PopTech: Sights and Sounds of Brilliant Accidents

It has been a jam-packed few days at PopTech. Here’s a highlight reel of my favorite speakers:
The Newcomer – Ben Lyon
Ben is one of the Frontline SMS whiz kids who is focusing on credit. His new venture Kopo Kopo is an open source platform for MFI’s to integrate their systems with mobile money platforms in country. As Ben stated, there is currently a premium on poverty and he is working to create a loan repayment system to change the status quo of the significantly poorer  people in the world paying significantly more for their financial services.
The Inspiration – Alan Rabinowitz
Born a stutterer, Alan Rabinowitz found solace in animals. He vowed to give them a voice when he found his own. Fast forward many years and he is working at the forefront of wild cat conservation through his organization Panthera.
The Doer – Tom Darden
Executive Director of the Make It Right Foundation, Brad Pitt’s Green Rebuilding effort in New Orleans, Tom Darden rose from the first volunteer to overseeing a staff of 33. Convincing award winners architects to donate their time and services, they’ve raised over 27 million dollars to bring both shelter and dignity to families in the lower ninth ward.
The Comedian – Reggie Watts
This man is hilarious. See for yourself.
Until next year PopTech!