Lightchain Capital, LLC – a venture capital fund – was started by Rodger Riney, founder of brokerage firm Scottrade. Riney, who has multiple myeloma and is focused on accelerating viable investment in scientific cancer research, established Lightchain in 2018.
Lightchain Capital invests primarily in early-stage life sciences and software companies. The life science portfolio focuses on companies advancing treatments for multiple myeloma and related cancers.
Rodger O. Riney
FOUNDER
Rodger O. Riney is the former CEO and founder of the discount brokerage firm Scottrade, which he sold to TD Ameritrade in 2017, two years after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma.
Following the sale of Scottrade, Lightchain Capital, LLC was established as Riney’s family office, to invest in early-stage life sciences companies.
In addition, Riney and his wife, Paula, established the Paula and Rodger Riney Foundation to fund scientific research leading to a better understanding and possible cure of multiple myeloma and related cancers.
Drew Dennison
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Drew Dennison is managing director at Lightchain Capital, LLC. Following the sale of Scottrade, Lightchain Capital, LLC was established as Riney’s family office, to invest in early-stage life sciences and software companies.
Dennison is the former Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Scottrade Financial Services, Inc. In his tenure of more than a decade, he led the company’s operations, technology, finance and strategic planning functions.
He also managed the sale of Scottrade to TD Ameritrade and was co-lead for the integration project that successfully merged the two companies.
Currently, Dennison serves as Board member of CareVet Holdings; a Director on the Board at Geneoscopy, Inc.; Wugen; AI Proteins; and Microbial Machines.
John Harry Wagner
PRINCIPAL
John Harry Wagner is principal at Lightchain Capital, LLC, managing various aspects of the Lightchain portfolio and company funds. Before joining Lightchain, Wagner did research in computational neuroscience and biology. Wagner graduated from Washington University in 2022.
Jenna McClary
DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING
Jenna McClary is director of accounting at Lightchain Capital, overseeing the creation and analysis of the financial reporting package and providing other accounting services. Before joining Lightchain, McClary had experience as an accountant and financial analyst with several companies in the St. Louis, Missouri, area.
Danae Bednar
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/OFFICE MANAGER
Danae Bednar is administrative assistant/office manager at Lightchain Capital LLC, supporting office personnel administratively and overseeing general office needs. Prior to joining Lightchain, Bednar provided personal assistant services to two local executives since 2012.
