Caltech’s Entrepreneurs Forum Explores Cutting-Edge Startup Funding Strategies

The buzz of entrepreneurial innovation comes alive on Saturday, April 20, when Caltech’s Entrepreneurs Forum returns with its fourth event in the 2023-2024 series, “Earliest Stage Funding: What Precedes Pre-Seed.”

Scheduled to take place at the Cahill Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics, the forum promises an insightful dive into the evolving landscape of startup funding. The forum aims to tackle pressing questions facing entrepreneurs today:

• Can entrepreneurs launch a new venture in the current environment when the leadership team is “three PhDs and a dog”?

• Is there funding for them other than “Friends, Family and Fools”?

• Can partnerships fill the void? Can they mix equity funding with Federal Grant funding?

  The highlight of the forum will be the keynote address delivered by distinguished speakers Julie Schoenfeld, Entrepreneur in Residence for Physical Sciences at Caltech, and Dr. Andrea Belz, Vice Dean of Transformative Initiatives at USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Their expertise in navigating the intricacies of startup funding and entrepreneurship will provide invaluable insights to attendees.

Following the keynote, the event will feature a panel discussion with industry experts, including Kevin Barrett, Managing Partner at Freeflow Ventures. This interactive session will delve deeper into funding strategies, success stories, and the evolving role of technology in shaping entrepreneurial ventures.

Among the lineup of speakers are Alex Ballatori, Co-founder & CEO of StrokeDx, Lynn Foster, Founder and CEO of Z-Field Technologies, and Andy Tomat, Managing Director of Four Pillars, Inc. These speakers have diverse experiences and perspectives that will add depth to discussions on funding innovation and entrepreneurial success.

Coffee and networking opportunities will kick off at 8 a.m., during which attendees can connect, collaborate, and explore potential partnerships. The program begins at 9 a.m. and should be over by 11:30 a.m.

Early admission tickets are available for $30 for adults and $20 for students, with free parking provided for convenience.

The Caltech Entrepreneurs Forum, established in 1984, is an entrepreneurship resource of Caltech’s Office of Technology Transfer and Corporate Partnerships. Its mission is to encourage the growth and success of technology-based entrepreneurial ventures in Southern California.

To learn more about the event and secure your spot, visit http://entforum.caltech.edu.