Funding is one of the biggest pain points entrepreneurs face. And it begins with the question of what kind of funding to pursue. For those entrepreneurs considering a venture path for their startups, we know the road ahead can seem daunting: making the right connections, valuing your company, closing the deal and strategically planning a future that makes sense for the business, as well as a new set of stakeholders.

Join us for a panel discussion with founders and investors who’ll share their own insights from both sides of the table about securing early-stage funding.

We’re discussing:

• Considering whether the venture path is right for your startup
• Meeting the right people & building an investor funnel
• Valuing your company
• Deciding how much to raise
• Understanding common mistakes and pitfalls in fundraising
• Creating the right pitch
• Negotiating
• And much more!

About the panelists

• Susan Lyne is the Managing Partner of BBG Ventures, an early stage fund that invests in consumer tech companies founded by women. Since 2014, the fund has invested in 55 companies including Zola, The Wing, Modsy, Lola, goTenna, KiwiCo, Collective Retreats, Glamsquad, HopSkipDrive, and Shine. Before founding BBG Ventures Ms. Lyne held leadership positions at media, technology, and entertainment companies of all sizes and stages, from startups to public companies.
• Jeff Wald is the President & Co-founder of WorkMarket, a freelancer & contractor management system recently acquired by ADP . WorkMarket was featured in Crain’s New York Business Fast 50 in 2014, and named one Forbes’ America’s Most Promising Companies in the same year. Jeff is cited as an expert in the freelance economy by publications like Bloomberg, Fortune, Huffington Post, and more. Jeff has successfully built and sold multiple tech companies like SpinBack and Buddy Media.
• Katie Shea is a partner at Kairos, an early-stage VC firm that backs companies that help during major life stages where people are being financially squeezed. Companies in their portfolio include Periscope, Casper, Little Spoon, and Residenz. She’s also invested in Bombas, Simple Contacts, City Row, FORTE, Simple Contacts, Felix Gray, KNOW Foods, and Negotiatus.

Schedule:

6:30 – 6:50: Drinks & Networking
6:50 – 7:50: Panel
7:50 – 8:15: Audience Q&A
8:15 – 9:00: More Drinks & Networking