup Breakthroughs.” Curt will share his journey and insights into the investment landscape as an LP and primary investor, highlighting companies that have achieved success. 

Cord will discuss the unique framework of the Doman Innovation Studio, which focuses on project and product development in a non-equity-based model. This approach allows startups to prioritize human-centered goals and innovation without the immediate pressure of revenue generation, fostering a beneficial environment for achieving breakthrough results pre- and post-product. 

Additionally, they will explore the best practices and behavioral traits of founders who successfully transition from projects to revenue. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions throughout the session. 

Key points covered will include:

• The importance of a founder’s attitude
• Strategies for consistently moving towards goals
• The necessity of readiness to pivot when needed
• Understanding the realities of startup challenges and existing landscapes
• Identifying the steps required for the next phase of growth
• The landscape of early-stage funding: when and where

Curt Doman is co-founder of Progressive Leasing, the leading fintech provider of lease-to-own solutions (PROG Holdings, Inc. NYSE:PRG). A seasoned entrepreneur and visionary in the financial technology space, Curt has been driving innovation and growth in financial technology solutions for over 25 years. 

Curt is a member of PROG Holdings’ Board of Directors. He previously served as PROG Holdings’ Chief Innovation Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Product Officer. He also is instrumental in guiding PROG Holdings’ philanthropic efforts through its non-profit arm, the PROG Foundation, and its PROG Youth Development Center. These community resources offer young adults in the greater West Valley City, Utah area access to in-person and hybrid programming, initiatives, and other offerings designed to develop the skills necessary to positively shape their futures. PROG Holdings is headquartered in Draper, Utah, has over 1,600 employees, and reported consolidated revenues of $2.4 billion last year. 

Curt began his entrepreneurial journey at 12 with the founding of SoftArt, a loan document programming solution. Following his success with SoftArt, Mr. Doman earned a Finance degree from the University of Utah while co-founding International Document Services, Inc. (IDS), a leading mortgage services provider. Curt also acquired and developed Checkstop, LLC, before co-founding Progressive Leasing in 1999, effectively creating the virtual lease-to-own industry while emphasizing principles like grit, innovation, integrity, and valuing people. 

In addition to being a prolific angel investor, Curt started the Doman Innovation Studio at the University of Utah. The studio is an incubator that empowers entrepreneurs to realize their potential, create positive change in their communities, and build adaptable processes that allow them to succeed in current and future ventures. 

Outside of his professional activities, Curt enjoys spending time with his wife Alisa and their four children—Morgan, Tyler, Ethan, and Brooklyn. He is an avid road and mountain cyclist, enjoys chess, and is also a licensed pilot. Curt served a two-year religious mission in Taiwan for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he became fluent in Mandarin Chinese.

Curt Doman will be speaking in the Entrepreneurship Track.