About Don Oparah Don Oparah, PhD. is the founder and CEO of VAI Global, an online Innovation Community that connects entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and others active in building high growth, high impact companies and organizations. He has a range of experience in technology business, consulting, research and education as well as very specific knowledge about accelerating start-up ventures and building innovation communities. Prior to starting VAI Global, Don developed the vision for, launched and successfully grew the UCSB Venture Acceleration Initiative to accelerate university spin-off ventures. He also spent several years working in information technology and strategy consulting in the United Kingdom. Don has acted as a speaker, panelist, judge, guest lecturer and author on the topics of start-ups, entrepreneurship and innovation. AboutTEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)