ATHERTON, Calif. — Menlo College welcomed academics, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and students to the fourth annual Finance Hybrid Conference (FHC 4.0), exploring how fintech, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies are reshaping finance and real estate. Held on Menlo’s Atherton campus and online, the conference featured keynotes, panels, and fireside chats connecting students with professionals at the forefront of these industries.
Keynote speakers Bill Reichert of Pegasus Tech Ventures, Kirsten Rhodes of Deloitte, and Christina Bui of Robert Half shared insights from venture capital, professional services, and the evolving workplace.
A Real Estate & Technology panel featured Darwin Ling of Good AI Capital, Alina Aeby of the Silicon Valley Proptech Association, and Martin Kirkwood of Estate Legend. Fireside conversations with Prof. Iftekhar Hasan of Fordham University, James Wang of Creative Ventures, Prof. Faten Ben Bouheni of Menlo College, and Dr. Jacques Benkoski of U.S. Venture Partners expanded the discussion across academia, venture capital, and innovation.
The Real Estate Market Outlook panel brought practical industry experience to the conversation with real estate leader John McNellis and Menlo alumnus Chop Keenan ’66. Menlo College student Juliette Chabrier moderated the discussion, drawing on McNellis’ book, Making It in Real Estate, to help guide the conversation.
“Moderating the panel gave me the opportunity to learn directly from professionals who have spent decades navigating the real estate industry. Reading Making It in Real Estate helped me prepare thoughtful questions, but hearing John McNellis and Chop Keenan share their experiences brought those lessons to life and gave me insights I can carry into my own career,” said Chabrier.
Now in its fourth year, FHC is led by Prof. Dr. Faten Ben Bouheni, Ph.D., HDR, who designed the conference to bring academia and industry together while giving students an active role in the exchange.
“The Finance Hybrid Conference was created to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Seeing researchers, founders, investors, and our students exchange ideas in the same room is exactly what this conference is about,” said Ben Bouheni, organizer and chair of the Finance Hybrid Conference. “What makes FHC special is our students. They moderated every session, engaged with industry leaders, and showed the real-world, hands-on learning that defines Menlo College.”
FHC 4.0 reflects Menlo College’s Future Ready Now approach by putting students at the center of conversations about where their fields are headed. By engaging with industry leaders, asking questions, and helping lead discussions, students build the knowledge, professional connections, and practical experience that prepare them to turn what they learn into career impact.
About Menlo College
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College is a small, residential liberal arts and business college dedicated to preparing students to be Future Ready Now. Through a highly personalized educational experience that combines rigorous academics, applied learning, mentorship, and direct access to one of the world’s most innovative economies, Menlo College helps students convert education into measurable career and life outcomes. For more information, please visit our website or contact pr@menlo.edu
