Globally Recognized Fintech Innovator Returns Home to Inspire Louisiana’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
BATON ROUGE, La. — Nexus Louisiana is proud to announce that Ryan A. Williams, founder of fintech powerhouse Cadre and a celebrated entrepreneur recognized for leveraging technology to democratize financial opportunities, will receive the organization’s Visionary of the Year award. Willams will also serve as a judge and featured speaker during the 2025 Nexus Technology Cup. This year’s event takes place at The Water Campus from June 17-19 and highlights Louisiana’s growing national prominence as a hub for innovation and advanced technology.
“I’m honored to return to my hometown of Baton Rouge to help Nexus Louisiana celebrate the extraordinary talent and creativity of our local startups and emerging business leaders,” said Williams. “Baton Rouge is where the first seeds of entrepreneurship were planted for me, and coming home to share my journey is a full-circle moment.”
Millions worldwide first learned of Williams’ game-changing fintech journey which redefined access to real estate investing through a Forbes Magazine cover story in 2019. Further recognizing his global profile, Fortune’s prestigious 40 Under 40 honored Williams among 40 trailblazing leaders. Williams was also honored by Goldman Sachs as one of 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs in 2016.
Born in Baton Rouge to a family with deep Louisiana roots, Williams’ entrepreneurial spirit is grounded in a lifelong commitment to community and giving back. Reflecting that dedication, he quietly led the zoning and acquisition of the “Inspiration Center” in North Baton Rouge — a multi-million dollar, transformational development that became a cornerstone of the North Howell Medical Center. Working closely with local and state officials, Williams helped secure critical financing that ensured clear title ownership and prevented foreclosure. Today, the Inspiration Center stands as a lasting beacon of hope and opportunity for the community.
Williams’ career reached new heights founding the global financial services technology company Cadre, a technology-driven real estate investment platform, which founded and led for over a decade. Under his leadership, Cadre raised over $200 million in corporate venture capital from premier investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Khosla Ventures, Thrive Capital, Goldman Sachs, Rupert Murdoch, General Catalyst, MacArthur Foundation, Mark Cuban, David Rubenstein, Soros Fund Management, among many others. Williams led Cadre to manage over $5 billion in assets, while establishing the industry's only platform in which individuals and institutions could invest side by side, fulfilling his vision of leveling the investing playing field from Main Street to Wall Street. Cadre was the first digital secondary marketplace for real estate stakes, and returned over $600 million to thousands of investors. In 2023, Williams successfully guided Cadre through a landmark M&A exit with YieldStreet, creating the premier global fintech giant managing over $10 billion in combined assets, marking one of the largest fintech transactions that year.
On June 19, Williams will sit down for a fireside chat with Nexus Louisiana President & CEO Tony Zanders. Williams will share personal insights from his earliest inspirations in Louisiana to navigating challenges and opportunities within the tech industry and ultimately reflect on how Louisiana’s unique landscape fosters innovation and economic growth.
"Ever since I learned about Ryan years ago, I've always wanted to sit down with him and discuss his journey from Baton Rouge to Wall Street and beyond," said Zanders. "Our inaugural Technology Cup presented the perfect opportunity to invite him home to inspire our community with his story."
Williams will also serve as a judge for the competition, which offers over $100,000 in cash prizes and mentorship opportunities for emerging startups and student teams.
For additional information about the Nexus Technology Cup or to request media credentials, visit nexusla.org/technologycup or contact Na'Tisha Natt at natisha@nexusla.org.