Grid110 x HumanBulb: Finale Pitch Competition
To join the event, please register HERE!
Join us for the Finale Pitch Competition! Witness California-based entrepreneurs showcase their innovative ideas and compete for a grand prize. The official winner will secure a chance to pitch in front of hundreds of investors and an unparalleled opportunity to secure thousands in funding.
The format of these pitches will follow the format of the HumanBulb Start Up Regional Competition: 2 min pitching, 3 mins Q+A, with pitch deck.
➡️ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PITCH: please fill out all the registration questions when you register for the event here on Luma. Those who do not submit these materials will not be considered to pitch, however they are welcome to join the session and learn by watching others pitch. Prepare to give a 2-minute pitch about your company (with your pitch deck), and you will have 3 minutes of live Q&A from our judges.
PLEASE NOTE: Registering and submitting to pitch does not guarantee you a spot to pitch. If you are selected to pitch, you will be notified via email within a week before the event. Please reach out to marli@grid110.org if you have any questions.
EVENT SERIES - make it all the way for a chance at a $1 million USD investment prize. ⬇️
This event is a part of a 3-Part Pitch Series designed to help California founders craft their pitch, build a compelling pitch deck and compete for a grand prize:
⭐️ Art of the Pitch: Wed. April 3 | 12PM PT - RSVP HERE
⭐️ Building a Compelling Pitch Deck: Tues. April 9 | 12PM PT - RSVP HERE
⭐️ Pitch Practice: Thurs. April 11 | 6PM PT - RSVP HERE
⭐️ Pitch Competition: Tues. April 16 | 6PM PT -(this event)
Winner will secure a spot to compete in the Startup World Cup OC/LA Regional Competition on April 30th, at UCI. The champion of this regional competition will advance to the Global Grand Finale in San Francisco for a $1 million USD investment prize. 🚀
🚨 Those who compete in this virtual pitch competition and do not win, are still eligible and encouraged to apply for the OC/LA Regional Competition. ➡️ STARTUP WORLD CUP APPLICATION: HERE
About Grid110
Grid110 is an economic and community development nonprofit dedicated to creating clearer pathways to success for early-stage entrepreneurs in Los Angeles. Their mission is to foster the most thriving, inviting & inclusive community for entrepreneurs by making the entrepreneurial path more equitable, inclusive, and accessible. Through their no-cost, no-equity accelerator programs, Grid110 provides founders with a growing community of fellow entrepreneurs, expert mentorship, and crucial resources. It has supported 300+ companies that have raised more than $123 million since its creation in 2015. Ninety-four percent of companies supported by Grid110 are led by women and entrepreneurs of color.
About HumanBulb
HumanBulb is a nonprofit organization with the mission of unleashing innovation through equity-focused innovation entrepreneurship education and acceleration programs for youth and professionals. They believe teaching Innovation Entrepreneurship to girls, BIPOC & LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-18 is vital because (1) they are severely underrepresented in the startup ecosystems and gaining necessary skills and knowledge can reverse this trend, (2) they gain exposure to STEM topics and comfort with new technologies which are vital in the future of work and necessary for closing economic equity gaps, (3) Innovation Entrepreneurship teaches a both a global mindset and adaptability to change which is necessary in the world they will be working and living in, (4) it teaches teamwork and leadership skills.
Grid110 x HumanBulb: Pitch Practice
To join the event, please register HERE!
Fine-tune your pitch and receive real-time feedback from seasoned experts. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs as you sharpen your presentation skills, gaining the confidence and expertise needed to shine in our official pitch competition.
The format of these pitches will follow the format for those of the HumanBulb Start Up Regional Competition: 2 min pitching, 3 mins Q+A, with pitch deck.
➡️ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PRACTICE YOUR PITCH: please fill out all the registration questions when you register for the event here on Luma. Those who do not submit these materials will not be considered to pitch, however they are welcome to join the session and learn by watching others pitch. Prepare to give a 2-minute pitch about your company (with your pitch deck), and you will receive 3 minutes of live expert feedback.
PLEASE NOTE: Registering and submitting to practice your pitch does not guarantee you a spot to practice your pitch. If you are selected to practice, you will be notified via email within a week before the event. Please reach out to marli@grid110.org if you have any questions.
EVENT SERIES - make it all the way for a chance at a $1 million USD investment prize. ⬇️
This event is a part of a 3-Part Pitch Series designed to help California founders craft their pitch, build a compelling pitch deck and compete for a grand prize:
⭐️ Art of the Pitch: Wed. April 3 | 12PM PT - RSVP HERE
⭐️ Building a Compelling Pitch Deck: Tues. April 9 | 12PM PT - RSVP HERE
⭐️ Pitch Practice: Thurs. April 11 | 6PM PT - (this event)
⭐️ Pitch Competition: Tues. April 16 | 6PM PT - RSVP and apply to pitch HERE
Winner will secure a spot to compete in the Startup World Cup OC/LA Regional Competition on April 30th, at UCI. The champion of this regional competition will advance to the Global Grand Finale in San Francisco for a $1 million USD investment prize. 🚀
🚨 Those who compete in this virtual pitch competition and do not win, are still eligible and encouraged to apply for the OC/LA Regional Competition. ➡️ STARTUP WORLD CUP APPLICATION: HERE
About Grid110
Grid110 is an economic and community development nonprofit dedicated to creating clearer pathways to success for early-stage entrepreneurs in Los Angeles. Their mission is to foster the most thriving, inviting & inclusive community for entrepreneurs by making the entrepreneurial path more equitable, inclusive, and accessible. Through their no-cost, no-equity accelerator programs, Grid110 provides founders with a growing community of fellow entrepreneurs, expert mentorship, and crucial resources. It has supported 300+ companies that have raised more than $123 million since its creation in 2015. Ninety-four percent of companies supported by Grid110 are led by women and entrepreneurs of color.
About HumanBulb
HumanBulb is a nonprofit organization with the mission of unleashing innovation through equity-focused innovation entrepreneurship education and acceleration programs for youth and professionals. They believe teaching Innovation Entrepreneurship to girls, BIPOC & LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-18 is vital because (1) they are severely underrepresented in the startup ecosystems and gaining necessary skills and knowledge can reverse this trend, (2) they gain exposure to STEM topics and comfort with new technologies which are vital in the future of work and necessary for closing economic equity gaps, (3) Innovation Entrepreneurship teaches a both a global mindset and adaptability to change which is necessary in the world they will be working and living in, (4) it teaches teamwork and leadership skills.
Grid110 x HumanBulb: Building a Compelling Pitch Deck
To join the event, please register HERE!
Join us for Part II of our event series: Building a Compelling Pitch Deck, where you'll discover how to craft a visually captivating and strategically designed pitch deck that enhances your pitch and captivates investors.
The format of these pitches will follow the format for those of the HumanBulb Start Up Regional Competition: 2 min pitching, 3 mins Q+A, with pitch deck.
EVENT SERIES - make it all the way for a chance at a $1 million USD investment prize. ⬇️
This event is a part of a 3-Part Pitch Series designed to help California founders craft their pitch, build a compelling pitch deck and compete for a grand prize:
⭐️ Art of the Pitch: Wed. April 3 | 12PM PT - RSVP HERE
⭐️ Building a Compelling Pitch Deck: Tues. April 9 | 12PM PT - (this event)
⭐️ Pitch Practice: Thurs. April 11 | 6PM PT - RSVP HERE
⭐️ Pitch Competition: Tues. April 16 | 6PM PT - RSVP and apply to pitch HERE
Winner will secure a spot to compete in the Startup World Cup OC/LA Regional Competition on April 30th, at UCI. The champion of this regional competition will advance to the Global Grand Finale in San Francisco for a $1 million USD investment prize. 🚀
🚨 Those who compete in this virtual pitch competition and do not win, are still eligible and encouraged to apply for the OC/LA Regional Competition. ➡️ STARTUP WORLD CUP APPLICATION: HERE
About Grid110
Grid110 is an economic and community development nonprofit dedicated to creating clearer pathways to success for early-stage entrepreneurs in Los Angeles. Their mission is to foster the most thriving, inviting & inclusive community for entrepreneurs by making the entrepreneurial path more equitable, inclusive, and accessible. Through their no-cost, no-equity accelerator programs, Grid110 provides founders with a growing community of fellow entrepreneurs, expert mentorship, and crucial resources. It has supported 300+ companies that have raised more than $123 million since its creation in 2015. Ninety-four percent of companies supported by Grid110 are led by women and entrepreneurs of color.
About HumanBulb
HumanBulb is a nonprofit organization with the mission of unleashing innovation through equity-focused innovation entrepreneurship education and acceleration programs for youth and professionals. They believe teaching Innovation Entrepreneurship to girls, BIPOC & LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-18 is vital because (1) they are severely underrepresented in the startup ecosystems and gaining necessary skills and knowledge can reverse this trend, (2) they gain exposure to STEM topics and comfort with new technologies which are vital in the future of work and necessary for closing economic equity gaps, (3) Innovation Entrepreneurship teaches a both a global mindset and adaptability to change which is necessary in the world they will be working and living in, (4) it teaches teamwork and leadership skills.
Grid110 x HumanBulb: Art of the Pitch
To join the event, please register HERE!
Join us for Art of the Pitch where we'll guide you through the process of crafting your pitch from the ground up, providing expert insights and practical tips to help you articulate your vision with confidence and clarity. 🎤
The format of these pitches will follow the format for those of the HumanBulb Start Up Regional Competition: 2 min pitching, 3 mins Q+A, with pitch deck.
EVENT SERIES - make it all the way for a chance at a $1 million USD investment prize. ⬇️
This event is a part of a 3-Part Pitch Series designed to help California founders craft their pitch, build a compelling pitch deck and compete for a grand prize:
⭐️ Art of the Pitch: Wed. April 3 | 12PM PT - (this event)
⭐️ Building a Compelling Pitch Deck: Tues. April 9 | 12PM PT - RSVP HERE
⭐️ Pitch Practice: Thurs. April 11 | 6PM PT - RSVP HERE
⭐️ Pitch Competition: Tues. April 16 | 6PM PT - RSVP and apply to pitch HERE
Winner will secure a spot to compete in the Startup World Cup OC/LA Regional Competition on April 30th, at UCI. The champion of this regional competition will advance to the Global Grand Finale in San Francisco for a $1 million USD investment prize. 🚀
🚨 Those who compete in this virtual pitch competition and do not win, are still eligible and encouraged to apply for the OC/LA Regional Competition. ➡️ STARTUP WORLD CUP APPLICATION: HERE
About Grid110
Grid110 is an economic and community development nonprofit dedicated to creating clearer pathways to success for early-stage entrepreneurs in Los Angeles. Their mission is to foster the most thriving, inviting & inclusive community for entrepreneurs by making the entrepreneurial path more equitable, inclusive, and accessible. Through their no-cost, no-equity accelerator programs, Grid110 provides founders with a growing community of fellow entrepreneurs, expert mentorship, and crucial resources. It has supported 300+ companies that have raised more than $123 million since its creation in 2015. Ninety-four percent of companies supported by Grid110 are led by women and entrepreneurs of color.
About HumanBulb
HumanBulb is a nonprofit organization with the mission of unleashing innovation through equity-focused innovation entrepreneurship education and acceleration programs for youth and professionals. They believe teaching Innovation Entrepreneurship to girls, BIPOC & LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-18 is vital because (1) they are severely underrepresented in the startup ecosystems and gaining necessary skills and knowledge can reverse this trend, (2) they gain exposure to STEM topics and comfort with new technologies which are vital in the future of work and necessary for closing economic equity gaps, (3) Innovation Entrepreneurship teaches a both a global mindset and adaptability to change which is necessary in the world they will be working and living in, (4) it teaches teamwork and leadership skills.
Bold Beginnings: Bootstrapping in a Time of Uncertainty
To join the event, please register HERE!
In this funding environment, founders often hear that there is no better time to launch a business than during a market downturn. Some of the most commonly used apps and products were all founded during the Great Recession. Challenging conditions highlight the resilience of creative founders. Join Techstars Los Angeles and Grid110 as we discuss strategies to stretch capital, run lean, and build a recession-proof business.
Hear from:
Ehime Eigbe, Founder & CEO, Sweetkiwi
Jorge Garcia, Founder & CEO, Linker Finance
Rocky Collins, Founder & CEO, CALI HNDSME
About Techstars Los Angeles:
Techstars is a pre-seed investor that provides access to capital, mentorship, and other support for early-stage entrepreneurs. The Los Angeles program is open to founders building startups in healthcare, wellness, B2B SaaS, Deep Tech, Energy, Robotics, FinTech, Mobility, Logistics, PropTech, CPG, and Climate Tech. Follow us on LinkedIn to receive the latest updates on our program!
About Grid110:
Grid110 is an economic and community development non-profit dedicated to creating clear pathways to success for early-stage entrepreneurs. Through our cohort-based accelerator programs, we provide founders with a growing community of fellow entrepreneurs, expert mentorship, and critical resources. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow on social to receive the latest updates on programming and funding opportunities!
By registering for this event, you are agreeing to Techstars Terms of Use, Code of Conduct and Privacy Policy. If you have questions please reach out to privacy@techstars.com.
Grid110 September Pitch Practice
To join the event, please register HERE!
Join us for this workshop and gain expert advice on your 2-minute pitch! 🎤 6 companies will have the chance to pitch to our panel of experts and receive constructive feedback. Even if you are not pitching, sitting in on this session will be valuable to hear pitching tips and best practices. 🙌
➡️ If you would like to pitch: please submit your name, company name, company website, and the link to your LinkedIn profile when you register for the event here on Luma. Those who do not submit these materials will not be considered to pitch, however are welcome to join the session and learn by watching others pitch and receive feedback. Prepare to give a 2-minute pitch about your company (without a pitch deck), and you will receive 3 minutes of practical and thoughtful feedback from our panel.
PLEASE NOTE: Registering and submitting to pitch does not guarantee you a spot to pitch. If you are selected to pitch, we will notify you by 9/13 via email. Please reach out to elle@grid110.org if you have any questions.
Meet Our Judge Panel ⬇️
Shrina Kurani is Executive Director at Grid110, providing entrepreneurs with access to community, mentors and critical resources through no cost, no equity programs. After building multiple companies focused on climate and equity, Shrina ran for United States Congress in 2022 on a strong climate platform, and co-founded SNØCAP, a deeptech climate fund.
Lauren Gregor is Founder and CEO of Rent a Romper, a rental clothing company for children (because they grow so fast). Prior to founding Rent a Romper, Lauren served as a strategy and operations leader at FirstGroup plc. She brings her experience in business and as a mom to her goal of making life easier for parents and the planet
Kristina Jones, an award-winning art director turned tech entrepreneur, pivoted from her success with courtbuddy.com to address a deeply personal issue. After raising $7.5 million and breaking barriers as the 14th African American woman to secure over $1M in VC funding, she turned her focus to children's mental health. Inspired by her own experience of losing her father at a young age, she founded guardianlane.com, an innovative platform offering on-demand counseling and community support for grieving children. Since its beta launch, Guardian Lane has partnered with over 3,000 schools and gained media attention from outlets like Vanity Fair and Forbes.
Grid110 Launchpad Founder Showcase 🚀
To join the event, please register HERE!
Join us in celebrating the next generation of L.A. founders! We’re excited for you to meet our amazing founders who are graduating from our 12-week Idea to Launch Program and will join the Grid110 alumni in redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur. Come hang out with the founders, mentors, investors, and community leaders that make-up the incredible Grid110 community. 🎉
We will have small plates, drinks, music, and a showcase presentation from our graduating cohort.
🥂 5:30 - 7:00 : Welcome + Happy Hour
🎤 7:00 - 8:00 : Founder Showcase
✨ 8:00 - 8:30 : Networking + Wrap up
Startup Law 101: Ask All Your Legal Business Questions
To join the event, please register HERE!
Join us for Startup Law 101 where industry professionals Stephen Ruotsi and Johanna Monon of Sparring will review everything you need to think about for the legal side of building your business! From incorporating, to reviewing contracts, to hiring & building your C-suite, data protection & privacy, and everything else in between. You'll also have ample time to ask them any legal questions you may have pertaining to your business.
About Stephen + Johanna ⬇️
Stephen Ruotsi is Sparring’s US Director of Operations. He is a California and New York licensed attorney focused on all aspects of startup business law with an emphasis on employment and vendor contract issues.. Stephen launched Sparring’s US office in January 2022.
Johanna Monon is Sparring’s US Senior Associate. She is a California licensed attorney focused on corporate and M&A. Johanna guides startups through funding rounds and transactions, as well as entity restructuring. She is also a part of the firm’s crypto practice.
About Sparring ⬇️
Sparring Legal LLP is a new breed of law firm that’s designed with founders at heart. Technology centric, innovation first, and transparent, Sparring has supported over one-hundred companies in their growth in the US, Europe, and and beyond. Sparring operates as outsourced general counsel or Chief Legal Officer, becoming your partner for all legal needs. They join your Slack channel and handle everything from short contract reviews to large investment rounds. While handling your legal day-to-day, Sparring’s goal is always to have you ready for your next funding round and to get the best possible terms from investors.
Sparring was founded in Bratislava, Slovakia, in 2018 and opened their US branch in January 2022 in Los Angeles. Sparring is #longLA and in addition to legal services seeks to provide a highway of cross-border business between the US and Central and Eastern Europe.
Learn more at sparring.io.
August Funding Pathways
To join the event, please register HERE!
When it comes to money for startups, there's no shortage of options - from crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter, equity funding models such as convertible debt, friends & family rounds, smaller VCs, grants and even angel investment networks. 💰 Join us for our funding pathways event series for a panel with industry leaders so you can find out which path is right for you! 🚀
Following the panel, there will be a 30-minute Q&A breakout room where you can ask specific questions and interact directly with the experts. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and guidance on your startup's funding journey. Launch your business to new heights with the right financial support! 🚀💰
Meet our panel speakers! ⬇️
Mackenzie Loy is the founder of 2 social enterprise startups, Homemade in DC and The New Majority - both with a mission to close the racial and gender wealth gap through entrepreneurship and investing. She founded both businesses while pursuing her Master of Public Policy and MBA at Georgetown University. Prior to founding The New Majority and Homemade in DC, Mackenzie worked in tech and innovation with a focus on business development and growth. To learn more about Homemade in DC and The New Majority, visit https://homemadeindc.com/ and https://thenewmajorityinvest.com.
Caitlin Szikszai is a Senior Investment Team Associate at Republic. Previously she was an Analyst at University Growth Fund as she obtained her BA in International Business at San Diego State University. In her current role she helps founders raise equity, token, and debt and capital publicly and privately through Republic's investment platform and broker dealer. She has a personal interest in consumer technology, and sustainable businesses.
Rohit Gupta is the Managing Director of Future Communities Capital (FCC). Rohit has led investments into Coupang, Counsyl, Biomeme, SpaceX, Akido, Lyft, Roofr, and more. FCC looks for technology entrepreneurs focused on disrupting legacy industries such as government, healthcare, finance, and real estate. Portfolio companies are tackling problems ranging from smart city infrastructure to disease outbreak management. Rohit holds an MS in Environmental Engineering from Cornell University. He completed his BS at the University of Southern California.
Grid110 Summer Social: Anniversary Celebration + Miki's Farewell
To join the event, please register HERE!
🎉 Join Grid110 for an unforgettable afternoon of joy at their Summer Social Anniversary Celebration and Farewell to CEO Miki Reynolds! 🌞🎉
🗓️ Save the date: June 24, 2023
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM PDT
Indulge in delectable treats, savor refreshing beverages, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. 🍔🍹
🌻 Wear something yellow to showcase your Grid110 spirit and contribute to the festive ambiance. Let's light up the party with our bright and cheerful outfits! 🌼
🌟 In addition to bidding farewell to CEO Miki Reynolds, we are thrilled to introduce our new Executive Director, Shrina Kurani. Join us in giving her a warm welcome as she leads Grid110 on this exciting journey! 🎉
🎟️ This exclusive gathering is reserved for Grid110's portfolio companies and community partners who have been instrumental in our success. Your presence will make this celebration even more special. ✨
Let's cherish the milestones achieved, welcome our new Executive Director, and look forward to the bright future that lies ahead. 🌟
📆 Save the date and mark your calendars for this extraordinary afternoon of joy! It's an event you won't want to miss. See you there! 🎊
Juneteenth Founders & Friends Happy Hour
To join the event, please register HERE!
Join us for a Juneteenth Founders & Friends Happy Hour hosted by Grid110 & Goodie Nation
📅 Date: June 19, 2023
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM PDT
📍 Location: Good Clean Fun in Los Angeles, CA
🍷Good Clean Fun is a wine bar specializing in natural wines, plus offering a full spread of California-influenced Italian dishes and bar snacks🍷
✨✨ Start the Week Right! Come celebrate freedom, community, and entrepreneurship with fellow founders and friends. Let's kick off the week on a positive note! ✨✨
🥂🎶 Good Vibes Guaranteed! Enjoy drinks, music, and good vibes as we honor the legacy of Juneteenth and celebrate the resilience of Black entrepreneurs.
💫 Connect and Celebrate! Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and have a great time.
Event Highlights:
🍷 Complimentary Open Bar: From 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, the drinks are on us! Enjoy a splendid assortment of red & white wines, and non-acholic spirits!
💫 Extended Enjoyment: Want to continue savoring the festivities after the complimentary hour and a half? Fear not! You can keep the celebration going by purchasing wine or choice of alcoholic or non-alcoholic spirits during the event.
Limited Spots Available: Reserve your spot early and be prepared to immerse yourself in an evening filled with connection, inspiration, and joy.
We want you to be a part of this unforgettable gathering, if you cannot make it please update your reservation to not attending!
💫 Embrace the spirit of freedom, unity, and entrepreneurship as we come together to commemorate Juneteenth. Get ready to raise your glass, and connect with a community that celebrates success and resilience!💫
June Funding Pathways: Chisos Capital, 2045 Ventures, and more
To join the event, please register HERE!
When it comes to money for startups, there's no shortage of options - from crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter, equity funding models such as convertible debt, friends & family rounds, smaller VCs, grants and even angel investment networks. 💰 Join us for our funding pathways event series for a panel with industry leaders so you can find out which path is right for you! 🚀
Following the panel, there will be a 30-minute Q&A breakout room where you can ask specific questions and interact directly with the experts. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and guidance on your startup's funding journey. Launch your business to new heights with the right financial support! 🚀💰
Meet our speakers below! ⬇️
Ileana Gonzalez is a force multiplier. Whether it is operations, automations, integrations or processes, Ileana operates like no other entrepreneur. Ileana is a growth hacker. As the Head of Growth at Papaya Tutor, she is responsible for driving growth through project management, product development and operational systems. With 7 years of operational experience in the startup and venture capital industry, she has a proven track record of scaling startups and increasing brand awareness through creative campaigns and innovative technology. Her expertise in community building, social media marketing and operational scalability has helped Ileana to build and lead high-performing teams and achieve measurable results. If you are an educator, student, institutional investor or angel looking to get involved with Papaya Tutor please reach out to Ileana via email ileana@papayatutor.com or via Twitter @ileanagonzxlez.
Carmen Palafox is a Founding Partner at 2045 Capital and Partner at MiLA Capital, a seed-stage Venture Capital firm in Los Angeles focused on funding tech you can touch. She was Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors where she scaled operations into LATAM, Canada, and Europe going from $75 Billion AUM to $300 Billion AUM. Carmen believes in the power of capital markets to spur growth and innovation. She enjoys coaching entrepreneurs on finance and strategic planning. Carmen was awarded the Rising Star Award from the Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce. She was spotlighted by the NVCA as a Rising Star in VC and featured by LA Magazine as 1 of 13 of LA’s Powerful Women. In 2019, Carmen spoke on Bloomberg TVs Top Tech Trends to watch. Carmen is also on the founding team of LatinxVCs.
Will Stringer is the co-founder and CEO of Chisos, an early stage alternative investment company utilizing a Convertible Income Share Agreement to invest at the earliest stages of business ideation and formation. Will is responsible for creation of the Convertible Income Share Agreement, development of the underwriting and diligence criteria, fundraising, financial planning and general operations of the company. Will is an angel investor and advisor to multiple early stage companies. Prior to Cockrell, Will was an Analyst in the Energy Investment Banking Group of Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
AI for Good with Grid110 and Akido
To join the event, please register HERE!
Join Grid110 and Akido for an intimate conversation around the emerging AI scene in Los Angeles with a focus on women founders and founders of color that are making a positive impact on LA and beyond. Enjoy a glass of wine and connect with investors, women founders and founders of color.
This event is a part of #TechWeek - a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem.
Limited Spots Remaining so hurry up and register before the event fills up!
PledgeLA Founders Fund Info Session #2
To join the event, please register HERE!
Join the PledgeLA & Grid110 teams to learn more about the 2023 PledgeLA Founders Fund program and application. We'll share best practices when preparing your application, plus you’ll hear from alums of the program, Jana Johnson and Jennifer Alvarez, co-founders of The Tree Yoga Cooperative.
Be sure to come with your questions and we'll answer them live! This will be a virtual group session via Zoom.
PledgeLA Founders Fund Info Session #1
To join the event, please register HERE!
Join the PledgeLA & Grid110 teams to learn more about the 2023 PledgeLA Founders Fund program and application. We'll share best practices when preparing your application, plus you’ll hear from some alums of the program, Montré Moore, co-founder of AMP Beauty LA, and Jocelyn Ramirez, founder of Todo Verde.
Be sure to come with your questions and we'll answer them live! This will be a virtual group session via Zoom.
🎤 Pitch Practice: Grid110 Pitching Workshop
To join the event, please register HERE!
Join us for this workshop and gain expert advice on your 2-minute pitch! 🎤 6 companies will have the chance to pitch to our panel of experts and receive constructive feedback. Even if you are not pitching, sitting in on this session will be valuable to hear pitching tips and best practices. 🙌
➡️ If you would like to pitch: please submit your name, company name, company website, and the link to your LinkedIn profile when you register for the event here on Luma. Those who do not submit these materials will not be considered to pitch, however are welcome to join the session and learn by watching others pitch and receive feedback. Prepare to give a 2-minute pitch about your company (without a pitch deck), and you will receive 3 minutes of practical and thoughtful feedback from our panel.
PLEASE NOTE: Registering and submitting to pitch does not guarantee you a spot to pitch. If you are selected to pitch, we will notify you by April 25 via email. Please reach out to michelle@grid110.org if you have any questions.
Meet Our Judge Panel ⬇️
Amira Polack is the Founder & CEO at Struct Club, which helps fitness instructors rock class by digitizing their class notes & syncing them with their playlists. Struct Club was part of Grid110's 2nd Cohort in 2018, and since has become a category leader in fitness SaaS. Amira was born & raised in LA (SFV & SGV), and has spent her career in SaaS (SAP, Kespry acq by Firmatek). Get in touch with Amira at @amirapolack & LinkedIn - and send any gyms/studios/instructors to Struct Club!
Trevor Wilkins is a proud Chicagoan, taco enthusiast and startup operator at heart. His passion for the startup world began his Junior year in college when he developed a platform that rewarded students for academic achievements with a group of friends. Before his current position, Trevor helped Quake Capital open their Los Angeles office, and he now works as ScaleHealth’s head of growth. In addition, he runs a patient monitoring platform and mentors companies from LA to NYC.
Avery Pollick is a product and operations expert who, after launching new products for Google/Nike/Adidas/Aflac chose to pivot out of corporate innovation to the startup world. Driven by various opportunities working with womxn entrepreneurs in particular, she founded a consultancy to focus on their needs - embedding herself in startups to support building teams, maturing business strategy, roadmap prioritization, and propelling growth.
Trey Brown is the Co-founder and Head of Enterprise Partnerships at RideFRSH. He and his Co-founder just recently pitched RideFRSH on Shark Tank where they secured investment from Barbara Corcoran. Trey is a people person by nature with over 8 years of sales and partnership experience. His passion is for growing awesome businesses with disruptive capability.
Law and Legalities for Startups: Ask Us Anything
To join the event, please register HERE!
Join us for Startup Law 101 where industry professionals Stephen Ruotsi and Johanna Monon of Sparring will review everything you need to think about for the legal side of building your business! From incorporating, to reviewing contracts, to hiring & building your C-suite, data protection & privacy, and everything else in between. You'll also have ample time to ask them any legal questions you may have pertaining to your business.
About Stephen + Johanna ⬇️
Stephen Ruotsi is Sparring’s US Director of Operations. He is a California and New York licensed attorney focused on all aspects of startup business law with an emphasis on employment and vendor contract issues.. Stephen launched Sparring’s US office in January 2022.
Johanna Monon is Sparring’s US Senior Associate. She is a California licensed attorney focused on corporate and M&A. Johanna guides startups through funding rounds and transactions, as well as entity restructuring. She is also a part of the firm’s crypto practice.
About Sparring ⬇️
Sparring Legal LLP is a new breed of law firm that’s designed with founders at heart. Technology centric, innovation first, and transparent, Sparring has supported over one-hundred companies in their growth in the US, Europe, and and beyond. Sparring operates as outsourced general counsel or Chief Legal Officer, becoming your partner for all legal needs. They join your Slack channel and handle everything from short contract reviews to large investment rounds. While handling your legal day-to-day, Sparring’s goal is always to have you ready for your next funding round and to get the best possible terms from investors.
Sparring was founded in Bratislava, Slovakia, in 2018 and opened their US branch in January 2022 in Los Angeles. Sparring is #longLA and in addition to legal services seeks to provide a highway of cross-border business between the US and Central and Eastern Europe.
Learn more at sparring.io.
Capital Catalyst: Conversations on Funding and Financial Health
Join us for Capital Catalyst, a funding-focused startup summit for entrepreneurs looking to explore funding options and secure their business's financial future. 💰 Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, the Capital Catalyst Summit will empower you to take your fundraising efforts to the next level. Come with questions and get excited to network with peers and hear from our speakers listed below! ⬇️
Event Schedule
11:00am - Welcome Keynote: Miki Reynolds, Grid110 CEO
The summit will kick off with a keynote opener from Grid110 CEO Miki Reynolds, as she leads us into our first panel, the Million Dollar Club.
11:10am - The Million Dollar Club Panel: Grid110 Women Portfolio Founders
This panel features 4 Grid110 portfolio women founders who have raised over $1M for their business. Submit any questions you have for the panelists when you register for the event. We will hear from:
Crystal Adesanya, Co-Founder & CEO, Kiira Health
Alison Greenberg, Co-Founder & CEO, Ruth Health
Kimberly Robles, Co-CEO & Co-Founder, Hype and Vice
12:00pm - Networking Break I
After the panel, we'll transition into a 30-minute networking break where attendees can choose breakout rooms to enter based on aligned topics of conversation. Submit topics you'd like to connect with peers on, when you register for the event.
12:30pm - Building a Financial Model That Will Help You Close Checks: The Forecastr Team
Then we'll go into a financial modeling workshop with Kalvin Richan, and Steven Plappert, Co-Founder & CEO of Forecastr who will show how to build a financial model that you can leverage for fundraising.
1:30pm - Networking Break II
Finally, we'll transition into our last networking break where attendees can choose breakout rooms to enter based on aligned funding goals. When you register for the event, submit goals you're currently working towards and would like to connect with peers working towards the same.
2:00pm - Closing Statements
The summit will conclude around 2pm when everyone is invited back into the main meeting room for closing remarks and final reflections.
To join the event, please register here
Grid110 Idea to Launch Bootcamp Info Session
At this informational session, you will get to meet some members of the Grid110 team and learn more about the Idea To Launch Bootcamp and application process. You will also have the chance to ask any questions you may have about the bootcamp.
➡️ Learn more about the Idea To Launch Bootcamp and find the application link here.
This information session will also be recorded so that you may view it later if needed. We hope to see you there!
Register HERE
AMA: Austin Clements, Slauson & Co.
Join us for an "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) with Austin Clements, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Slauson & Co., a Los Angeles based early-stage venture capital firm rooted in economic inclusion! In this hour-long session, Austin will share about his years of experience in the startup and investment ecosystem and all the knowledge he's gained along the way.
You'll have the chance to pick his brain and ask your most curious questions. Please submit any questions you may have as you register for the event.
More about Austin:
Austin Clements is Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Slauson & Co., a Los Angeles based early-stage venture capital firm rooted in economic inclusion. At Slauson, Austin focuses on investing in technologies that empower small business owners.
Prior to this role, Austin was a Principal at TenOneTen Ventures, a data-focused seed fund based in LA. He has also worked in investment management and founded a mobile app development firm to serve small businesses.
Austin is the founding Chair of PledgeLA, the nation’s largest city-wide initiative to promote diversity in the local tech community. He currently serves on the board of Knight Foundation and HBCUvc. Austin received his MBA from NYU Stern and his BA from Morehouse College.
Register here!
LATech Week: The Future of Work
Register here!
The panel will include an entrepreneur and investor covering topics such as:
The benefits of hybrid and in-person experiences for leading companies in the future of work
Trends we are seeing for the future of work
How to deal with the challenges of managing a remote team
Why In person interactions are still highly relevant and important
About the speakers:
Najva Sol is currently Head of Product at Calm Company Fund, where she's leading the charge on building, launching, and iterating products that align with the mission of supporting sustainable, profitable tech-enabled founders. At Calm Fund, her recent focus includes producing this year's Founder Summit Camp, PM-ing the custom internal platform + deal-flow build, and a few unannounced special projects. Previously, she led Quartz's community and partnership team and the marketing team at Spankchain. She also teaches "Branding for Bootstrappers" workshops and consults with companies navigating the crossroads of product, community, strategy, experience design, and brand. Most recently, she found out that Beyonce featured her product photography in her online shop, and she's still not over it.
Shiloh Johnson, a long-time accountant and financial trauma advocate is the founder and CEO of ComplYant. This digital tax assistant helps small businesses organize, save, and pay various business taxes. ComplYant has raised $5.5M in seed funding.
Michelle Pellizzon is the founder of Holisticism, a community and educational platform for wellness-oriented entrepreneurs and creatives. She is also the co-host of two top 10 category podcasts, The Twelfth House and Good For U(?).
Elisabeth Tuttass is the Head of Community at Grid110, where she focuses on building an engaged community for entrepreneurs in Los Angeles. She is passionate about supporting early-stage companies and getting more women and minorities into the startup and venture capital ecosystem. Outside of work, she actively promotes gender equity and diversity in the workplace and advocates for a broader representation of women in Tech as the Managing Director of Girls in Tech LA and as a member of the All Raise Steering Committee.
Women in Web3
Web3 has been a growing topic, especially in the entrepreneurship space, which is the inspiration behind this panel! 🙌 We think it's important for more people—especially women and people of color—not to be afraid to educate themselves on web3 and ask questions. 🙋♀️ This panel is geared towards web3 beginners and founders. Please submit questions about the basics of Web3, how to get into Web3, and where the future of Web3 is headed—no question is too small! 🤩 Register here!
Meet our speakers:
Shondra Washington is an emerging fund manager. After working as a technology investment banker, she co-founded TBC-Capital, an education-first advisory and consulting firm offering on-demand CFO, business development, and strategy services for VC-backed companies and small businesses with $1M in revenue or more annually. Her clients have raised over $7M in startup capital through her efforts.
Marie Roker-Jones is a social impact and Web3 leader, military spouse, and change agent with over ten years of experience leading workplace inclusion strategies. Marie's bold perspective brings a fresh take on Web3 by normalizing equity. Through her company, The Curious Culture, she works with Web3 companies and communities to promote inclusivity and equity for marginalized stakeholders, especially in hiring and marketing. Marie is building Web3Gigs, an initiative to help web3 employers create a diversity-first hiring strategy and #LadiesFirst. This community-driven NFT project combines storytelling and art to highlight Black women who are "hidden figures" in their industries.
Anne Griffin is a product leader, a startup advisor, and a subject matter expert in AI, blockchain, tech ethics, and inclusivity. She studied Industrial and Operations Engineering at the University of Michigan and has since developed a passion for building emerging technologies rooted in the realities of the human experience. She has consulted with numerous companies to bring their products to market, including ConsenSys and Priceline.
Funding Pathway Series: Dorm Room Fund, Emerson Collective, Mercury Bank
When it comes to money for startups, there's no shortage of options - from crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter, equity funding models such as convertible debt, friends & family rounds, smaller VCs, grants and even angel investment networks. Join us for our funding pathways event series for a panel with industry leaders so you can find out which path is right for you!
Register HERE!
This month's speakers:
Joanna Lichter is an early-stage investor at Emerson Collective, the family office of Laurene Powell Jobs that invests in companies positively impacting the world and helping people to live to their full potential. Prior to Emerson, Joanna was an investor at Founder Collective, a seed-stage VC fund based in New York. Before that, Joanna worked at Via Transportation, a global mobility and transit startup. Joanna received her MBA from MIT Sloan and her B.A. in International Comparative Studies and Spanish from Duke University.
Melissa Li is Head of Community and Managing Partner for Dorm Room Fund, the leading university-focused venture fund spun out of First Round Capital. In her role, Melissa leads strategy and partnerships for founder support, platform offerings and university engagement. To date, DRF-backed companies have raised $2.5B+ in follow-on capital and captured $8.3B+ in value. Outside of Dorm Room Fund, Melissa is passionate about helping founders build highly engaged communities, previously advising on community and growth across the Metaverse, retail and media spaces. In her spare time, Melissa serves as a mentor to early-stage founder cohorts including Founder Institute and the DayOne Fellowship, where she focuses on startup storytelling and customer love.
Jason Garcia is leading Mercury's efforts at building alternative financing products for founders. He has nearly a decade of experience at firms like Silicon Valley Bank, Indie.vc, KPMG, and Goldman Sachs. He’s also spent time at startups, once as a senior member at Divvy and twice as a SaaS CFO, and has spent his career advising and connecting startups to the right types of debt for their needs.
Funding Pathways Series
When it comes to money for startups, there's no shortage of options - but how do you determine which funding method is best for you?
Join us for our funding pathways event series on June 28 at 12 PM PT with industry leaders from Alpha Impact 8, Visible Hands, and XRC Labs. Register now!
Hot Trends: What is a Chief of Staff?
We are introducing a new event series called Hot Trends, featuring various emerging topics in the startup world.
Our first topic, is the role of Chief of Staff, which we think more people should know about and understand, as it is becoming more common.
What does a Chief of Staff do? Who is fit for this role? What can a Chief of staff help your business achieve?
Join us on June 24 at 12 PM PT for a panel of industry professionals from Cowboy Ventures and Inkwell who are experienced Chief of Staff, here to answer all your questions about this newly emerging role! Register now.
AMA: Miki Reynolds, CEO of Grid110
Join us for an "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) on June 16 at 12 PM PT with our very own Miki Reynolds, the CEO of Grid110!
In this hour-long session, Miki will share her years of experience in the startup ecosystem and all the knowledge she's gained.
You'll have the chance to pick her brain and ask your most curious questions.
Register now and submit any questions you may have for Miki!
Funding Pathways: Techstars, M13, SBM & Atland Ventures
When it comes to money for startups, there's no shortage of options - from crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter, equity funding models such as convertible debt, friends & family rounds, smaller VCs, grants and even angel investment networks. 💰 Join us for our funding pathways event series for a panel with industry leaders so you can find out which path is right for you! 🚀
Register here!
This month's speakers:
Sam Loui is the Global Startup Pipeline Coordinator at Techstars where she supports founders applying to the 45+ Techstars accelerator programs. She is passionate about helping founders find the right accelerator and funding fit. Previously, she worked on building SpaceTech companies at a startup studio. She also spent time at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, SVB Capital, and a Techstars startup in the media analytics space.
Feven Solomon is am Investment Analyst at M13. She started her VC journey with an internship at Battery Ventures, where she sourced and led deal due diligence for potential minority investments in early-stage and growth-stage B2B SaaS. She has also received a certificate from Cornell’s Women and Entrepreneurship program where she focused on the start-up ecosystem for minority groups. Feven then joined KingsCrowd as an investment analyst, where she focused on building a ratings algorithm platform for companies raising through the online private markets. Currently, she is on the investing team at M13, where her team invests in the future of consumer behavior.
Latavia Pineda manages Small Business Majority’s outreach and education efforts in Southern California. She develops relationships with small business owners, business organizations and policymakers throughout Southern California. This involves collaborating with partners to create and distribute resources for business owners, such as grants, curriculum, and training. Additionally, she serves as Small Business Majority's National Latino Outreach Manager, where she focuses on connecting monolingual and bilingual business owners to their small business ecosystem, and expands Small Business Majority’s outreach within the Latino business community.
Sunwoo Lee is a a Managing Partner at student-run early stage VC firm Atland Ventures. Atland Ventures invests in seed stage companies that are solving problems felt by Generation Z. Her further involvement with Gen Z includes Gen Z VCs as Head of Platform. Gen Z VCs is the largest and fastest growing community for Gen Zers in Tech and VC with over 14,000 Gen Z investors, founders, angels, students, and aspiring VCs. Her passions also shine with her Korean roots as Founder of Hanaro.VC, a community for Korean and Korean-American VCs and Startups.
Let’s Talk Money: How to Level Up Your Financial Pitch
Plug In South LA presents - Let’s Talk Money: How to Level Up Your Financial Pitch, an interactive workshop!
Join the PledgeLA, Grid110 and Plug In South LA teams to learn more about what investors are looking for when it comes to early-stage business finances, and how to pitch your company when you’re pre-revenue or building traction. We’re excited to invite Kameale Terry, Founder of ChargerHelp!, who will lead a discussion on how to level up your business’ financial pitch. This workshop is intended for applicants interested in applying to the 2022 PledgeLA Founders Fund program.
Join us live and come with your questions! This will be a virtual group session via Zoom. Register here.
Funding Pathways: Non-Dilutive Capital Edition
When it comes to money for startups, there's no shortage of options! However, some funding routes—such as VC, equity crowd-funding—require business owners to sacrifice equity in order to secure funding. That is why non-dilutive capital is powerful for business owners. 🙌
Join us for this special edition of our funding pathways event series where a panel with industry leaders will focus on helping you figure out which non-dilutive capital option is right for you! 🚀
Learn more about this month’s speakers and register here!
PledgeLA Founders Fund - Info Session II
Join the PledgeLA & Grid110 teams to learn more about the 2022 PledgeLA Founders Fund program and application. We'll share best practices when preparing your application, plus you’ll hear from an alum of the program, Shiloh Johnson, founder of ComplYant.
Be sure to come with your questions and we'll answer them live! This will be a virtual group session via Zoom. Register here!