The $2 Trillion Opportunity Hiding in Plain Sight: Why Disability Tech Is the Most Undervalued Market in Venture - Light Dao Salon (NYC)
Fireside Chat with Chris Maher, Samaritan Partners
Most investors say they want impact - Chris Maher is building a fund where it's the thesis.
Join us for an intimate and thought-provoking evening as Chris Maher shares how 20 years of parenting two daughters with disabilities, combined with decades as a venture-backed CEO, led him to launch Samaritan Partners - a public benefit venture fund investing at the intersection of accessibility, inclusion, and innovation.
In this fireside chat, Chris will unpack the economic engine behind the disability economy - and why the world’s largest underserved population represents one of the biggest untapped markets in tech.
He’ll share:
Why most investors overlook the disability economy - and how that’s changing
How inclusive design drives better outcomes for everyone, not just some
What founders and funders can learn from lived disability experience
Why accessibility is smart business - not charity - and the next major venture frontier
About Chris Maher
Chris Maher is the Founder and General Partner of Samaritan Partners, a public benefit venture fund investing in early-stage companies across disability tech and inclusive innovation.
A multi-time VC-backed CEO and veteran operator, Chris spent 25 years scaling growth-stage startups before launching Samaritan in 2023.
He co-hosts the podcast Investing in Accessibility (https://www.investinginaccessibility.com/), and backs startups spanning adaptive tech, inclusive employment, and assistive AI.
Chris’s personal life deeply informs his thesis - he’s the father of two daughters with disabilities and brings a rare combination of lived empathy and operator savvy to the table.
His core thesis: Disability isn’t a niche - it’s a $2 trillion opportunity hiding in plain sight.
SALON AGENDA:
7:00-7:30pm - Welcome, light snacks & drinks served
7:30-7:40pm - Introductions
7:40-8:05pm - Group connection experience
8:05-8:45pm - Fireside Q&A
8:45-9:00pm - Business connect
9:00-9:30pm - Deepen connections
Members often connect for dinner or drinks after the salon.
VENUE DETAILS: The gathering is in Manhattan. The exact address will be sent to confirmed guests.
DRESS: We encourage authentic self-expression! Shoes off because in private residence.
GUEST POLICY: We are a members only (known as Dao Owners) community. All Dao Guests must be approved and can receive one in-person gathering for free. Dao Guests are eligible to become a Dao Owner Member. Otherwise, one must become a Dao Owner to continue attending gatherings. Please note that invitations are not a guarantee for entry, and we invite you to thoroughly answer the approval questions. Friends or +1s must RSVP individually. Unapproved show-ups will not be granted entry.
JOIN US: Light Dao is a fast-growing trusted global community of over 5000 conscious investors and entrepreneurs with curated in-person and online gatherings and experiences, having hosted in 16 cities across North and South America, Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Our heartfelt mission is to bring abundance for all by expanding the collective consciousness, enlightening society, and empowering values-aligned relationships. Together, we co-create a thriving regenerative future for humanity. We are excited to welcome you to our global community! http://wearelight.one/