Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes is a passionate and visionary venture capitalist who empowers LGBTQ+ entrepreneurship with Chasing Rainbows, an early-stage investment fund that he founded in 2021. With over 10 years of experience in the startup and corporate sectors, Ben has a proven track record of identifying, investing in, and supporting diverse and innovative businesses that achieve unicorn status and attract acquirers.

Ben is also a recognized leader and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, who has received multiple awards and honors for his impact and influence within the venture capital and startup ecosystem alongside his accolades within the LGBTQ+ community. He chairs the StartOut Investor Programming Board, which connects and educates LGBTQ+ founders and investors, and serves on the Queensland Committee of The Pinnacle Foundation, which provides scholarships and mentorship to LGBTQ+ youth. He has spoken at prestigious platforms such as the UN General Assembly, the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, and for the British and Australian Governments, and has mentored hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs through various organizations. Ben's mission is to reshape entrepreneurship, foster inclusivity, and promote and inspire those within the LGBTQ+ community to achieve greatness.