Meli James is the Head of New Ventures at Sultan Ventures, a boutique venture firm focused on early-stage startups, a Program Director at the award winning XLR8UH, a first of its kind venture accelerator formed in partnership with the University of Hawaii; and the President of the Hawaii Venture Capital Association. Prior to returning to her native Honolulu, Meli lived in Silicon Valley for over 10 years, where she co-founded and contributed to numerous start-ups in the Bay Area and Honolulu, including Nirvino – #1 ranked wine app, an Apple Platform Top 100 App, & Top Ten Lifestyles App. Meli is a founding member of the Startup Paradise initiative helping to build a thriving startup community that nurtures collaboration and innovation in Hawaii. She is committed to establishing resources to grow talent and high-growth ideas.