Today we’d like to introduce you to Troy Billett.
Hi Troy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Troy Billett joined the McKinney Economic Development Corporation in May last year as the new Fund Manager for their Innovation Fund. The McKinney Innovation Fund provides $200k or $500k grants to compelling technology startups to spur economic development and innovation in this region.
Troy brings an exceptional background in venture capital, startup incubation, and operational leadership that directly supports MEDC’s growing innovation ecosystem and aligns with our strategic pillars around startup support, target industry growth, and economic impact.
He has served as Chief Operating Officer and Head of M&A at People360, increasing EBITDA by $2.3 million and doubling the company’s valuation through strategic investments in emerging technologies. He also brings valuable experience as a Venture Partner at Hexa Global Ventures and a Principal at Tech Wildcatters VC, managing deal flow from over 1,000 startup applicants annually and coordinating investor relationships across venture funds, angel groups, and corporate partners. His startup credentials are further underscored by his time as Director at OffGridBox, where he secured international development funding and built one of its first clean tech investment strategies.
With a degree in International Management and Applied Mathematics, Troy combines global perspective, analytical rigor, and a proven track record of building scalable technology ventures. His leadership will be key to expanding our Innovation Fund’s reach, deepening our Plug and Play engagement, and elevating McKinney as a premier destination for technology-driven growth.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
After my family lost our childhood home and fell deep into debt following the 2008 crisis, my dream of attending Franklin University Switzerland seemed impossible, forcing me to defer my enrollment despite receiving a significant scholarship. My South American grandfather stepped in at the final hour, viewing my education as a sacred priority and funding my first two years, but his sudden death from cancer during my sophomore year threw my future back into chaos. Despite his lifelong history of gifting education to all his grandchildren, his passing sparked a bitter inheritance battle among his nine children. I was left in a state of painful uncertainty, watching my family ties unravel as my relatives’ sense of entitlement over his estate threatens the very education he promised to protect.
Luckily, I had learned at a young age that anything was possible if you are persistent enough. I was able to pull loans and crowdsource the remaining funds to finish my undergraduate degree. However, that experience taught me skills that helped me become a more resilient entrepreneur and strategic investor.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about McKinney Economic Development Corporation?
I am an entrepreneur and operator turn strategic investor with 10+ years vetting and scaling B2B technology companies. I help fuel economic development through innovation across DFW and beyond including startup grants, VC partnerships, and enterprise pilots. In my past roles, I supported $40m+ in AUM, increased EBITDA by $2m+, vetted 5k+ startups, and raised $20m+ for early stage investing.
Highlights of my Career:
– Increased EBITDA by $2.3M of a VC-backed SaaS company
– 2x a company valuation by closing two investments in strategic technologies
– Grew my network by 50+ accredited investors
– 3x ARR in my first year by pivoting a business model
– Bootstrapped my own startup to $1m in ARR in university
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
My priority now is just to help build up the local innovation ecosystem. Primarily that is supporting and investing in startups ($200k+ grants), but we are also open to working on strategic partnerships with investors and ecosystem organizations.
For startups:
Non-US founders – capital to expand to the US & resources for a soft landing
US-based founders – capital to relocate & ramp up your local hires
Why this region?
– #1 business climate
– #1 in HQ relocations (49 Fortune 1000 HQs)
– DFW recently birthed 3 unicorns
– No personal/state income tax
– 8th largest economy globally
– McKinney National Airport coming soon
Apply for funding: https://uniquemckinney.com/innovation-fund/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://uniquemckinney.com/innovation-fund/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troybillett/
- Other: https://www.troybillett.com/
