Managing Principal, Catalyst RCP

A thoughtful and diligent entrepreneur, Darryl Settles is a successful real estate developer, investor, restaurateur, and civic organizer. His notable 30-year career includes significant contributions to Boston’s hospitality and real estate development industries, adding to his reputation as a respected business leader in the community. Darryl is presently CEO of Catalyst Ventures Development (CVD), which aims to facilitate economic opportunities for minority-owned businesses and investors through multifamily and commercial property investments.

In 2016, Darryl and Redgate partnered to form Catalyst RCP after investing in projects together. This minority-owned joint venture builds on CVD’s mission to grow wealth for people of color through real estate development and investments. Catalyst RCP pursues significant projects that revitalize neighborhoods and create new spaces for their communities. As Managing Partner of Catalyst RCP, Darryl plays a critical role in identifying and evaluating new business opportunities and leveraging his network to connect parties and promote cross-collaboration. He also ensures equitable participation among Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MBEs, WBEs) by prioritizing their inclusion on Catalyst RCP’s and Redgate’s development project teams.

Beyond placemaking, Darryl’s expertise extends to meaningful activation. He owned two popular Boston restaurants: Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen and Boston’s oldest operating Black-owned business, Slade’s Bar & Grill. He founded and formerly co-owned the acclaimed Beehive, a South End jazz-themed restaurant, and created the Beantown Jazz Festival, which attracted over 25,000 attendees annually.

Darryl has earned recognition for this leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to his community, receiving awards such as Boston’s 100 Most Influential People of Color by Get Konnected! and a Leader in Diversity by the Boston Business Journal. He is a founding member of Boston Means Business, the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, the Builders of Color Coalition, and the Boston Real Estate Inclusion Fund. He currently sits on the board for many non-profits and is also on the corporate boards for Village Bank and Commodore Builders.