Craig Ceccanti

Craig Ceccanti currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Softeq Development Corporation where he oversees daily operations and process optimization while simultaneously acting as Managing Partner at Softeq Venture Fund focusing on early-stage tech startups His entrepreneurial journey includes founding Pinot's Palette Houston's first BYOB painting studio which he grew into a nationwide franchise Following this success he joined the founding team of Rivalry Technologies developing mobile ordering platforms for stadiums and healthcare facilities and founded T-Minus Solutions a custom software consulting agency His academic credentials include a BS in Computer Science from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Rice University Jones School of Business where he now serves as an Adjunct Professor and Board of Advisors member His commitment to the Houston business community extends through his role as a mentor advisor and investor for emerging entrepreneurs while also serving on the Board of Directors for Bread Man Baking His expertise spans operational excellence customer experience and startup ecosystem development joining Softeq in June 2023 as part of the company's strategic growth initiative which saw 70% financial growth in 2022 and expansion to 22 countries Beyond his professional achievements he maintains a strong connection to education through his teaching role at Rice University and demonstrates his commitment to work-life balance by learning piano alongside his children