Alan Henderson: From Hoosier Legend to Visionary Entrepreneur

Alan Henderson is returning to Bloomington this spring—not just as a legendary name in IU basketball history, but as a respected entrepreneur and leader in Indiana’s business community. This year, he’ll join innovators, founders, and investors from across the Hoosier state at the IU Founders & Funders Network Venture Summit, a major annual event powered by IU Ventures.

From Hoosier Legend to Visionary Entrepreneur

A Hoosier Icon On and Off the Court

Henderson’s name still resonates with Indiana fans. During his time in Bloomington, he played a crucial role in the Hoosiers’ 1992 Final Four run, led the team in rebounding for four straight seasons, and graduated in 1995 as one of IU’s all-time greats—in scoring, shot-making, rebounding, steals, and blocks. His success carried into a 12-year NBA career.

What many people don’t realize is that Henderson’s achievements extend far beyond basketball. He completed his biology degree at IU, earned acceptance into the IU School of Medicine, and became a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. While still playing professionally, he continued his education and earned his MBA from the Kelley School of Business in 2010.

Henderson Spirits Group: A New Chapter

After years of success on the court, Henderson shifted his competitive drive into the business world. In 2020, he launched Henderson Spirits Group, a company dedicated to honoring the overlooked African American pioneers who influenced the spirits industry. Their mission — “Diversify the Bar” — has already made an impact, with two award-winning brands, Tom Bullock’s and Birdie Brown, now distributed across nine states.

Sharing His Journey With the Next Generation

During the Venture Summit, Henderson will sit on the Founders Panel on May 19, where he’ll share his experiences with building a brand from the ground up. The discussion will cover topics entrepreneurs constantly navigate: product-market fit, MVP development, fundraising strategies, leadership, and the reality of learning through failure.

He’ll be joined by other IU alumni making national waves in venture and innovation—Erica Anderson (The New Savant), Ravi Bhatt (Folia), and Karen Wurster (Adipo Therapeutics).

This year’s summit will also feature appearances from IU head football coach Tom Allen, athletic director Scott Dolson, and leaders in the university’s evolving NIL landscape, including Tyler Harris and Collin Hartman.

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