Stephen Hays

Stephen Hays is the founder of What If Ventures, a  VC fund investing primarily in early stage tech startups focused on solutions in mental health and addiction recovery.

After decades struggling with addiction, and type-1 bi-polar disorder, Stephen was able to experience a trans-formative change in his life with the help of his loving wife and children, his father, and close friends.  More of his story with addiction can be read here.

Stephen is also the creator of a podcast on mental health, wellness and recovery, called “Stigma.” You can read more about the podcast and listen to his conversations with entrepreneurs, leaders and others about how mental health has impacted their lives here: Stigma Podcast.

Previously, Stephen was the Founder and Managing Partner of Deep Space Ventures, a VC fund focused early stage tech startups.  During his time at Deep Space, Stephen led 25 early stage investments.  To date, that portfolio has generated a TVPI of 2.4x, with 4 exits and multiple companies raising follow-on capital with valuations in excess of $100,000,000.

Before starting Deep Space Ventures, Stephen was an investment banker on Wall Street for 6+ years.  He primarily focused on helping large companies raise capital, and execute Mergers & Acquisitions.

Stephen received his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at West Point, and received his MBA from Vanderbilt.

Stephen lives in Frisco, TX with his loving wife, beautiful children and their pet bunny rabbit, named  Mr. Snuffleupagus.