Stephen Hays is the host of “Stigma” where he leverages his experiences in recovery from addiction and mental illness (bipolar) and his experience as an investor in dozens of startups to drive a conversation around the intersection of entrepreneurship, mental health, addiction, recovery, tech, and investing.
Stephen is also the founder and managing partner of a venture capital fund investing in early stage mental health and addiction recovery focused startups, called What If Ventures.
After decades struggling with addiction, and type-1 bi-polar disorder, Stephen Hays was able to experience a transformative change in his life with the help of his loving wife and children, his father, and close friends. More of his story with addiction and his journey of recovery can be read here.
Previously, Stephen Hays was the Founder and Managing Partner of Deep Space Ventures, a VC fund focused early stage tech startups. During his time at Deep Space, Stephen led 25 early stage investments. You can read more about Stephen’s investment history and the outcomes with those companies here.
Before starting Deep Space Ventures, Stephen was an investment banker on Wall Street for 6+ years. He primarily focused on helping large companies raise capital, and execute Mergers & Acquisitions.
Stephen received his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at West Point, and received his MBA from Vanderbilt.
Stephen lives in Frisco, TX with his loving wife, beautiful children and their pet bunny rabbit, named Mr. Snuffleupagus.