Meet prolific startup investor Terrence C. Murphy Sr., a longtime mentor for local entrepreneurs -- originally with Startup Aggieland at Texas A&M University and now with DesignSpark Innovation Center in Bryan, located across the street from the university. Terrence will be our featured guest at Startup Grind, hosted by the Venture Studio at DesignSpark Innovation Center. Spencer Clements will interview Terrence in a free fireside chat. Spencer is the CEO of William Cole Companies, also located at the innovation center. Startup Grind is part of a global community of 4 Million startups in 600 cities and 125 countries worldwide.

The last time that Terrence spoke at the innovation center was with the late Artie McFerrin and Nathan Day in 2016. Our event will be on Tues., Feb. 7, 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm in the innovation center at 3891 S. Traditions Dr. Surface parking and beverages are free.

Terrence played for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League (NFL), retiring from the pros to a successful real estate career, leading multiple development and acquisition companies to multi-million-dollar revenues and 250+ bed portfolios. He has received the Aggie 100 Award in 2015, 2016 and 2018 from Texas A&M University - Mays Business School. Terrence is now paying his success forward by investing in other entrepreneurs.

Among the 30+ companies that Terrence has invested in, he recently backed one of our Venture Studio startups -- Screen Skinz, founded by RaShaun Brown and Clay Canning in Bryan. Among other startup investments, Terrence has invested in ThreatWarrior, Venus Aerospace, Subspace Network, Persefoni, Terradepth, Clarity Security, Humanely, Hello Alice, SourceDay, Mythic, Hitch, Numerade, Groq, Constru, Halo, Ghost Robotics, UpEquity, Nomad Data, Okera and Spartan .

Terrence received a B.S. in Agricultural Development with a Business Minor in 2005. He also did some graduate studies at Mays Business School. As a student-athlete, Terrence became one of the best receivers in A&M history. He was two-time 1st Team All-Big 12 (wide receiver and kick returner) and was three-time Academic All-Big 12 in his four seasons at A&M. He finished his career with 3,615 total all-purpose yards in four seasons, the most ever by an Aggie receiver. He was named to The Sporting News All-American Team twice. He is the A&M record holder in the vertical jump (all varsity sports including basketball) with a jump of 42 inches. He was named to the A&M All-Decade Team. Terrence also was the first wide receiver to break 2,000 receiving yards in school history.