Craig Ceccanti

Craig is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Softeq Development Corporation, a technology consulting and full-stack development firm based in Houston. In his role as COO, Craig is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the company, focusing on optimizing processes to ensure efficient functioning. Craig is also a Managing Partner at Softeq Venture Fund, a fund dedicated to fostering the growth of early-stage tech startups. This unique dual role enables him to channel his passions for operational excellence, exceptional customer experience, and the flourishing of the startup ecosystem.

Before joining Softeq, Craig established himself as a seasoned entrepreneur. He was a founding member and CEO of Pinot’s Palette, Houston’s first BYOB Painting Studio. Under his leadership, Pinot’s Palette grew to become a nationwide franchise. Following his exit, he joined the founding team at Rivalry Technologies, developers of an innovative mobile ordering platform designed for stadiums and healthcare facilities, where he currently serves on the Board of Directors. Most recently, Craig founded T-Minus Solutions, a custom software consulting agency focused on startups and growth companies.

Craig is deeply committed to the Houston community, actively engaged as a mentor, advisor, and investor for budding entrepreneurs, guiding them through the crucial stages of inception to sustainable growth. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Bread Man Baking, a Houston-based commercial artisan bakery. Craig received a B.S. in Computer Science from Louisiana State University and an MBA from the Rice University Jones School of Business. He has remained involved at Rice University as an Adjunct Professor and Board of Advisors member for the Jones School of Business. Outside of his professional and community engagements, Craig is a devoted husband and proud father. He loves spending time with his beautiful family and has recently begun learning piano alongside his children.