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Saturday, May 10
 

4:00pm MDT

Startup Slam Boulder
Saturday May 10, 2025 4:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
​External Registration Req'd: https://lu.ma/tplm8nez
Founders. Funders. Fast Hands.
More dinks, less decks.
​Pickleball is the new golf—faster, funnier, and more accessible. Some of us have met our closest friends on the court. Now it’s time to connect with fellow builders, backers, and problem-solvers in a new way.
​Join us for a curated, high-energy half-day of play, connection, and possibility.
​This is not your dad's networking event. It’s an experience designed to bring good, smart humans together... with high likelihood of dad jokes.

What to Expect:
  • 4 hours of curated pickleball with other vetted founders, investors, and startup leaders
  • Options for all levels—from beginner intros to skill-building drills to advanced competition
  • Programming that helps you meet new people naturally, not awkwardly
  • Light snacks & refreshments
  • Space to play, spectate, mingle, and connect however you like
Who Should Come:
  • Founders & funders (angel, seed, early-stage VC)
  • Startup execs, product leaders, operators
  • Coaches, creatives, or investors adjacent to the innovation space
  • Any of the above who love pickleball or are curious about it, and who vibe with intentional, lightly curated community
​We’re keeping this intimate, high-trust, and high-level. RSVP doesn’t guarantee a spot—we’ll confirm attendance as space allows.
Our Hosts & Sponsors:
​This event is made possible by a few key humans and community allies:
​​​Neuberg Gore is a premier executive coaching firm that helps startup CEOs and their leadership teams gain the mindsets and leadership skills to scale their companies. Having worked with over 1,250 startup CEOs and their executives, they are coaching next-generation leaders to build tomorrow’s solutions.
Session Lead
Saturday May 10, 2025 4:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Boulder Pickleball 3550 Frontier Ave Unit C, Boulder, CO 80301
 
Monday, May 12
 

8:00am MDT

Welcome Breakfast & The Boulder Thesis with Brad Feld — Presented by Drive Capital
Monday May 12, 2025 8:00am - 10:00am MDT
Kick off the week by meeting new people and reconnecting with old friends.
Join us for a morning of networking and conversation centered on the Boulder Thesis for Entrepreneurship. Discover firsthand why our city is the namesake of great startup communities. Brad Feld, the creator of the Boulder Thesis, will share insights on its evolution and current relevance.

Complimentary coffee and bagels provided by Tim Morrissey at Drive Capital.

The Boulder Thesis:
• Entrepreneurs must lead the startup community.
• Leaders must have a long-term commitment.
• The startup community must be inclusive of anyone who wants to participate.
• The startup community must have continual activities that engage the entire entrepreneurial stack.

Agenda:
8:00 – 9:00 AM – Networking with food and coffee
9:00 AM – Brief programming

The Boulder Thesis - Brad Feld
The Future of the Colorado Ecosystem - Nicole Glaros
Don't miss BSW events - Holly Vezina

9:20 – 10:00 AM – Continued networking with food and coffee

Name tags and volunteer t-shirts for the week can be picked up at this event.

Session Facilitators
avatar for Tim Morrissey

Tim Morrissey

Investor, Drive Capital
Investing with Drive CapitalDr. Tim Morrissey, is a multidisciplinary entrepreneur with extensive experience both leading and executing alongside small teams. Tim’s experiences span 5 years as the cofounder and CEO of a venture backed robotics company (ArtimusRobotics.com) , to... Read More →
avatar for Brad Feld

Brad Feld

Partner, Foundry Group
avatar for Nicole Glaros

Nicole Glaros

CEO & Founder, Phos
Nicole is an entrepreneur, an executive, an investor, a board director, an advisor, a parent, a wife, a daughter, a traveler, a lover of all things outside, and a friend.  Nicole got her entrepreneurial start in the 4th grade, orchestrating cousins into theatrical plays and charging... Read More →
BSW Organizing Volunteers
avatar for Holly Vezina

Holly Vezina

Founder, TheNEXT
Monday May 12, 2025 8:00am - 10:00am MDT
Rosetta Hall 1109 Walnut St

10:00am MDT

First Time Founder Fuck Ups
Monday May 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
- First time founders make a lot of mistakes. And a lot of those mistakes are the same mistakes as every first time founder.- You can learn everything the hard way or hear some stories that might save you the pain.- I’ll share stories and then we’ll workshop your first time founder problems. And what you’re probably missing.
Session Lead
Monday May 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

10:00am MDT

What it takes to build a business in the Healthcare field
Monday May 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
What it takes to build a business in the Healthcare field from scratch. Finding a niche to build a healthcare business in it, understanding roadblocks and how to over come them. Raising funds for your start up and how to go about it. Think about when and for what amount you would like to sell your healthcare business. Understanding who might be interested in buying or merging with your business.How AI is going to disrupt the healthcare industry and how it will be playing a bigger role in healthcare now and in the future. How innovation will come from outside the healthcare industry and why the healthcare industry is hesitant to adopted and embrace innovation.
Session Lead
Monday May 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Kiln

10:00am MDT

Builder's Room Kickoff (BSW Hackathon!)
Monday May 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
BUILD A COMPANY IN A WEEK: BOULDER STARTUP WEEK HACKATHON 
This isn't just another hackathon. This is your chance to build a REAL COMPANY in just one week.THE CHALLENGE
Can you go from idea to viable business in 5 days? We dare you to try.
While others are networking, you'll be building your future.THE DETAILS
  • Kickoff: Monday, May 12th
  • Location: The Builder's Room (your dedicated collaboration space all week)
  • Focus: Building complete companies, not just cool tech
WHY THIS HACKATHON IS DIFFERENT
Most hackathons end with a demo and a high-five. Ours ends with a business.
You'll tackle every aspect of company-building:
  • Product development
  • Business model creation
  • Customer validation
  • Go-to-market strategy
  • Investment pitch preparation
WHO SHOULD JOIN?
  • Entrepreneurs ready to accelerate their journey
  • Developers looking to be founders, not just coders
  • Business minds seeking technical collaborators
  • Anyone who believes a week of intense focus can change their trajectory
THE BUILDER'S ROOM ADVANTAGE
While Boulder Startup Week buzzes around you, you'll have a dedicated space to focus, collaborate, and build. Pop out for key events, then return to your team and make real progress.
READY TO BUILD SOMETHING REAL?
Session Facilitators
Monday May 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Galvanize Downstairs

10:00am MDT

EVERYONE WANTS TO BE SOLD TO!
Monday May 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
This workshop challenges the conventional wisdom that "no one wants to be sold to." The truth is that people eagerly welcome solutions that address their specific needs and desires—they just don't want to be treated like generic targets.
Our approach transforms selling from a pushy monologue into a collaborative discovery process where:
You develop deep listening skills to understand your prospects' actual challenges
You ask insightful questions that help clients articulate needs they may not fully recognize
You craft compelling narratives that connect your solutions to your clients' aspirations
You position yourself as a trusted advisor who genuinely understands their situation
This workshop equips you with practical techniques to uncover what customers truly want and demonstrate how your solution helps them achieve those goals. When selling becomes about the client's journey rather than your product, people don't just tolerate being sold to—they embrace it.
Session Lead
avatar for Ron Ben-Joseph

Ron Ben-Joseph

Broadway Trained Performance Coach for 7 Figure Business Owners, Artful Speaking
Ron has built an amazing coaching practice working with high-achieving entrepreneurs that have reached huge goals in their businesses and now want to speak on larger stages and virtual platforms. Many of his clients have seen huge increases in confidence, mastery of their authentic... Read More →
Monday May 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Boulder Library 1001 Arapahoe Ave.

10:00am MDT

Leadership Blindspots - Up-leveling Yourself and Your Team
Monday May 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Once you get product market fit, the CEO/Founder's leadership skills become essential to the company's ability to execute and grow. You also need to hold your executive team accountable and support them in leveling-up.

This workshop demystifies leadership by sharing proprietary research on the specific behaviors that define good leadership. It allows you to quickly assess yourself and your team members, and gives you the language to grow and to coach others to shift their behavior.

In this interactive workshop, you will identify your strengths and blindspots, draft a simple leadership plan for yourself, and learn how to assess and hold your executive team accountable. We will cover a lot of ground.

Jason Gore is the CEO and founder of Neuberg Gore--a respected executive coaching firm that equips startup CEOs and their leaders with the skills and mindsets needed to scale their companies and build winning teams. They have worked with over 1,200 startup CEOs and their executives who are creating next-generation technologies and consumer brands. Their non-profit offers free materials and courses on leadership and communication. https://www.neuberggore.com/jason-gore
Session Facilitators
JG

Jason Gore

CEO & Executive Coach, Neuberg Gore
avatar for Robert MacNaughton

Robert MacNaughton

Senior Partner, Neuberg Gore
Robert MacNaughton is a Boulder based senior partner, executive coach, and facilitator with Neuberg Gore. Robert has over 25 years of experience and specializes in helping fast-growth founders and investors build key capabilities including personal effectiveness, team performance, and conflict skillfulness... Read More →
Monday May 12, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

10:00am MDT

Vendor Forum
Monday May 12, 2025 10:00am - 1:00pm MDT
Starting a business is hard but it's also such an exciting journey! There are plenty of fantastic people and companies waiting to support you every step of the way. Especially in the Boulder community.

The Vendor Forum is awesome chance to discover all the cool b2b services specifically designed for startups. Come out and make connections, and spend some informal time with other BSW attendees and sponsors.

And guess what? There will be also pups looking for forever homes at this event! Mark your calendars for the 12th, 13th, and 14th and swing by between 10am and 1pm at the Kitchen Lounge. Can't wait to see you there! 😊🎉🐶

Session Facilitators
avatar for Ginnie Meyers

Ginnie Meyers

Co-founder, Foundation Health/FH Insurance/Cure Technologies
A Boulder native, Ginnie Meyers is currently Co-Founder of Foundation Health, a company turning health care on its head with a transparent, personalized health care experience, as well as FH Insurance, a tech-forward benefits agency and Cure Technologies, an automated benefits underwriting system.Prior to founding Foundation Health in 2013, she worked in b... Read More →

Monday May 12, 2025 10:00am - 1:00pm MDT
The Kitchen Lounge 1039 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302

11:00am MDT

Building Strategic Partnerships to Scale Your Software Startup - a special emphasis on the Salesforce ecosystem
Monday May 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
In today’s competitive landscape, strategic partnerships are essential for startups aiming to scale effectively and sustainably. This session explores the critical role partnerships play in driving growth, innovation, and market expansion for software startups. Attendees will learn how to identify potential partners, approach them strategically, and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships.

Key topics covered include:
  • Types of Salesforce Ecosystem Partnerships:  Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and Systems Integrators (SIs)
  • Benefits of Partnerships: Access to new markets, technologies, and customers while sharing risks and costs.
  • Choosing the Right Partners: Identifying complementary businesses, technology allies, and distribution channels.
  • Best Practices for Success: Building scalable partnerships through effective relationship management and alignment of values.

Whether you’re looking to expand your customer base or enhance the marketability of your solution, or both, this session provides actionable insights to help startups leverage partnerships for sustainable success.

Lance Foster & Corey Litwin each have 25+ years of relevant experience and success in the startup world and live in Boulder ready to help entrepreneurs be successful during Startup Week and beyond.
Session Lead
avatar for Lance Foster

Lance Foster

Coalescence Cloud & Partner Edge Consulting
Results-driven executive leader with over 25+ years of award-winning experience in scaling global partnerships and sales for SaaS and SI/Consulting firms. Proven track record of consistently increasing revenues through partner strategy development and execution, specializing in SI... Read More →
Monday May 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

11:00am MDT

So you want to raise money? Let's talk about the good, the bad and the ugly.
Monday May 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Are you raising money for your startup? Or interested in eventually raising money? Join this panel discussion hosted by Boulder investors and founders to unpack what it means to raise money. Expect a candid conversation with the hopes of demystifying Venture Capital and other forms of funding. This panel will be hosted by:

Natty Zola - Partner at Matchstick Ventures (seed stage investor)
Nicole Glaros - former MD for Techstars Boulder
Jaclyn Hester - Partner at Foundry (growth stage investor)
Yoav Lurie - successful founder and angel investor
Session Facilitators
Monday May 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

11:00am MDT

What do healthcare providers need from tech?
Monday May 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Healthcare providers engage with and connect with them patients in new and different ways due to the advances we have been able to make in digital health technologies and yet there are still clear gaps between what providers need and the pressures innovators receive from investors. Come and learn from healthcare providers about what they have found that works and what they are still seeking.
Session Lead
Monday May 12, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Kiln

12:00pm MDT

CTO/CPO Lunch
Monday May 12, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
This is a curated lunch gathering for local CTOs and CPOs. This is a chance to connect with peers in product and engineering leadership, share real talk about what’s working (and what’s not), and build relationships across Boulder’s startup ecosystem.
This is an invite-only event with just 60 seats available. Apply HERE: https://forms.gle/i66sWGjDYfmCHXun6
Session Lead Session Facilitators
avatar for Matt Bernier

Matt Bernier

Developer Experience Product Manager, Twilio
I am a Product Manager who is passionate about finding solutions to really interesting problems. In the last 10 years of work, I have been responsible for the workflows of my teams and sometimes the companies I have worked for. I am passionate about developers, developer tools, open... Read More →
avatar for Annie Hedgpeth

Annie Hedgpeth

Co-founder, Hedge-Ops Software
I am the co-founder at Hedge-Ops, where we are building a platform to help people grow their careers in a meaningful way that they have full ownership of. In early 2024, I left HashiCorp where I was an engineer on the Terraform Enterprise team to make the big leap to the startup world... Read More →
Monday May 12, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
T/ACO

12:00pm MDT

Frameworks for Founders: Decision-Making Tools For Clearer Thinking
Monday May 12, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
What makes a good founder a great founder? Sometimes it’s not more hustle, it’s clearer thinking.
Join us for a lively panel of founders and funders who’ve tested strategic decision-making tools in the wild. These aren’t abstract theories, we’re talking about practical mental models and frameworks used in real startups to clarify priorities, unlock growth, and navigate the chaos of early-stage building.
You’ll hear stories from Boulder-area founders and investors about the frameworks they’ve tried and failed, and the ones that actually stuck. Whether you're deep in the trenches or just getting started, you’ll leave with tangible tools and new ways of thinking you can apply immediately.
Session Lead
Monday May 12, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Boulder Library 1001 Arapahoe Ave.

12:00pm MDT

The Renegade Way to Network: For Women Building Big Things
Monday May 12, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Women network differently—and we should. But most events still expect us to play by outdated rules that don’t reflect how we actually connect, collaborate, or do business.

This hybrid workshop and very intentional networking session is for women and moms in business who are tired of awkward small talk and ready to build a real, effective network—one that supports your goals, respects your time, and makes growing your business feel less lonely.

Led by Renegade Motherhood founder, business coach and obsessed community builder Jen Morris, this session will teach the Renegade Networking Roadmap—a simple but powerful framework to help women entrepreneurs clarify their needs, own their voice, and confidently ask for what they want. You’ll learn how to network with intention and bring your full, authentic personality to the table—because your best connections come when you’re showing up as yourself, not some polished version of a "professional."

After a short workshop, we’ll move into intentional small-group matchmaking where you’ll practice making meaningful connections—without the pressure to pitch or pretend.

This is not about collecting business cards or performing in a circle. It’s about showing up strategically, supportively, and unapologetically—and building a network that actually works for you.

Perfect for founders, freelancers, side hustlers, creatives, and changemakers—especially those doing the juggle of motherhood and business. Bring your big ideas, your real self, and let’s connect.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Jen Morris

Jen Morris

Founder, Renegade Motherhood
Monday May 12, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Kiln

1:00pm MDT

Your AI Startup Is Just a Feature (And That’s Why It Will Fail)
Monday May 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
AI startups raised $97B in 2024, but let’s be real—most of them are just glorified features, not standalone businesses. If your AI tool can be replicated or absorbed by a larger platform, you’re not building a company—you’re building someone else’s roadmap.In this brutally honest session, we’ll unpack why so many AI startups struggle to move beyond the “cool demo” phase and how to break out of the feature trap. We’ll cover:The Feature vs. Product vs. Company framework—where does your AI idea actually sit?
  1. Why distribution, not technology, determines your fate
  2. Why founding mindset matters
  3. How to anchor AI capabilities to a defensible business modelLessons from AI startups that escaped feature purgatory—and those that didn’t

If you’re building an AI startup and raising VC funding, you need to think bigger. Come ready to challenge your assumptions and leave with a playbook for how to assess if you're building a lifestyle biz, a seasonal tool or a VC-backable company.
Session Facilitators
Monday May 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

1:00pm MDT

IP Protection in Age of AI
Monday May 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
How can startups safeguard their intellectual property in the fast-paced and competitive field of artificial intelligence? Join Foley Hoag Partners Allie Clark and John Lanza as they share insights and strategies on IP protection in the age of AI. Learn about the latest trends, challenges, and best practices for securing your innovation and avoiding pitfalls.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Allie Clark

Allie Clark

Partner, Sage Law Group
Allie Clark serves as outside general counsel to clients at all points in their corporate lifecycles, from formation to complex international mergers and acquisitions. She represents investors seeking to grow their portfolios, ranging from angel funds to large private equity firms... Read More →
Monday May 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Kiln

1:00pm MDT

The Hidden Co-Founder Code: How to Build (and Break) a Startup Team
Monday May 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Startups don’t fail because of the product — they fail because of people. In fact, over 65% of early-stage failures are tied to co-founder conflict, misalignment, and broken team dynamics. People and communication are the backbone of stable startups. This session is designed to share, identify and teach how to avoid the most co-founder issues before they happen.

Based on Google’s FoundersLab program and years of startup coaching, this workshop-style talk will give participants the tools to decode what makes (and breaks) co-founding relationships. Each co-founder relationship is different and unique in their own goals. This workshop provides tools and methods to discover what drives each founder. I cover psychological patterns that sabotage teams, and simple frameworks used by hundreds of startup founders globally — all designed to help you build trust, make tough decisions, and grow your startup without imploding your team.

In the talk I cover:
• A tested framework to understand your and your team’s motivations
• Ways to spot (and fix) the 25 most common co-founder bugs
• Tools to have the hard conversations early, before it’s too late

Whether you’re just meeting your co-founder, navigating a growing team, or already feeling friction, this session will give you practical ways to create alignment, resilience, and trust.
Session Lead
avatar for Ryan Shuken

Ryan Shuken

Startup Accelerator Director, Early Stage Investing, Full Stack Developer, AI Engineer, Podcast Host and Producer, Startup Pitch Coach and Mentor
Monday May 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

1:00pm MDT

Action Trumps Everything: Building with Ai for non-developers, Rapid Prototyping, and how to leverage ai as a non developer to scale your business
Monday May 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Session Description:Have an amazing startup idea but lack technical skills or a tech co-founder? Join us for an energetic, hands-on workshop designed specifically for non-technical founders. Discover how today's cutting-edge AI tools can empower you to build, validate, and launch your ideas without coding experience!In just one hour, you'll get hands-on experience with powerful platforms like Loveable (for beautiful UI mockups), Replit (to instantly host and share apps), and Cursor (AI-assisted coding and development). You'll learn how combining these tools can dramatically lower costs, accelerate your timeline, and help your startup scale rapidly without needing massive funding.Come ready to collaborate, create, and leave with your own working prototype. Perfect for entrepreneurs, innovators, and anyone ready to bring their ideas to life quickly and affordably!Session Outline (60 minutes total):Intro & Icebreaker (5 mins):Quick introduction and energetic opening to set the tone.Show & Tell – Real World Examples (10 mins):Demonstration of prototypes built using Loveable, Replit, and Cursor.Share success stories highlighting minimal startup costs and rapid scalability.Rapid Tool Overview (10 mins):Quick, engaging introduction to each tool (Loveable for UI mockups, Replit for app hosting, Cursor for AI coding assistance).Emphasis on ease-of-use for non-technical founders.Interactive Group Brainstorm (10 mins):Guided session to rapidly generate startup ideas.Encourage collaboration and creativity, ensuring everyone has a concept to prototype.Hands-on Prototyping Sprint (20 mins):Participants build a simple, functional prototype of their idea using guided prompt engineering.Individual support and feedback provided throughout.Wrap-up & Takeaways (5 mins):Share prototypes, celebrate wins, and discuss next steps.Brief Q&A, highlighting how these skills/tools support lean startup methodologies and scaling efficiently.Participants will leave inspired, equipped, and ready to build faster, smarter, and cheaper.
Session Lead
Monday May 12, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Boulder Library 1001 Arapahoe Ave.

2:00pm MDT

Practical Privacy Hacks for Startups
Monday May 12, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Ilan Jenkins (Fullstack Law) and Bryn Weaver (Revvia Legal) have helped dozens of technology companies take a practical approach to data privacy, both as outside resources and as internal team members.  They will share their experiences on how to get privacy right without bogging down the rocket ship of your startup, including providing specific takeaway tools that startups can use to implement a lean approach to data privacy.  We plan to invite a local founder or two to join us and talk about how they approach privacy in the fray of launching a company.
Session Lead
Monday May 12, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Kiln

3:00pm MDT

Protect, Scale, and Succeed: Legal Essentials for Growing Your Startup
Monday May 12, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
As your startup grows, understanding the legal essentials is crucial for protecting innovations, scaling effectively, and ensuring long-term success. This session covers key topics like navigating fundraising complexities, resolving disputes proactively, and staying compliant with evolving AI regulations. Gain practical insights to confidently tackle legal challenges and strategically scale your business in a fast-paced, regulated environment.
Session Lead
avatar for Jenny Miller

Jenny Miller

Entrepreneur Engagement Administrator, Husch Blackwell
Jenny has long been passionate about entrepreneurship and its impact on both local communities and the broader economy. She joined Husch Blackwell, eager to see a law firm seeking to expand engagement with early-stage founders through associate involvement. Jenny identifies and manages... Read More →
Monday May 12, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

5:00pm MDT

Kickoff Party presented by Husch Blackwell
Monday May 12, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Monday May 12, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Rosetta Hall 1109 Walnut St

5:00pm MDT

Startup Variety Show
Monday May 12, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
The Variety Show ranks among the best ways to engage with Colorado’s Front Range entrepreneurial community. Now in its third year, Variety Show stitches together the startup scene, CU Boulder, innovators from the Federal Labs, as well as technologists from incumbent technology companies.

The Startup Variety Show puts the spotlight on the most creative minds in the area. Variety Show sessions regularly feature the following:

Entrepreneurs who highlight promising startups from Colorado’s Front Range
Compelling technology-oriented research from CU Boulder and the Federal Labs
New projects from incumbent technology companies with offices in the Front Range
Investors discussing their fund’s thesis and/or trends in investing
Potpourri (tech and the arts, legal or policy issues, or other community items of interest)
Food, drink, and opportunity to meet other people involved in the innovation and entrepreneurship community.
EXTERNAL REGISTRATION REQUIRED:
https://web.cvent.com/event/bee95a34-bf3d-4b9c-8b88-c47444e6b0e5/regProcessStep1
Monday May 12, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
University of Colorado (Wolf Law Building, Wittemeyer Courtroom) 2450 Kittredge Loop Road Boulder, CO 80309
 
Tuesday, May 13
 

8:00am MDT

A Brief Walk in the Flatirons with Kyle: Making Good Decisions Under Conditions of Uncertainty
Tuesday May 13, 2025 8:00am - 10:00am MDT
Participants will meet at the Ranger Cottage for a two-hour hike in the Flatirons with Mountain Guide and Venture Capitalist, Kyle Lefkoff.  

This session will be limited to ten participants, who will cover complex and challenging terrain. 

Participants must:
1. Live and work in Boulder, Colorado
2. Have at least one child
3. Be a Founder of a new venture or a philanthropy
4. Be between the ages of 28-40 years old
Session Lead
avatar for Kyle Lefkoff

Kyle Lefkoff

Founder & General Partner, Boulder Ventures
Tuesday May 13, 2025 8:00am - 10:00am MDT
Ranger Cottage at the Flatirons 900 Baseline Road Boulder, CO 80302

9:00am MDT

Top 10 Traps for the Unwary: Perspectives from Legal & Accounting Advisors
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Startups move fast, and founders often prioritize growth over compliance—sometimes at their peril. Seemingly minor missteps in legal and financial planning can snowball into costly problems that jeopardize funding, ownership, and long-term success.

In this session, experienced legal and accounting professionals will break down 10 common pitfalls that catch entrepreneurs off guard, covering issues like:

• Structuring your business entity the wrong way (and how to fix it)
• Equity mistakes that can derail fundraising
• Tax traps that lead to unexpected liabilities
• Contract missteps that expose startups to unnecessary risks
• Intellectual property oversights that can cost you your brand
• Compliance gaps that could lead to regulatory trouble

This interactive discussion will offer practical, real-world guidance for founders, early-stage employees, and investors. Attendees will walk away with a clearer understanding of how to avoid common legal and financial headaches, ensuring their startup is set up for success from the start.
Whether you're launching your first venture or scaling your startup, this session will arm you with the knowledge to navigate common pitfalls before they become expensive problems.
Session Lead
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

9:00am MDT

Uncovering Hidden Value: Crafting Optimal Product Pricing
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Are you capturing the full value of your product, or leaving money on the table? Most companies default to pricing based on costs or competitors, missing the opportunity to align price with actual customer value. In this interactive session, you'll discover the psychological factors that influence how customers value products and learn practical ways to ethically optimize your pricing strategy. This workshop is designed for founders and product leaders who want to boost profitability while delighting customers. Through three hands-on activities, you'll learn new strategies for interviewing customers to identify what they truly value; understand how product positioning impacts what your users are willing to pay; and recognize the mental models customers bring to every purchasing decision. With a 4.7/5 rating from past participants, this workshop works. You'll learn why top companies price based not on what they cost to build, but on the real value they bring to each type of customer – and how to use these ideas to grow your business today.
Session Facilitators
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

9:00am MDT

Boulder Health Tech Hike
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am MDT
Join us for a Boulder Startup Week x Boulder Health Tech event! We will meet at 9am on the Northwest corner of the parking lot at 8th & Cherry for introductions, and then hike around the Wonderland Lake area for about 60 minutes. After our hike, we will meet at 11am for coffee and conversations. This will be on a combination of relatively flat paved and gravel paths, and at a conversational pace. Please reach out if you have any accommodations you might need!
Session Facilitators
avatar for Vanessa Carmean

Vanessa Carmean

Regional Vice President, KeyCare
Vanessa is a co-founder of Boulder Health Tech Meetup, Denver Digital Health Meetup, and focuses on health system partnerships at KeyCare, a virtual care company. Vanessa is passionate about using health care technology to improve access to care, patient experiences, and outcomes... Read More →
Tuesday May 13, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am MDT
TBA

10:00am MDT

Mind blown 🧠 💣 - Navigating the crazy Startup journey and mental health
Tuesday May 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Transparent and vulnerable conversation about mental health, neurodivergence, and how that plays out in the crazy startup journey. Hear from founders, support systems, professionals, ally’s, mental health enthusiasts and the mental health curious welcome.
Session Lead
Tuesday May 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Rosetta Hall 1109 Walnut St

10:00am MDT

Start-up Equity and Stock Options
Tuesday May 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
While I was Co-Founder and COO of Atomos Space, I juggled executing on the company's vision with meeting the obligations of all stakeholders. As founders, we charge ahead with what we think is best. When it comes to issuing shares in your company, however, the IRS, SEC, and the State of Colorado have much to say on what you can and cannot do. The Securities Act of 1933, the Uniformed Securities Act, IRC 409(a), IRC 83(b), SEC 701…The variety and complexity of equity compensation can be convoluted and time consuming.

In my new role as VP of Finance and Investments with The Millstone Evans Group, I want to help founders, start-ups, and employees learn from my experience (and mistakes) so that they can make better, faster decisions and get back to building. In this overview of equity compensation, I talk through the basics of corporate governance, the nuances of a Stock Incentive Plan, and the implications of the three most common types of grants given to employees.
Session Lead
avatar for William Kowalski

William Kowalski

VP, Finance and Investments, The Millstone Evans Group
Tuesday May 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

10:00am MDT

Founder's Guide to Product Management (when you're not a PM)
Tuesday May 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Calling all Founders or solo Product leaders who want to learn how to 'put on a PM' hat and prioritize customer-centric feedback while building out a product roadmap. You will walk away with ways to think high-level about what to build next and how you can inch closer to Product Market fit for your startup or company.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Kara Zucker

Kara Zucker

CEO, Trestle
Looking to learn more about helping teams build better products using Trestle. Enjoys flipping problems into opportunities, making inspirational connections, and helping solve product planning and analytics.
Tuesday May 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Kiln

10:00am MDT

PERSPECTIVE IS EVERYTHING: Incubating and Iterating Ideas with Co-Founders
Tuesday May 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Join David Bernstein and Ann-Clarke Bailey for an interactive conversation at the nexus of design, purpose and community. As founders of 2 unique yet interconnected startups, David and Ann-Clarke want to invite you inside their projects to learn about what makes them tick and hopefully glean insight from you as well. Perspective is a valuable, two way street when building a business. This event will be programmed with perspective in mind, enabling attendees to not only learn from our founders but to contribute ideas and opinions to their projects as well. Attendees will learn about the challenges and opportunities of forming a collaborative partnership, how to integrate design with values, and the benefits of holding complex and sometimes conflicting viewpoints at the same time. 
Session Lead
avatar for David Bernstein

David Bernstein

Founder, Business Reimagined | LFP | Songbird Sanctuary
Tuesday May 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Boulder Library 1001 Arapahoe Ave.

10:00am MDT

Sales Made Simple for Startup Founders
Tuesday May 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Sales can feel intimidating, especially for founders who didn’t set out to be salespeople. But the truth is, no one is better equipped to sell a product/service than the founder. This session will break down the fundamentals of founder-led sales in a way that feels natural and authentic—so you can grow your business without second-guessing yourself.

You’ll learn how to connect with customers in a way that builds trust, navigate objections with confidence, and close deals without feeling pushy or transactional. We’ll cover practical techniques like storytelling, active listening, and asking the right questions to guide conversations toward a “yes.” You’ll also get hands-on strategies for structuring sales calls, following up effectively, and building a repeatable process that doesn’t require you to reinvent the wheel every time you talk to a prospect.

By the end of the session, you won’t just understand the mechanics of selling—you’ll have a clear, actionable plan tailored to your business. Whether you’re still trying to land your first customers or you’re looking to refine your approach, you’ll walk away with the confidence to sell in a way that feels right for you.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Corey Litwin

Corey Litwin

Founder, The Artwin Group
I know what it’s like to build a business from scratch—and what it takes to sell something you’ve poured your heart into. As a seasoned revenue leader and advisor to VC's and early-stage companies, I bring a rare blend of strategic thinking, practical execution, and deep empathy... Read More →
Tuesday May 13, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

10:00am MDT

Vendor Forum
Tuesday May 13, 2025 10:00am - 1:00pm MDT
Starting a business is hard. There is a lot to know and there are a lot of great people and companies out there to help.The vendor forum is a great opportunity to learn about needed b2b services from startup tailored vendors; make business connections; and network with other BSW attendees and sponsors.Bonus- there will be adoptable puppies!
Come visit us on the 12th, 13th and 14th from 10am to 1pm at the kitchen lounge.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Ginnie Meyers

Ginnie Meyers

Co-founder, Foundation Health/FH Insurance/Cure Technologies
A Boulder native, Ginnie Meyers is currently Co-Founder of Foundation Health, a company turning health care on its head with a transparent, personalized health care experience, as well as FH Insurance, a tech-forward benefits agency and Cure Technologies, an automated benefits underwriting system.Prior to founding Foundation Health in 2013, she worked in b... Read More →
Tuesday May 13, 2025 10:00am - 1:00pm MDT
The Kitchen Lounge 1039 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302

11:00am MDT

Agents Unleashed: Navigating the Security Blind Spots of the AI Revolution
Tuesday May 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
As AI agents rapidly transform from science fiction into business reality, a critical question emerges: are we sacrificing security for innovation? While companies race to deploy autonomous AI systems that can operate independently across digital environments, the security implications remain dangerously unexplored.

In this timely and provocative panel discussion, our cybersecurity experts will pull back the curtain on the hidden vulnerabilities of the agent revolution. Drawing from frontline experience, they'll examine real-world security risks posed by AI agents operating with unprecedented levels of autonomy and system access.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into:

-The unique attack surfaces created by agentic AI systems
-How malicious actors are already exploiting weaknesses in agent architectures
-Practical strategies for implementing security-by-design in agent development
-Governance frameworks that balance innovation with robust security protocols
-The evolving regulatory landscape and its implications for startups building agent-based solutions

Whether you're building proprietary AI agents or integrating third-party systems, this session will equip you with the knowledge to protect your organization while still harnessing the transformative power of agentic AI.

Join us for an eye-opening conversation that goes beyond the hype to address the security challenges that everyone in the AI revolution needs to confront—before it's too late.

Cyber Expert Panel Members:
Andrius Useckas
Bryan Becker
Dan Ward

Moderator:
Aaron Walls
Session Facilitators
avatar for Andrius Useckas

Andrius Useckas

Founder / CTO, ZioSec
I have over 20 years of experience in Information Security and application development. My latest startup focuses on LLM agent security, powered by AI.
Tuesday May 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

11:00am MDT

Unlocking Innovation: Navigating University IP Licensing for Life Sciences Startups
Tuesday May 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
For many life sciences startups, breakthroughs originate in university research labs. But securing the right to commercialize these innovations requires navigating complex licensing agreements with university tech transfer offices—an unfamiliar process for many entrepreneurs.

This session will demystify the university IP licensing process, equipping startup founders and executives with the knowledge they need to negotiate fair and strategic agreements. Our expert panel—including a seasoned life sciences attorney and a university tech transfer representative—will walk through the key components of a typical licensing deal, including:

• Financial Terms: Upfront license fees, development and sales milestones, and royalty structures
• Equity Stakes: When and how universities take an ownership position in startups, including dilution protections
• Sublicensing Rights: How startups can retain flexibility in commercialization strategies
• Key Negotiation Points: Common challenges and how to approach them

Whether you’re currently in discussions with a university or planning to license technology in the future, this session will provide actionable insights to help you secure the best terms for your company’s long-term success.
Session Facilitators
Tuesday May 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Kiln

11:00am MDT

Behind the Scenes at a Live Founder Coaching Session
Tuesday May 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
SAGE Boulder is a pro-bono mentoring group that meets regularly in Boulder. We have helped over 200 founders over the past 11 years. In this session, you have a chance to watch a live SAGE session. You might find that SAGE is a great option for your company. An early stage tech founder will present to a group of expert SAGE advisors. But they aren't pitching for money, they are pitching for customized help from SAGE advisors to move the company forward. Here’s how it will go:
Founder Presentation
Structured, facilitated feedback on the following questions:
What is compelling about this company?
What are the risks?
What key steps should be taken in a 3 months to help mitigate those risks?
SAGE is sponsored by Innosphere, Cozen O’Conner Law and Venture Partners at CU Boulder.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Susan Strong

Susan Strong

Director, SAGE/Innosphere
I'm all in on customer discovery for early stage tech founders. I connect early stage founders with the resources they need to be successful.
Tuesday May 13, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Boulder Library 1001 Arapahoe Ave.

11:00am MDT

Boulder Health Tech Coffee
Tuesday May 13, 2025 11:00am - 1:00pm MDT
Join Boulder Health Tech for our third annual Boulder Startup Week meetup! Meet founders, investors, and others in the health tech, biotech, and life science community. We'll gather for coffee at 11am, join us anytime until 1pm! This is a casual gathering with good conversation and the opportunity to meet someone new or reconnect with colleagues! If you'd like to get some exercise before meeting for coffee, Boulder Health Tech is also hosting a 9am hike around Wonderland Lake.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Vanessa Carmean

Vanessa Carmean

Regional Vice President, KeyCare
Vanessa is a co-founder of Boulder Health Tech Meetup, Denver Digital Health Meetup, and focuses on health system partnerships at KeyCare, a virtual care company. Vanessa is passionate about using health care technology to improve access to care, patient experiences, and outcomes... Read More →
Tuesday May 13, 2025 11:00am - 1:00pm MDT
TBA

12:00pm MDT

AI in Healthcare: Transforming Today, Shaping Tomorrow
Tuesday May 13, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
AI is already reshaping healthcare—enhancing diagnostics, optimizing workflows, and personalizing treatments—but we’re just getting started. Join our expert panel as we explore AI’s most impactful applications, lessons learned, and what’s next on the horizon.
Session Lead Session Facilitators
avatar for Vanessa Carmean

Vanessa Carmean

Regional Vice President, KeyCare
Vanessa is a co-founder of Boulder Health Tech Meetup, Denver Digital Health Meetup, and focuses on health system partnerships at KeyCare, a virtual care company. Vanessa is passionate about using health care technology to improve access to care, patient experiences, and outcomes... Read More →
Tuesday May 13, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Kiln

12:00pm MDT

Quantum Convergence: The intersection of Quantum Technology and our daily lives
Tuesday May 13, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Quantum computing is all around us and many don’t realize how close we are to seeing it in everyday life. The panelists are building atomic clocks, quantum sensors and quantum internet that will be part of the fabric of our daily lives. The Colorado ecosystem is the epicenter of this technology and with the recent Federal funding with Elevate Quantum and ground breaking of a new facility to support the industry, the region is poised continued growth within the industry.
Session Lead
Tuesday May 13, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

12:00pm MDT

From Saboteur to Sidekick: Working with your Imposter Monster
Tuesday May 13, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
In this highly interactive workshop, you’ll learn a new way of thinking about imposter syndrome – your Imposter Monster! You'll meet your Imposter Monster, and we'll discuss ways to turn them from a whisper that makes you feel small to a champion who helps you do hard things. This research-supported method encourages participants to reframe imposter feelings as a coping mechanism, rather than something that is wrong with them. We explore the 5 types of Imposters and how to interact with your Monster based on your type.

The result:

→ Healthier perspective on imposter feelings.

→ Decreased stress in situations that were previously difficult.

→ Improved ability to do brave things.
Session Facilitators
avatar for AJ Lauer, EdD

AJ Lauer, EdD

Founder, Thriving Ibis Leadership Solutions

Tuesday May 13, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Boulder Library 1001 Arapahoe Ave.

1:00pm MDT

From Startup to Sold: The Health Tech Acquisition Journey
Tuesday May 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Join us for a lively discussion with health tech founders and executives who’ve navigated the winding road from innovative startups to acquisition. They’ll share the highs, lows, and unexpected plot twists of their acquisition experiences—from making the decision to sell, to negotiating the deal, and everything in between. Whether you're considering an exit or simply curious about what it’s really like on the other side, this panel will give you an insider’s look into the world of health tech acquisitions. Get ready for a conversation full of wisdom, humor, and maybe a few lessons you can apply to your own startup journey.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Vanessa Carmean

Vanessa Carmean

Regional Vice President, KeyCare
Vanessa is a co-founder of Boulder Health Tech Meetup, Denver Digital Health Meetup, and focuses on health system partnerships at KeyCare, a virtual care company. Vanessa is passionate about using health care technology to improve access to care, patient experiences, and outcomes... Read More →
Tuesday May 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Kiln

1:00pm MDT

Psychedelics & Entrepreneurship: Building, Leading, and Healing
Tuesday May 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
As psychedelics move from underground subcultures to the forefront of psychiatric research, the entrepreneurial landscape around them is rapidly evolving, and Boulder is poised to become a key hub for innovation and access. Colorado is the second state to establish a regulated framework for psychedelic use, including healing centers where individuals can experience guided psilocybin journeys from licensed facilitators.
This panel brings together founders, investors, legal experts, and researchers who are actively shaping the future of psychedelics—from mental health treatments to clinics, retreats, and digital platforms. Together, we’ll explore what it takes to responsibly participate in this high-risk, high-reward space where science, ethics, accessibility, and business intersect.
Beyond the business opportunity, we’ll also examine why a growing number of entrepreneurs - from both inside and outside of the psychedelic sector—are turning to psychedelics for personal insight, creativity, and resilience. In a leadership landscape marked by uncertainty and burnout, psychedelics are emerging as powerful catalysts for deeper self-awareness and values-driven decision-making.
Whether you’re an investor, founder, or simply curious, this conversation will offer a grounded look at the risks, rewards, and transformative potential of psychedelics… for the industry, the people leading it, and for you.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Greg Shanken

Greg Shanken

Psychedelic Ecosystem Supporter | CEO, Gloss
💼 Greg Shanken is the CEO of Gloss, a web development and digital marketing agency serving the mental health and psychedelics space. 🌿 Greg passionately supports the psychedelic healing ecosystem through advocacy non-profit efforts including: - Co-founding the Colorado... Read More →
avatar for Niko Skievaski

Niko Skievaski

co-founder & CEO, Althea
Tuesday May 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

1:00pm MDT

Growing From Zero to $1M++ The Inner Game of Entrepreneurship
Tuesday May 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Join two Boulder founders for a detailed and personal look at what it REALLY takes to build a $1M+ revenue company. This session isn’t about sales, marketing, pricing or product - it’s about the Inner Journey that all founders go through as they find product-market-fit and scale their companies.
Alex Raymond, Founder of AMplify and Host of The Conscious Entrepreneur Summit and Ret Taylor, Co-Founder and former Co-CEO of Ned, will discuss:

  • What does it really take to be a successful entrepreneur?
  • How do we deal with the Inner Demons like self-doubt, burnout, impostor syndrome?
  • How must founders evolve as our companies grow?
  • What happens if we don’t build a unicorn?
  • When is it time to hand over the reins or pivot?

This session is for current, former and future CEOs, founders and entrepreneurs who want an unvarnished look at the ups-and-downs of building a company.


Session Facilitators
avatar for Ret Taylor

Ret Taylor

Founder, Reconnect
Ret Taylor is a founder, CEO, and transformational coach with 20 years of experience building purpose-driven companies, including Ned, a natural wellness brand that made waves (and tinctures) before being acquired by Foria.Rooted in a deep connection to nature and a firm belief that... Read More →
avatar for Alex Raymond

Alex Raymond

Founder, The Conscious Entrepreneur Summit

Tuesday May 13, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Boulder Library 1001 Arapahoe Ave.

2:00pm MDT

From Concept to Scale: Strategic Design for SaaS Startups
Tuesday May 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
As a founder or early employee at a SaaS startup, design decisions can make or break your product adoption and growth trajectory. Yet most startups struggle with when to invest in design, who to hire, and how to evolve their design practice as they scale. Drawing from experience leading research and design at Fuego UX, this session unpacks practical frameworks for implementing effective design processes at each stage of your startup journey.

We'll walk through the essential design milestones that align with your funding rounds and business goals - from DIY design in the earliest days to building sophisticated design systems as you scale. You'll learn when to hire your first designer, how to leverage fractional design talent, and when to build an in-house team. We'll explore practical methods for sharing and testing designs with real users, documenting feedback, and transforming insights into actionable product improvements.

For founders without design backgrounds, you'll gain actionable strategies to develop your design intuition and vocabulary, helping you make informed decisions even before you can afford dedicated design talent. For technical teams, we'll cover collaboration models that integrate design thinking throughout your development process.

By the end of this session, you'll walk away with:

A stage-appropriate design roadmap aligned with your current growth phase
* Hiring guidelines for design talent based on your product maturity
* Simple but effective user testing methods that won't break your budget
* Strategies to evolve your design system as your product grows
* Frameworks for cross-functional collaboration around design

Bring your specific design challenges for the Q&A portion, where we'll tackle real examples from the audience.
Session Lead
avatar for Nate Wearin

Nate Wearin

Fuego UX
Tuesday May 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

2:00pm MDT

Building the Future of Health Tech: From Idea to Impact
Tuesday May 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Join Boulder Health Tech and Boulder Startup Week for an engaging panel discussion with health tech founders and investors who are shaping the future of healthcare. Panelists will share insights on how they navigated product/market fit, scaled revenue, and secured funding while driving real impact in the industry. Whether you're launching a startup, scaling a company, or just curious about the evolving health tech landscape, this conversation will offer real-world advice and lessons learned.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Vanessa Carmean

Vanessa Carmean

Regional Vice President, KeyCare
Vanessa is a co-founder of Boulder Health Tech Meetup, Denver Digital Health Meetup, and focuses on health system partnerships at KeyCare, a virtual care company. Vanessa is passionate about using health care technology to improve access to care, patient experiences, and outcomes... Read More →
Tuesday May 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Kiln

3:00pm MDT

Startup Communities: The Next Generation
Tuesday May 13, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
Brad Feld and Jaclyn Hester will have a fireside chat about the evolution of a startup community. They cover topics like the importance of existing leaders to hand off the torch to the next generation, why the development of the startup community is not a straight line up and to the right, and how to incorporate concepts from Brad's upcoming book Give First: The Power of Mentorship into your daily activities in the startup community.
Session Lead Session Facilitators
avatar for Brad Feld

Brad Feld

Partner, Foundry Group
Tuesday May 13, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

5:00pm MDT

Denver UX and Bolder Design Meetup
Tuesday May 13, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Session Facilitators
AS

Alex Smith

Fuego UX
avatar for Nate Wearin

Nate Wearin

Fuego UX
Tuesday May 13, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Rosetta Hall 1109 Walnut St

5:00pm MDT

Women in AI Colorado
Tuesday May 13, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
https://www.meetup.com/women-in-ai-colorado/
Session Lead
Tuesday May 13, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm MDT
Kiln

5:00pm MDT

AI Builders, Boulder Startup Week Edition!
Tuesday May 13, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
🏔️ The next AI Builders event in Colorado is live! We'll be hosting this as part of the official Boulder Startup Week schedule: Tuesday May 13, starting at 5 pm. External RSVP https://lu.ma/wbq4el0t

If you're not familiar, these meetups are a ton of fun and have become a core gathering for people building AI products in Colorado. There's always a mix of engineering, product & founder folks, from big companies (Google, Nvidia, Salesforce, Broadcom, etc.) down to brand new startups.

The agenda is simple: Hang out and see a bunch of demos of working software, and hear from the builders about how things got made/lessons learned.

* Doors at 5
* Content starts at 5:45
* Food & beverages thanks to Silicon Valley Bank!

Given the BSW focus, we'll give special emphasis to startups being built in the Boulder area.

Thanks as always to our sponsors Silicon Valley Bank and Technical Integrity, and to our special co-host for this event, Drive Capital. 🙏 And to our organizing team at Freeplay, Matchstick Ventures and Ombud for making these happen. 🙌

See you there.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Ian Cairns

Ian Cairns

Co-founder & CEO, Freeplay
avatar for Tim Morrissey

Tim Morrissey

Investor, Drive Capital
Investing with Drive CapitalDr. Tim Morrissey, is a multidisciplinary entrepreneur with extensive experience both leading and executing alongside small teams. Tim’s experiences span 5 years as the cofounder and CEO of a venture backed robotics company (ArtimusRobotics.com) , to... Read More →
Tuesday May 13, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Founder Central by Sweater
 
Wednesday, May 14
 

7:00am MDT

Taking a new path!
Wednesday May 14, 2025 7:00am - 9:00am MDT
Join the team from Second Rodeo on a sunrise hike on the Boulder trails. This event is a networking opportunity for founders, operators, and capital providers looking to forge a new path for company growth here in Boulder.
Session Lead
Wednesday May 14, 2025 7:00am - 9:00am MDT
Centennial Trailhead 301 Sunshine Canyon Dr Boulder, CO 80301

7:45am MDT

Pitch & Run! Join for a morning run/jog with local founders and investors
Wednesday May 14, 2025 7:45am - 9:00am MDT
Get your blood flowing with this fun run/jog around downtown Boulder with fellow founders and investors. What better way to get to know each other than while pounding some pavement (or dirt!).
Session Facilitators
Wednesday May 14, 2025 7:45am - 9:00am MDT
TBA

9:00am MDT

Capital Raising Using Public Stock Offerings
Wednesday May 14, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Learn how to utilize the securities law exemptions under Regulation CF and Regulation A to facilitate public offerings of your start-ups stock, debt, tokens, or other investment securities to raise capital. Under these Obama era laws, you can utilize digital marketing, your customer lists, and a variety of other advertising means to solicit the general public and accept investments from unaccredited investors. Join the thousands of other startups that have successfully circumvented the VC firms to fund their business under these groundbreaking new regulations.
Session Lead
Wednesday May 14, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

9:00am MDT

Seed to Series A Readiness with Next Frontier Capital & Matchstick
Wednesday May 14, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
This panel will dive into current fundraising trends at the Seed and Series A stages, specifically focusing on how companies should be preparing ahead of a Series A fundraise. Discussion topics include current benchmarks at the Seed/Series A and best practices for companies ahead of a Series A.
Session Lead
Wednesday May 14, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

10:00am MDT

Building the Quantum Ecosystem in Boulder: From Startup to Scale
Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Boulder is quickly becoming a global hub for quantum technology. In this session, meet founders, researchers, and community leaders helping to grow this next-gen industry here. We’ll talk about what it takes to launch a quantum startup, what resources are available, and why Boulder is uniquely positioned to lead in this space.
Session Lead
Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Boulder Library 1001 Arapahoe Ave.

10:00am MDT

CU Boulder Startup Stories!
Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Come learn from CU student/alumni founders! Our students and alumni will share what's worked, mistakes they've made and recommendations for others. Erick Mueller, Executive Director at the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship at the Leeds School of Business will lead the conversation with our panel of founders from the CU Boulder community. Our startups are addressing needs in diverse industries and our founders will share their journeys, answer your questions, provide unique insights on entrepreneurship, and highlight valuable resources from both CU Boulder and the larger Boulder/Denver ecosystem.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Erick Mueller

Erick Mueller

Executive Director, University of Colorado
Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Rosetta Hall 1109 Walnut St

10:00am MDT

Investor Mega Panel: Hot Takes & Hard Truths
Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
What happens when you mix a group of investors with rapid-fire startup questions?
Welcome to the most chaotic and entertaining panel of Boulder Startup Week, a high-stakes mashup of Shark Tank meets The Dating Game. But instead of roses, we’ve got whiteboards, and brutally honest investor opinions.
  • We ask spicy, high-leverage questions:
     Would you fund a startup without a technical cofounder?
     How much traction is “enough”?
  • Every investor has a chance to answer - all at once. 
  • We follow up on the most surprising or controversial answers.
  • And you get to play along by asking your questions!


Expect sparks, real talk, and some surprising responses. You’ll walk away with insights into how investors think, what they’re actually looking for right now, and what founders get wrong when trying to stand out.
Whether you’re raising or just curious, this is one session you won’t want to ghost.
Session Facilitators
Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

10:00am MDT

Staying True to Your Vision: Trials and Triumphs of Startup Founders
Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Every startup founder faces moments of doubt, tough decisions, and external pressures that challenge their original vision. How do you stay true to your mission while adapting to the realities of funding, scaling, and market demands?

In this session, we’ll hear from founders who have navigated these challenges and discuss practical strategies for maintaining authenticity, resilience, and focus.

Expect real stories, actionable insights, and an interactive Q&A where you can get advice on your startup journey.
Session Lead
avatar for Steve Borne

Steve Borne

CEO, HearLabs
Steve Borne is a veteran sound designer and mixer with 35+ years of experience shaping audio for hit TV shows like Nurse Jackie and Saturday Night Live. With multiple industry awards and thousands of hours in the studio, he’s now channeling that expertise into HearLabs, a purpose-driven... Read More →
Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

10:00am MDT

BOULDER IN SPACE!
Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
The I-36 Space Corridor is literally blasting off. Several local companies are exploring the final frontier from ThinkOrbital building huge infrastructure in space and protecting space from adversaries to Cislunar Industries working on recycling metals for propulsion in space to Orbit Fab refuelling satellites. Leaders from these and other local space companies will be brought together on a panel to discuss their vision for the future of outer space, the challenge of the space domain, why Boulder? and a host of other topics.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Lee Rosen

Lee Rosen

Co-Founder, President & CEO, ThinkOrbital Inc.
Colonel (Ret.) Lee Rosen served over 23 years with the US Air Force where he was a commander, space operator and DoD certified acquisition officer, including tours at the Pentagon, National Reconnaissance Office and Air Force Space Command. As a former SpaceX VP of Mission and Launch... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Kiln

10:00am MDT

Vendor Forum
Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:00am - 1:00pm MDT
Starting a business is hard. There is a lot to know and there are a lot of great people and companies out there to help.The vendor forum is a great opportunity to learn about needed b2b services from startup tailored vendors; make business connections; and network with other BSW attendees and sponsors.Bonus- there will be adoptable puppies!
Come visit us on the 12th, 13th and 14th from 10am to 1pm at the kitchen lounge.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Ginnie Meyers

Ginnie Meyers

Co-founder, Foundation Health/FH Insurance/Cure Technologies
A Boulder native, Ginnie Meyers is currently Co-Founder of Foundation Health, a company turning health care on its head with a transparent, personalized health care experience, as well as FH Insurance, a tech-forward benefits agency and Cure Technologies, an automated benefits underwriting system.Prior to founding Foundation Health in 2013, she worked in b... Read More →
Wednesday May 14, 2025 10:00am - 1:00pm MDT
The Kitchen Lounge 1039 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302

11:00am MDT

How to Get Your Business Noticed: Strategies for Early Buyer Engagement
Wednesday May 14, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
97% of your ideal buyers aren’t ready to talk to sales—but they are forming opinions and making early decisions.

They’re learning about their problems, looking for fresh ideas, and identifying who seems credible and helpful. If your team isn’t visible during this early research, you miss the chance to shape their thinking and earn their trust before they narrow their options.

Being seen at this stage is not just about creating marketing noise. It’s about making sure the right voices are sharing the right messages with the right people.

Buyers want to hear from people who understand their world—and they’re more likely to trust peers who speak their language. That’s why aligning your team’s voices with the roles of your target buyers matters.

Imagine a finance expert from your team speaking directly to CFOs. Or an ops lead sharing firsthand lessons with operations teams. These role-to-role conversations earn trust before the shortlist is built.

It’s more than content. It’s connection. And it can be the difference between being considered and being ignored.

This session shows how to:

* Take conversations you’re already having and turn them into buyer-centric content
* Use AI to turn them into LinkedIn posts, blogs, and articles
* Find places to publish where your target audience already hangs out
* Publish content that builds trust across key buyer roles

This will be an interactive session where members of the audience will get a chance to share what’s working for you. So come ready to learn from your peers and bring your own success stories.

Leave with practical next steps you can start using right away.
Session Lead
avatar for Candyce Eleden

Candyce Eleden

LinkedIn Social Selling Expert, PropelGrowth
Candyce Edelen is a seasoned entrepreneur with plenty of road rash earned by co-founding two fin-tech companies, one of which made the Deloitte Fast 50 list in 2004. In 2018, she and her partner decided to pivot to a new target market where they didn’t have an existing network.She... Read More →
Wednesday May 14, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

11:00am MDT

Standing Out with VCs: Dissecting A Successful Pitch Deck
Wednesday May 14, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
One of the most important parts of the fundraising process is having a pitch deck that stands out and gets investors excited. In this session we’ll look at a successful pitch deck and see what they did to stand out. Startups will leave this session with clear, actionable ideas about how to make the best pitch deck for their business.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Kirsten Suddath

Kirsten Suddath

General Partner, Next Frontier Capital
Kirsten Suddath is a General Partner at Next Frontier Capital (NFC). NFC is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in B2B technology companies based in the Rocky Mountains. NFC targets early-stage founders building companies of impact, utility, and value. Prior to joining NFC... Read More →
Wednesday May 14, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

11:00am MDT

Pitch on the Pitch. Founders and Funders Activity
Wednesday May 14, 2025 11:00am - 1:00pm MDT
🚨 External Registration Required
Due to the nature of this activity, space is extremely limited.
👉 Register at the Luma linkAdding this to your sched calendar does not guarantee admission.
https://lu.ma/PitchonthePitch
🧗‍♂️ Ever watched a founder pitch their startup while dangling from a wall?
Now’s your chance.

📅 Wednesday, May 14
🕚 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM MST
📍 Local Climbing Gym (details in Luma)

Pitch on the Pitch is what happens when Hot Ones meets Mic’d Up—but on a climbing wall.

As founders climb increasingly difficult routes, they’ll deliver their pitch while investors ask questions—mic’d up, mid-climb, and in front of a live audience.

🥪 Lunch provided
🧗‍♀️ Climbing gear provided
🪢 Free climb time available before and after the main event

What’s harder to climb—the rock wall or your preference stack?
🎤 Co-Sponsored by:
Tim Morrissey (Drive Capital) & Erika Nash (Next Frontier Capital)
🎬 Co-Hosted by: Victor Medeiros

Spectate or send it — participation is by invitation and application only via Luma.
https://lu.ma/PitchonthePitch
Session Facilitators
avatar for Tim Morrissey

Tim Morrissey

Investor, Drive Capital
Investing with Drive CapitalDr. Tim Morrissey, is a multidisciplinary entrepreneur with extensive experience both leading and executing alongside small teams. Tim’s experiences span 5 years as the cofounder and CEO of a venture backed robotics company (ArtimusRobotics.com) , to... Read More →

Wednesday May 14, 2025 11:00am - 1:00pm MDT

12:00pm MDT

Investment Syndications: Investing alongside others. The How and Why.
Wednesday May 14, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Do you have questions around syndicating funds for investment?
Are you curious what it looks like to participate as an investor alongside others as one line on the cap table?
How costly and complex is it really to run a syndication? Is it worth it?Join this session to learn about the ins and outs of syndicating investments and what to expect (as an investor and as a founder.)Natalie Levy, the Managing Partner of She's Independent, will lead this session. She's Independent is an investment group syndicating (group investing) in early-stage businesses from Pre-Seed to Series A.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Natalie

Natalie

Managing Partner, She's Independent Investments
Natalie Levy is an engineer and mathematician turned Wall Street derivatives trader, investor, and business-to-business (B2B) enterprise technology sales leader. She marries a deep understanding of data and technology paired with strong interpersonal skills. She has over a decade... Read More →
Wednesday May 14, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Boulder Library 1001 Arapahoe Ave.

12:00pm MDT

The New Deep-Tech Funding Landscape
Wednesday May 14, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Deep-tech is seeing strong interest in Colorado. There is new access to capital for startups, along with many changes in federal and grant funding. Part of the trick for startups is finding the right partners to support company growth. The panel will discuss what it takes to get funded and how to find the right fit.
Session Lead
Wednesday May 14, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

12:00pm MDT

Decoding the Deal: A Founder's Guide to SAFEs, Notes, and Term Sheets
Wednesday May 14, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Are you a startup founder preparing to raise venture capital? Understanding the legal aspects of fundraising can make the difference between a smooth financing round and a costly, time-consuming process. Join us for this practical masterclass that demystifies the essential legal instruments and documents used in early-stage startup fundraising.

Who Should Attend:
Founders planning to raise venture capital
Startup team members involved in fundraising decisions and process

What You'll Learn:
Deep dive into SAFEs: Understanding how they work, when to use them, and their key components including valuation caps and discount rates
Convertible Notes vs. SAFEs: Clear comparison to help you choose the right instrument for your startup
Term Sheet fundamentals: Navigate the critical elements of term sheets, including valuation terms, economic provisions, and control/governance matters
Common pitfalls: Learn about the most frequent fundraising mistakes and how to avoid them

Key Takeaways:
Practical understanding of fundraising instruments and when to use them
Ability to evaluate and negotiate key terms in investment documents
Confidence in managing legal aspects of your fundraising process
Framework for making informed decisions about your startup's financing strategy

Why This Matters:
As a founder, you need to make crucial decisions about your startup's funding structure that will impact your company's future. This session will equip you with the knowledge to make informed choices, understand investor expectations, and protect your interests while building strong investor relationships.

The session combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights, using real-world examples and industry-standard documents (including NVCA model documents) to provide you with actionable knowledge you can apply immediately in your fundraising journey.

Don't let legal complexity stand in the way of your startup's growth. Gain the essential knowledge you need to navigate early-stage fundraising with confidence from some of the industry's top startup/venture capital lawyers.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Andrew Miller

Andrew Miller

Startup/VC Lawyer, Orrick
Hi - I’m a startup/vc lawyer with Orrick - one of the top law firms in the space. We represent dozens of unicorns, the top VCs and do about 1,000 venture deals a year, raising billions for our clients. Law360 named our startup/vc group a practice group of the year for our novel... Read More →
Wednesday May 14, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Kiln

1:00pm MDT

Regulation & Resilience: Leadership Through Movement
Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Session Facilitators
avatar for Taylor Thomas

Taylor Thomas

Co-Founder, Impact Initiative
Passionate about helping entrepreneurs build amazing businesses and awesome teams!
Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Kiln

1:00pm MDT

What you need to know about Federal Non Dilutive Capital!
Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization.

This session will explore the basics of the SBIR and STTR programs and what you need to do to set your self up for success in your submission.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Audrey Miller

Audrey Miller

Program Manager, SBDC TechSource: Commercialization
Colorado SBDC TechSource: Commercialization is designed to maximize the economic potential of Colorado science and technology companies—especially those in the advanced industries.TechSource: Commercialization is unique in the state because of its heavy emphasis on non-dilutive... Read More →
Wednesday May 14, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

2:00pm MDT

Angel Investing 101: Introduction to Angel Investing
Wednesday May 14, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Join Rockies Venture Club for Angel Investing 101 to acquire the necessary skills to successfully secure and/or deploy angel investment. Without such training, new investors might spend years and over $250,000 to learn effective investment strategies on their own.

This session is open to both entrepreneurs seeking to learn more about how to secure angel investment and "angel-curious" investors who are in pursuit of the best early stage startup investment deal flow. Rockies Venture Club offers education to both entrepreneurs and investors through the extension of this program, Angel Accelerator, the RVC Pitch Academy, and the RVC HyperAccelerator. In addition to education, RVC Members receive access to 140+ events annually, which include Monthly Investor Forums, Industry Investment Nights, and the Angel Capital Summit.
Session Lead
Wednesday May 14, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

3:00pm MDT

Speed Mentorship
Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Session Lead
avatar for Julia Grice

Julia Grice

Consultant
I manage a consulting practice with a focus on project based work within the financial services industry with a particular focus on alternative asset firms (hedge funds, VC/PE firms, etc.). Projects range from filling in for operations/accounting staff on an interim basis, fractional... Read More →
Wednesday May 14, 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Rembrandt Yard

4:00pm MDT

From Vision to Victory: Maximizing Founder Outcomes through Strategic Structuring
Wednesday May 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Join JP Morgan for an insightful panel discussion on how founders can strategically structure their startups for long-term success. Our expert speakers will share actionable strategies and key insights on aligning business foundations with future goals, ensuring maximum outcomes and impact. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with the tools to build a thriving and sustainable business.
Session Lead Session Facilitators
Wednesday May 14, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Kiln

6:00pm MDT

RMAIIG Member Showcase
Wednesday May 14, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
About the Member Showcase:

This trade fair-style event highlights AI projects from local companies, students, researchers, and community members. It’s a chance to share your work with a diverse audience of technical and non-technical attendees in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
Session Lead
Wednesday May 14, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
University of Colorado (Boulder Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences) 3775 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO 80303

6:00pm MDT

Derailing Our Application: How And Why We Are Decoupling Our Code From Rails by Alan Ridlehoover and Fito von Zastrow from Cisco
Wednesday May 14, 2025 6:00pm - 8:30pm MDT
Cisco Meraki is probably the largest Rails shop you’ve never heard of. Our 2 million line Rails monolith has been under continuous development since 2007. As with any large codebase, ours is not without challenges. In “Derailing Our Application,” we share how our architecture has evolved to decouple 800,000 lines of Ruby code from Rails constructs in order to enable us to scale our team to 1,000 engineers and beyond without losing the benefits of Rails. Join us on the track less traveled! All aboard!
Session Lead Session Facilitators
avatar for Marty Haught

Marty Haught

Director of Open Source, Ruby Central
Marty Haught is an experienced technical leader who builds and grows high-performing, collaborative software engineering teams. He has worked at Hashicorp, Fastly, and ran his own software consulting company for over a decade.  Loves exploring food and is often found baking.
Wednesday May 14, 2025 6:00pm - 8:30pm MDT
MojoTech
 
Thursday, May 15
 

8:00am MDT

Authentic-Hike to connect with fellow Startup Founders
Thursday May 15, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
This is the most Boulder way to network, especially if you’re tired of the superficial talk at most events! This format is taken from Bart Foster’s BusinessOutside hikes where participants get to connect on a much deeper level and with far more people than they would otherwise. Starting from the Dakota Ridge Trailhead and going at an easy pace.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xi1iHXE4u8uTdxiB6
Session Lead
Thursday May 15, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Dakota Ridge Trailhead

8:30am MDT

Tiny Teams: The AI Powered PM
Thursday May 15, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am MDT
We’re here because something big is happening across startups and product teams—and it's happening faster than a lot of us expected.
A few years ago, the model was simple:
 Raise a huge round of funding, hire an army of people, burn through cash, and hope to scale.
But today? AI is flipping that script.
According to a recent New York Times article, startups like Gamma, Cursor, and ElevenLabs are reaching tens of millions in revenue with tiny teams—sometimes just 20 to 50 people.
 The game has changed:
  • Efficiency is the new flex.


  • Tiny teams are the new giants.


  • AI is the ultimate force multiplier.


And the role of the product manager is evolving right alongside it.
 Today’s PM needs to not only lead across engineering, UX, and strategy—but also learn how to leverage AI tools, workflows, and thinking to extend their reach without needing a team of 10 behind them.
Session Lead
Thursday May 15, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am MDT
Founder Central by Sweater

9:00am MDT

Cultivate More Creativity in Your Startup to Build a Better Brand
Thursday May 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Creative thinking and analytical rigor – they seem like an either/or but really organizations (and individuals) need both to generate inspiring ideas and execute meaningful innovation. Especially at the startup stage where design-centric voices tend to be outnumbered, purposefully practicing creativity can help you build a brand that better resonates with customers and craft a product experience that users love.

As an early non-technical hire at Scythe, and as the first self-proclaimed creative on the team, Billy Otteman jumped from a decade of branding agency experience straight into the deeply analytical engineering environment of the Boulder County-based robotics startup. He quickly learned to navigate the software and hardware spaces while building what has become one of the most engaging and exciting brands in its industry (again, self-proclaimed).

In this talk, Billy will share best practices for fostering a creative culture that leads to more compelling customer communication. He’ll also present strategies for conducting illumination exercises that increase customer empathy and discuss how impactful collaboration between design and engineering teams can make your products stickier. And so you leave inspired, he’ll lead the group in a few creative exercises for you to conduct with your coworkers.

Whether you’re a marketer surrounded by strict rationality looking for a creative spark or an engineer hoping to better communicate with your crazy creative counterparts, you’ll return to your team with effective creativity tactics that you can put to work right away.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Billy Otteman

Billy Otteman

VP Brand + Customer, Scythe Robotics
A strategist and storyteller, I lead our customer experience efforts at Scythe as we strive to build the most sought after brand in outdoor power equipment. An agency-side career gave me the breadth of experience across marketing, design, and innovation that I am now leveraging the... Read More →
Thursday May 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

9:00am MDT

DAFs and Charitable Giving: What you need to know and Why you should explore it!
Thursday May 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Through Donor Advised Funds, companies can accept checks for fundraising and investors and corporations can fund investments in a highly tax efficient way.

Come explore this (charitable) funding strategy with us!

This session will be held in a fireside chat format at the Boulder Chamber. 

Natalie Levy, Managing Partner of She's Independent Investments, will interview Sarah Angello, Cofounder of Get Daffodil.

Audience Q&A will be welcome and encouraged.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Natalie

Natalie

Managing Partner, She's Independent Investments
Natalie Levy is an engineer and mathematician turned Wall Street derivatives trader, investor, and business-to-business (B2B) enterprise technology sales leader. She marries a deep understanding of data and technology paired with strong interpersonal skills. She has over a decade... Read More →
Thursday May 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Boulder Chamber 2440 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

9:00am MDT

AI as a Game-Changer: Standing Out in Competitive Industries
Thursday May 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
My session will focus on how to infuse SaaS products with AI capabilities to stand out in a competitive market. I’ll share practical steps, lessons learned, and real-world examples from my own experience implementing AI – covering everything from small, incremental improvements to game-changing features like AI-based matching. My expertise lies in product strategy, AI integration, and helping SaaS teams discover ways to differentiate themselves through innovation and forward-thinking technology adoption.
Session Lead
avatar for Rodion Telpizov

Rodion Telpizov

CEO, SmartJobBoard
SmartJobBoard is a leading job board software solution designed to help associations, non-profits, and member-driven organizations efficiently manage and grow their career centers. Our platform offers intuitive tools that make job board management effortless, integrating advanced... Read More →
Thursday May 15, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

10:00am MDT

The Power of Shared Ownership: How Entrepreneurs Can Benefit from Employee Ownership in Colorado
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Employee ownership is a proven yet often overlooked business model that drives productivity, stability, and wealth distribution. Companies where at least 30% of shares are broadly owned by employees experience faster growth, higher wages, better benefits, and greater resilience against economic downturns. With the passage of House Bill 24-1157, Colorado has doubled down on its commitment to employee ownership, codifying the Colorado Employee Ownership Office and establishing a $1.5 million annual tax credit to support businesses in their first seven years of employee ownership.

This panel will explore how more entrepreneurs can approach shared ownership—whether they’re launching a startup, scaling a business, or planning an exit. Experts will break down state incentives, legal considerations, governance models, and strategies to mitigate risks in financing and decision-making. Panelists include Matt Licina (National Center for Employee Ownership), Allie Clark (Foley & Hoag), Ashley Ortiz (Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center), Jason Weiner (Jason Weiner PC), and David Henry (Namaste Solar)—leaders with deep expertise in employee ownership transitions and operations.

As wealth inequality grows and business leaders play an increasingly crucial role in balancing the economy, shared ownership offers a sustainable, strong alternative to status-quo business approaches. Entrepreneurs have an opportunity to build stronger, more equitable companies—and Colorado is making it easier than ever to do so.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Jason Wiener

Jason Wiener

Principal | Attorney, Jason Wiener, PC
Jason is the Principal at Jason Wiener, P.C., a boutique law and business consulting practice providing expertise to social enterprises and mission-driven business models of all sizes and in all phases. Jason’s specialty is in sharing economy law, social and regenerative enterprise... Read More →
avatar for Allie Clark

Allie Clark

Partner, Sage Law Group
Allie Clark serves as outside general counsel to clients at all points in their corporate lifecycles, from formation to complex international mergers and acquisitions. She represents investors seeking to grow their portfolios, ranging from angel funds to large private equity firms... Read More →
avatar for Andrea Steffes-Tuttle

Andrea Steffes-Tuttle

Owner, Think Better Marketing
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

10:00am MDT

Using Video to Establish Your Brand And Raise Funds
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Video is a powerful tool to tell your brand's story, engage with customers, and also raise funds. In this panel, myself and several production company owners, producers, and directors will discuss how video production is a essential to grow a company, and not just merely a way to "create content" for social media. I (Rob) will lead a discussion with the panel, and we will open up for Q&A at the end of the session.
Session Lead
avatar for Rob Shearer

Rob Shearer

Producer/Director, Lion Knight Films
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

10:00am MDT

Financials That Win Investors: Master Your Numbers for Fundraising and Growth
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Too many founders treat financials like a black box - only checking in when asked by investors, tax preparers or worse - when things go wrong! But understanding your financial statements is a superpower that can help you make smarter decisions, attract investors, accelerate growth and build a more resilient business.

In this hands-on session, we'll break down the three core financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement) in layman's terms. You’ll learn how to read them, what key metrics to watch, and how they all connect. We’ll also cover how to spot red flags early and use your numbers to tell a compelling story to stakeholders.

No finance background needed - just curiosity and a willingness to take control of your numbers.

What You’ll Learn:
1. How to read and actually understand your financial statements
2. The 3-5 KPIs every founder should track
3. How to connect your numbers to business strategy
4. Common financial mistakes and how to avoid them
5. Tips for working smarter with your accountant or bookkeeper

Who It’s For: founders, startup operators, and small business owners who want to level up their financial literacy and lead with confidence — no spreadsheet wizardry required.
Session Lead
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Boulder Library 1001 Arapahoe Ave.

10:00am MDT

Home Base Practices for Leaders: A guide for building inner capacity skills to operate in an era of unrelenting demand
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
One thing is certain—everything is moving faster than ever before and will never move this slowly again. The demand placed on leaders continues to outpace our capacity to keep up, feel confident, and uphold all our obligations at work and home. We are often more overwhelmed, distracted, and anxious than we want anyone to know, creating an epidemic sense of aloneness.
In this interactive session, Beck Sydow will share practical, accessible, and portable mindful skills they have been practicing and developing for over three decades. These practices provide leaders with a reference point to get grounded quickly and build awareness to know what the f**k is going on inside and around them, and skillfully operate from active choices that create the resiliency and agency we need to do great things without sacrificing our well-being and mental health.
#GiveFirst: Three participants will be selected from a drawing to schedule a private coaching session with Beck.
Session Lead
Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Kiln

11:00am MDT

Exploring an alternative path
Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
A discussion with entrepreneurs who have decided to take an alternative path to scaling their business. Learn from founders who have built and grown their business outside of the traditional venture playbook. We hope the conversation is far ranging… drawing from experiences across a variety of industry segments and company maturities.

Second Rodeo is a new take on an accelerator that helps early-stage founders scale their business in advance of taking on significant outside capital.
Session Facilitators
Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

11:00am MDT

Social Cooperatives: Business Designed for Care
Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Our economy is not well designed for the work of care.
Social cooperatives are a kind of business designed to put workers and recipients of care at the center. The model emerged in Italy and has been spreading around the world—including to the United States. This discussion will explore how the social co-op model is already at work in Boulder and its prospects for taking hold more widely around the country.
Session Lead
avatar for Nathan Schneider

Nathan Schneider

Assistant Professor, Media Studies, University of Colorado Boulder
Nathan Schneider is an assistant professor of media studies at the University of Colorado Boulder whose work revolves around economy, technology, and religion. His articles have appeared in publications including Harper's, The Nation, The New Republic, The Chronicle of Higher Education... Read More →
Session Facilitators
avatar for Júlia Martins Rodrigues

Júlia Martins Rodrigues

Research Associate, University of Colorado Boulder
Júlia Martins Rodrigues, PhD (research associate, Media Studies), serves as the associate director at the Media Economies Design Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder and a governor-appointed commissioner on Employee Ownership at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and... Read More →
Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

11:00am MDT

Building AI Products That Work: Practical Techniques for Evaluating and Developing AI Agents
Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Dive into the core techniques behind building and evaluating AI agents. This workshop will cover how to design effective evaluation frameworks, test agent behavior, and iterate quickly with confidence. You’ll walk away with practical tools to improve reliability, performance, and usefulness—whether you’re just starting or scaling production systems.

Presenters will be Jeremy Silva, Sarah Niemeyer, and Morgan Cox
Session Facilitators
Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Boulder Library 1001 Arapahoe Ave.

12:00pm MDT

"Reimagining Hiring: How Fun, Intuitive Tools Can Solve Your Biggest Recruiting Challenges"
Thursday May 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
The hiring process is often seen as a complex and tedious endeavor, weighed down by outdated systems and rigid workflows that frustrate both recruiters and hiring managers. In this engaging session, we’ll explore how innovative tools, designed to be both fun and functional, can revolutionize the way organizations approach hiring.We’ll delve into common recruitment challenges—such as aligning stakeholders, capturing job requirements, and navigating candidate bottlenecks—and demonstrate how a fresh, intuitive approach can foster collaboration, save time, and improve hiring outcomes. Using real-world examples and data-driven insights, this talk will highlight the transformative power of technology that prioritizes user engagement and simplicity.Whether you're a recruiter, a hiring manager, or a tech leader, this session will leave you inspired to rethink your hiring process and excited about the tools that can help you build better teams.
Session Lead
Thursday May 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

12:00pm MDT

Winning with Clarity: How to Stop Confusing Your Customers and Start Building Trust
Thursday May 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Brands of all kinds struggle to build trust and demonstrate authority to their customers, but in today’s crowded digital era, this is more important than ever. Effective communication about your products, services, or organization is what sets you apart from your competitors.

The human brain is drawn to CLARITY and away from confusion. Most organizations are confusing their customers, and they don’t even know it, causing them to lose sales, and donations, or be passed up by their competition. In this session, Ian will teach you how to tell your story using the StoryBrand framework, giving you the tools to clarify your message and get your customers, donors, event attendees, or audience to respond.
You will walk away with a plan to effectively communicate about your organization and be able to start applying what you have learned that day.
Session Lead
avatar for Ian Stewart

Ian Stewart

Build Trust. Demonstrate Authority., Whole Brand Agency
With a team of experienced professionals, Ian Stewart supports local and national businesses in crafting branding, messaging strategies, and content to build client trust, demonstrate authority, and increase online visibility to generate leads and drive conversations. As the founder... Read More →
Thursday May 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Kiln

12:00pm MDT

How to apply the new science of brand growth to your business
Thursday May 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Forget the myths and hype cycles of “lovemarks”, “1,000 True Fans”, and “Growth Hacking”. Shoppers, brands, and ads all follow regular, empirical, predictable patterns (aka scientific laws). Sadly, most business owners and marketers don’t know these laws — much less how to use them — and end up wasting massive amounts of time & money on fruitless things. In this workshop, you’ll learn the most important of these Brand Laws for startups, and we’ll go through ways to apply them to your business so that you can grow efficiently & effectively. Session Learning ObjectivesLearn the 3 most important Laws of Brand Growth for startups (it’s unlikely you’ve ever heard them).Learn practical, useful ways to apply Brand Laws to your own business.Learn the limits of how Brand Laws impact you — which is where Brand Levers come into play.A little about EthanCross a scientist with an improv comic, and make him do marketing for 20 years for some of the world’s great brands, and you end up with something like Ethan Decker. Through his company Applied Brand Science, Ethan teaches business leaders the “new science” of how people really shop, how ads really work, and how brands really grow. He makes complex ideas simple, useful, and sticky. Ethan was voted “Best session at SXSW” in 2023, has 12,000 followers on LinkedIn, and his TEDx talk is among the top 1% most-viewed TEDx talks of all time. He’s also a nice guy & easy to work with.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Ethan Decker

Ethan Decker

Founder & President, Applied Brand Science
Thursday May 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Boulder Library 1001 Arapahoe Ave.

12:00pm MDT

The Fall of Social Media and the Rise of Community — Moving from Broadcasting to Belonging
Thursday May 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Predicting the downfall of social media has been a popular topic over the last few decades. Foreseeing that demise is a favored pastime of many prognosticators— and yes, the signs are there. The question is: What are you going to do to thrive in the current, post-platform exodus of audiences?

It’s time for companies, big and small, to reframe their approach to social media. During our session, we'll dig into why traditional tactics are failing, how platforms have changed, and why going viral is not a strategy. How a shift in focus from audiences to advocates, customers to communities, broadcasting to belonging can unlock a more impactful, more sustainable strategy to connect with audiences.

AND we’ll address the core issue that got lost along the way: Social platforms were never built for brands—they were built for people. We’ll address how we get back to the opportunities we lost in the rabid-pursuit of likes and followers instead of advocacy and belonging.

Change is coming… get ahead of it.

The future lies in connecting, not in chasing.

Finding and crafting common space where mutual benefits are valued, for brands and their advocates.

It’s about returning to the roots of community: authenticity, trust, and shared purpose.

Join us to learn how to reframe your approach—we’ll share real-world insights, examples, and steps to help you move from broadcasting to bonding.
Session Lead
avatar for Samantha Derosier

Samantha Derosier

CEO, Sword and Spark
I’m Samantha Derosier, founder of Sword and Spark. I specialize in helping advanced technology startups and scientific enterprises translate complex ideas into brands that lead. With nearly a decade of experience building marketing strategies and connecting innovators with their... Read More →
Thursday May 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

1:00pm MDT

Bullish on Boulder: How Life Sciences Founders Scale and Succeed
Thursday May 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Colorado is a leading hub for health innovation. In 2024 alone, life sciences companies in the state raised $2.15B. And according to new research from CBRE, Denver-Boulder now ranks among the top 20 life sciences R&D clusters worldwide, with Boulder at the epicenter.

With more than 30% of the state’s biotech, medtech, and digital health assets concentrated in Boulder and along the U.S. 36 Corridor, the region includes powerhouse companies and promising startups.

Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA) leads the health and growth of life sciences in Colorado. CBSA President & CEO Elyse Blazevich, who is also a medtech founder, brings some of Boulder’s leading life sciences founders together for a panel discussion offering stories from the frontline on what it takes to build, scale, and succeed in Boulder.

Location for Innovation: What makes Boulder and Colorado the right place for health innovation.
Raising Capital: How founders secured their first rounds, and what uncertainty with federal and state funding sources means for early-stage companies.
Founder Stories: Honest stories about challenges, wins, and what it takes to move science from the lab to the patient.

Whether you’re thinking about spinning out your research for CU Boulder, preparing your first round, or curious about growing a life sciences business in Colorado, this session offers valuable takeaways and new connections.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Elyse Blazevich

Elyse Blazevich

President & CEO, Colorado BioScience Association
Elyse Blazevich leads Colorado BioScience Association’s work to create co-opportunity for Colorado’s life sciences community. With the CBSA Board of Directors, team, members, and stakeholders, she strategically advances CBSA’s efforts to build a collaborative environment for... Read More →
Thursday May 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Kiln

1:00pm MDT

Innovation Unleashed: The Importance of Customer Discovery
Thursday May 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Innovation Unleashed: The Power of Customer Discovery highlights the vital role customer discovery plays in truly understanding and shaping a successful business. Through insightful panel discussions, attendees will explore how customer discovery is essential for validating market fit, refining strategies, and driving sustainable growth. Panelists will share firsthand experiences of how customer discovery helped them refine their business plans, pivot effectively, and build stronger, more customer-centric ventures. This event underscores why deeply understanding customer needs is not just beneficial, but fundamental, to startup success.Drawing on the expertise of NSF I-Corps Hub West founders and instructors, we will explore the intricacies of identifying target customers and key decision-makers as innovative ideas progress toward commercialization.It's okay to pivot (REALLY IT IS)! Through real-life examples and experiences, the panelists will provide insights into the process of pivoting in startups, including the factors that necessitate a pivot, the strategic considerations involved, and the potential outcomes.
Session Lead
Thursday May 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Boulder Library 1001 Arapahoe Ave.

1:00pm MDT

Beyond Features: How To Drive Revenue with Stories
Thursday May 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Do you feel ill-equipped to be selling, yet here you are? Are you struggling to articulate your value in a way that resonates with investors, customers, and partners? Are you struggling to stand out in a crowded digital landscape? In this high-impact session, you'll learn how to harness the power of strategic storytelling to drive measurable business growth across multiple channels—even if you consider yourself a "technical person" who doesn't naturally gravitate toward sales.

Perfect for technical founders, engineering leaders, and product-focused professionals who struggle to communicate their value effectively, as well as marketers bridging the gap with sales, and sales leaders short on time. Especially valuable if you're preparing for fundraising, sales meetings, or product launches and your expertise isn't generating the traction you deserve.

Through a combination of proven frameworks, real-world case studies, and interactive exercises, you'll discover:
• How to craft a compelling elevator pitch that translates complex solutions into clear value propositions in 30 seconds or less
• Techniques to transform technical features into captivating product demonstrations that highlight customer benefits
• Narrative structures that address investor concerns while showcasing your vision and market opportunity
• Content frameworks specifically designed to trigger buying decisions and build trust without feeling "salesy" or inauthentic
• Cross-platform storytelling strategies that maintain cohesion while optimizing for different audience behaviors

Unlike theoretical communication sessions, this workshop delivers actionable techniques developed and tested in competitive startup environments. You'll leave with customized narrative tools for fundraising conversations, sales presentations, and marketing materials that you can immediately implement.

By the end of this session, you'll understand how today's most successful entrepreneurs use strategic storytelling to secure funding, close sales, and build customer loyalty. More importantly, you'll have the tools to craft your own revenue-generating narratives that resonate with investors, partners, and customers alike.
Session Lead
avatar for Shannon Plumb

Shannon Plumb

CEO, Purl Advisors
Shannon Plumb is an award-winning start-up advisor, revenue strategist, speaker, and founder of Purl Advisors who is dedicated to transforming how startups and founders approach sales, growth, and organizational development. With over 20 years of experience driving revenue across... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

1:00pm MDT

Building a Thriving Team Culture By Embracing Difficult Conversations: Why Being Nice Creates a Shitty Team Culture
Thursday May 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Clear communication is a must in business; sometimes that requires a difficult conversation. Many leaders find it difficult to initiate and navigate these discussions effectively, uncertain of the right timing and approach. This often leads to either rushing into them or avoiding them entirely, hindering progress from the current state to the desired outcome. Through an insightful discussion followed by an interactive workshop, we’ll help you see how being “nice” plays into this dynamic and give you practical strategies and tools to confidently handle difficult conversations so they move you towards your goals.

After the interactive workshop you’ll walk away with...

- Knowing how to lean into a difficult conversation to move towards a goal; rather than coming out as the “bad guy” or getting stuck in the same old loop
- With tactics for using difficult conversations to strengthen your relationships and move you towards your goals
- With the opportunity to connect with other business leaders who are facing similar challenges

We'll be addressing challenging conversations, which is one part of our proven process desgined to develop a cohesive team culture where everyone is motivated, excited, and clear on the roadmap of the company. How to overcome the challenges of not having the right team in place, and how to get your team clear and connected to the mission of the company. This will increase revenue, customer acquisition, retention, and everything in between. We'll be addressing principles that can be applied to people hiring your first team member , or their 500th and making sure they are the right fit!
Session Facilitators
avatar for Taylor Thomas

Taylor Thomas

Co-Founder, Impact Initiative
Passionate about helping entrepreneurs build amazing businesses and awesome teams!
avatar for Christine Hernandez

Christine Hernandez

Founder- Changing the way people think about thier team!, Impact Initiaitve
Christine HernandezAs a business owner, consultant, and leadership coach her commitment to expanding people’s potential is unparalleled. Over the years, Christine has owned and built 3 multigenerational companies where she created strong, sustainable businesses, teams, and cultures... Read More →
Thursday May 15, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

2:00pm MDT

Scaling AI in Biotech
Thursday May 15, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
At the intersection of AI and Biotechnology, meet a panel of founders that are making life-saving medicine. Each founder has raised significant venture capital and is developing technology in cancer, immunology, or metabolic disease. Panelists include Joel Dudley (Partner @ Innovation Endeavors VC), Jerome Fox (Founder/CEO @ ThinkBio, CU Boulder), Doug Chapnick (Founder/CEO @ BioLoomics, ex-CU Boulder), John Meyer (Founder/CSO @ Ambrosia Tx), and Joey Azofeifa (Founder/CEO @ Arpeggio Bio, ex-CU Boulder)
Session Lead
avatar for Joey Azofeifa

Joey Azofeifa

CEO & co-founder, Arpeggio Bio
I work with biologists, mathematicians and computer scientists to build technology that will better our understanding of human disease.

Thursday May 15, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

2:00pm MDT

Success Through Succession: Hire and Outsource the Right Way
Thursday May 15, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Succession planning isn’t just about who will take over for you in the future—it’s about setting yourself and others up for success now. This workshop will help you uncover the more than 30 hidden roles in your business using role charts and role descriptions (not org charts and job descriptions!) to delegate effectively, set expectations, and foster accountability. Small and founder-led businesses will especially benefit from being able to visualize how many roles they are personally filling and how it's creating bottlenecks and preventing their ability to scale. Attendees will use their created role charts to identify opportunities to outsource, prioritize their hiring needs, and start positioning their business up for long-term success.

Attendees will walk away with:
- A role chart template to bring clarity and alignment to the roles within their organization.
- Techniques for assigning and delegating work through role descriptions.
- Strategies for setting expectations and holding people accountable
Session Lead
avatar for Dain Johnson

Dain Johnson

Engineer-turned-Psychologist, Rev 0
Dain Johnson is an engineer-turned-psychologist who coaches technical experts to become high-performing organizational leaders. Dain spent ten years working on and leading high-tech projects destined for the ocean floor to the lunar surface before becoming a leadership coach. He began... Read More →
Thursday May 15, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Kiln

3:00pm MDT

Culture-first: Scaling your startup while leading with values to create thriving, engaged teams
Thursday May 15, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
This panel followed by networking will feature folks from the AI realm - talking about the hurdles involved and best practices in maintaining company culture as you scale up- should be as interactive
Session Lead
avatar for Sonya Hausafus

Sonya Hausafus

Head of Community & Business Development, Technical Integrity
Thursday May 15, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

5:00pm MDT

BSW Pitch Competition!
Thursday May 15, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Details coming soon! 
Session Facilitators
avatar for Susan Strong

Susan Strong

Director, SAGE/Innosphere
I'm all in on customer discovery for early stage tech founders. I connect early stage founders with the resources they need to be successful.
Thursday May 15, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Rembrandt Yard

5:00pm MDT

NextCycle Colorado Pitch Competition
Thursday May 15, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
Join us for the 2025 NextCycle Colorado Pitch Competition!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-nextcycle-colorado-pitch-competition-tickets-1302412182899

This inspiring event will feature a lineup of innovative teams presenting their end-market business concepts as they compete for two prizes.
The pitch competition winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize provided by Resource Recycling Systems (RRS). The people’s choice winner will receive a $500 cash prize from the Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC) and registration to the Summit for Recycling Conference, sponsored by Recycle Colorado.
By attending this free event, you'll gain insight into cutting-edge circular economy solutions, meet passionate entrepreneurs, and connect with key players in Colorado’s sustainability ecosystem. Enjoy light bites, a cash bar, and a chance to network with industry leaders, investors, and sustainability advocates.
NextCycle is designed to promote circular economy-based ventures and foster innovation in sustainable design, reuse, repair, compost, recycling or material recovery solutions for end markets in Colorado. NextCycle Colorado is funded by Colorado Circular Communities (C3) Enterprise.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support groundbreaking ideas and discover new investment opportunities!

2025 NextCycle Colorado Teams
  • Blazin’ Joe (Golden, CO) - transforming coffee waste into eco-friendly fire logs and starters.
  • Cold Spark (Longmont, CO) - using cryomilling technology to recycle EV batteries and electronic waste.
  • Driven Plastics (Pueblo, CO) - incorporating recycled plastic into asphalt to create stronger, more sustainable roads.
  • High Plains Biochar (Laporte, CO) - converting agricultural and forestry waste into biochar.
  • Maple Ridge Rubber Paving (Saskatoon, SK, CAN) - engineering recycled rubber into sustainable paving and resurfacing solutions.
  • Refound Goods (Denver, CO) - hosting an online marketplace for secondhand furniture and home goods more accessible.
  • The Source Zero (Fort Collins, CO) - expanding zero-waste shopping with a mobile delivery service and commercial warehouse.
  • SURPStone (Grand Junction, CO) - repurposing plastic waste into durable, high-quality pavers and landscaping materials.

Judges:
  • Juri Freeman - Executive Director, Circular Action Alliance
  • Alice Havill - Founding Partner, Fractal Climate
  • Andrew Maxey - CEO of Vartega, Inc. (NextCycle Colorado Alumni)
  • Jesse Stedman - Founder and CEO of Trash Panda Disc Golf (NextCycle Colorado Alumni)

Emcee:

Thank you to Colorado Circular Communities (C3) Enterprise for sponsoring the NextCycle Colorado Pitch Competition!

Thank you to our partners!
Circular Action Alliance
Circular Economy Development Center (CEDC)
Closed Loop Partners
Fractal Climate
Pitch Lab
Recycle Colorado
Resource Recycling Systems (RRS)
Trash Panda
Vartega
Session Facilitators
avatar for Frannie Miles

Frannie Miles

Analyst, RRS
Thursday May 15, 2025 5:00pm - 8:00pm MDT
eTown Hall
 
Friday, May 16
 

9:00am MDT

Startup Hike (BSW Edition) by Colorado Startups
Friday May 16, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Do you like being outside? How about on a Friday morning when the trails aren’t packed? Startup Hikes is a series designed to help you meet and get to know other local startup founders, operators, investors, and community members. Whether you’ve been in Colorado forever or just moved here, see some familiar faces and meet new ones.
Session Lead
Friday May 16, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
TBA

9:00am MDT

Reinforcement Learning for Agents
Friday May 16, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Autonomous AI agents hold the promise to reshape the way we work, but can we make them work reliably? We've all seen the amazing demos of AI products only to find they fall down in the real world.

In this talk, we will explore reinforcement learning techniques to make agents more reliable of the time, giving us a solid base to build enterprise ready products on.
Session Lead
Friday May 16, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

9:00am MDT

How to understand your P&L and why it is important
Friday May 16, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
the session would include:
- The basics of a Profit & Loss Statement (P&L)
o From top line to bottom line, including Cost of Goods Sold, Expenses and why they are different.
o Cash vs. Accrual accounting
o Determine Profitability
- How to use financial statements to make business decisions
-    The role of financial statements in securing funding
Session Lead
avatar for Maarten Warnaars

Maarten Warnaars

Management Consultant and Business Partnerr, BBSI
For over 20 years, I’ve been deeply immersed in the world of small business—as an owner, executive, and management consultant. I understand the complexities that come with running a business and have developed systems that help leaders navigate the challenges of growth, transition... Read More →
Friday May 16, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

10:00am MDT

Don't Get Fined - Understanding Colorado Business Regulations
Friday May 16, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Regulatory compliance is complicated and can be terrifying, especially as a first-time business owner. In this panel, we'll discuss some of the big topics in regulatory compliance including ACA Compliance, PFML, COBRA, Colorado State Laws (Healthy Family & Workplace Act), 5500 Reporting, ERISA, and more! Attendees will leave with a compliance checklist and are offered a free compliance audit upon request.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Ginnie Meyers

Ginnie Meyers

Co-founder, Foundation Health/FH Insurance/Cure Technologies
A Boulder native, Ginnie Meyers is currently Co-Founder of Foundation Health, a company turning health care on its head with a transparent, personalized health care experience, as well as FH Insurance, a tech-forward benefits agency and Cure Technologies, an automated benefits underwriting system.Prior to founding Foundation Health in 2013, she worked in b... Read More →
Friday May 16, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

10:00am MDT

Building and Managing your Board
Friday May 16, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Boards can be a force-multiplier to any startup's success. Done poorly however, Boards can also damage if not destroy value in a startup. How does one Build and Manage a Board for maximum probability of success? This session will steer right into the provocative aspects of what it takes both to Build a great Board, and then to manage that Board to get the most out of them. We'll discuss what works, what doesn't, and how to avoid potholes and landmines.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Walter Knapp

Walter Knapp

CEO, sovrn
Walter is the CEO of Sovrn, a company that provides products and services to thousands of media companies, online publishers and creators. With more than 30 years of business and operations management, Walter has been an investor as a Partner and Principal for two very successful... Read More →
avatar for Tim Miller

Tim Miller

Rally Software
avatar for Brad Feld

Brad Feld

Partner, Foundry Group
Friday May 16, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

10:00am MDT

Write away: Prompt your team for creativity & focus
Friday May 16, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Imagine this scene: It’s 9:30 am and your colleagues, direct reports, or managers are already present, focused, and clearly engaged in the day’s demands. And as the day progresses, so does your team’s happiness and curiosity. By the end of the day, everyone is satisfied and eager to see each other again the next morning. I believe that such a blissful state is achievable through a simple, daily practice of responding to prompts. That’s right, I’m asking you to get your team to spend 5 to10 minutes each morning writing a response to a prompt that will get them thinking (creatively!) about how to solve your businesses’ problems, and that will keep them focused on supporting what truly matters.

I know it works because I’ve done this for years and seen many individuals and teams benefit from the simple, shared practice of prompt response. I’ll share the magic by modeling the practice, then walk through the blueprint of how to bring the practice to your workplace, and we'll discuss how to track the changes.
The workshop session will include an introduction about the process, a prompt-writing exercise by participants, a sharing exercise by participants, and a discussion of how to tailor this practice to your needs. This exercise provides business and team leaders with a means to focus, motivate, and encourage their team members at zero monetary cost, while yielding deep rewards.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Emily Anne Nava

Emily Anne Nava

Founder, Tumbleweed Pioneer
I worked in the tech industry for 15 years (data science, data engineering). In 2023, I founded Tumbleweed Pioneer, a writing, editing, and communication services company that connects people to purpose through content. I bring entrepreneurs, executives, and small businesses into... Read More →
Friday May 16, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am MDT
Kiln

11:00am MDT

Train AI Search Engines to Sell Your Product for You: The Ultimate AI Optimization Strategy for 2030 & Beyond
Friday May 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Google search is dying and so is your SEO marketing. Your customers now turn to ChatGPT Search, Perplexity, and other new AI search engines to discover solutions. Here’s how you train AI search engines to mention your brand, position you against competitors, and sell your product for you.

If you want to stay ahead of the curve and ahead of your competition, you need to see this glimpse of the future where you’ll learn
* Which AIs to optimize for (and which ones are bad investments)
* How the new customer journey in AI looks (and how it’s different from before)
* How to set the right goals of AI optimization (and guide your team in the right direction)
* How to optimize for AI search engines (and what to start doing right now)
* How to train the AI to sell for you (with specific, actionable next steps and tactics)
* Which metrics to measure your optimization efforts (and tell when you’re really winning)

(You’ll also get exclusive access to the slide deck to share with your team and refer back to.)
Session Facilitators
avatar for Lee Cooper

Lee Cooper

Co-Founder & CEO, Cooper Marketing
Lee Cooper is Co-Founder & CEO of Cooper Marketing, the SEO agency exclusively for scaling B2B tech companies to grow organic search traffic from Google to their website.Lee acts as a strategic SEO consultant to help B2B tech CMOs and VPs of Marketing at venture-backed, Series A-D... Read More →
Friday May 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Kiln

11:00am MDT

Reimagining Capital: How Innovative Funding Models Strengthen Communities and Businesses
Friday May 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Traditional approaches to business financing often prioritize rapid growth and short-term returns for shareholders but what if capital could do more than just fuel expansion and wealth for only a few? What if it could build stronger, more resilient communities?

This panel explores alternative financing strategies that go beyond conventional investment models to create lasting local impact and stronger businesses. We’ll hear from innovators who are reshaping how businesses access and deploy capital. Tana Schultz from SOIL Boulder will discuss how community-funded, no-interest loans are empowering small farms and strengthening local food systems. Verity Noble from Nude Foods will share how raising funds through WeFunder has turned customers into investors, creating deeper engagement and long-term business sustainability. Cindy Willard, an expert in impact investing, will break down Direct Public Offerings (DPOs) and how mission-driven businesses can attract values-aligned capital. Matt Licina from the National Center of Employee Ownership will dive into the power of employee ownership and how selling a business to its workers not only secures a founder’s legacy but also fosters equitable wealth distribution.

Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking funding, an investor looking to make a difference, or simply curious about how capital can be a tool for community wealth-building, this discussion will provide actionable insights into how strategic approaches to capital can strengthen businesses and the economies they operate in.
Session Facilitators
avatar for Cindy Willard

Cindy Willard

Senior Director Capital Activation, Impact Charitable
Cindy believes the power of relationships and the intentionality of capital will create a more equitable world. She has deep experience as a Colorado thought leader in philanthropic strategy, grantmaking and program development.She began her career in journalism and community relations... Read More →
avatar for Andrea Steffes-Tuttle

Andrea Steffes-Tuttle

Owner, Think Better Marketing
Friday May 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

11:00am MDT

The Future of Reading Is Adaptive—And It’s Built in Boulder
Friday May 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
What if every student could read at their level… in the same story?

Literacy shapes opportunity—but the gap is growing.
- 65% of 4th graders read below grade level
- Nearly 70% of 8th graders still struggle with literacy
- A typical 5th-grade classroom spans 11+ reading levels
- Students who fall behind by 3rd grade are four times more likely not to graduate
- Adults with low literacy earn up to 42% less over their lifetimes

Meanwhile, teachers are stretched thin. They face overwhelming student variability, limited time, and outdated tools that make true differentiation nearly impossible.

Ojje, a Boulder-based startup, is building a smarter solution. In this session, founder and CEO Adrian Chernoff—the inventor behind electric cars at GM, digital health apps at Johnson & Johnson, rides at Disney Imagineering, and medical robots at NASA—shares the thinking behind Ojje: a digital reading platform designed to prepare students for lifelong success.

Ojje delivers a story-driven experience where every book includes 15 reading levels, available in English and Spanish, with leveled text, visuals, and audio—all integrated into one adaptive experience. Students get exactly what they need. No switching. No overwhelm.

Built with safe, responsible AI, Ojje generates high-quality, science-of-reading-aligned content. Teachers can also create their own narrative or informational materials in minutes—saving hours of prep time. A growing library of community-generated content ensures every classroom can access more of what works.

What You’ll Learn:
- The pain points teachers face—and how Ojje helps solve them
- How Ojje personalizes reading without increasing teacher workload
- How AI and design work together to support better outcomes
- What it takes to build a mission-driven startup with the potential to reach millions

This is a story about literacy, technology, and impact—built right here in Boulder. Don’t miss it.
Session Lead
avatar for Adrian Chernoff

Adrian Chernoff

CEO, Ojje
Founder & CEO Adrian Chernoff has 91 patents and 25 product awards. His Innovations have shaped industries - from NASA and Walt Disney Imagineering to General Motors and Johnson & Johnson. Now, he's focused on helping teachers and students improve literacy outcomes.
Friday May 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

12:00pm MDT

Beyond Venture Capital: Unlocking Revenue-Based Funding for Sustainable Growth
Friday May 16, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
When most startups think about raising capital, they immediately look to venture capital or angel investors—but there are powerful alternatives that allow founders to grow without giving up equity. In this session, we'll explore Revenue-Based Funding (RBF) as a flexible, founder-friendly financing option designed for businesses with steady revenue who want to scale on their terms.

We'll cover:

What Revenue-Based Funding is and how it works.
How RBF compares to traditional equity financing.
A practical checklist to determine if your business is ready for RBF.

This session is designed to help founders discover new funding strategies that align with sustainable growth and long-term ownership. Whether you're bootstrapping, crowdfunding, or preparing for your next stage of growth, you'll leave with actionable insights to fund your startup—without pitching a single investor.
Session Lead
avatar for Mark Eisele

Mark Eisele

Independent Agent, MarkEisele.com
I’ve worn some hats over the years: tax prep, mortgage banking, and contract review, to name a few. Some might call that a jack of all trades, but each role taught me something about how businesses work behind the scenes. One thing that’s always come naturally to me is working... Read More →
Friday May 16, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

12:00pm MDT

From Zero to One: Cool Idea, now what?
Friday May 16, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
The hardest part of running a startup isn’t the big vision—it’s the behind-the-scenes operational and engineering decisions no one tells you about. From setting up the right business structure to managing cash flow, hiring early employees, building a scalable tech foundation, and keeping everything running smoothly, early-stage CEOs have to juggle it all. This session uncovers the practical, hard-to-Google details of startup operations and engineering, sharing firsthand insights from founders who’ve navigated the messy, behind-the-scenes work of taking a company from zero to one.
Session Lead
Friday May 16, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

12:00pm MDT

The Importance of Human Innovation: A First Principles Approach to Success in a Global Marketplace
Friday May 16, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
In a world where the market moves faster than rules can be written, the only way to win is to outthink, outbuild, and outmaneuver others. This workshop is for those who refuse to play by outdated norms. We’ll break down human innovation to its rawest form—first principles—so you can challenge assumptions, hack complex problems, and engineer breakthrough solutions from the ground up. Expect high-energy discussion and radical strategies designed for builders, disruptors, and anyone building the future, not just reacting to it. If you're after pushing personal boundaries and redefining what’s possible, this is your workshop.
Session Lead
avatar for Tommy Knoll

Tommy Knoll

Founder and Head, Innov8rs CoLab
Entrepreneur, intrapreneur, connector
Friday May 16, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm MDT
Kiln

1:00pm MDT

Understanding Your Market: Leveraging Public Data for Better Business Decisions
Friday May 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
The presentation will introduce entrepreneurs to various public data tools that can help them better understand their market, enabling more informed, data-driven business decisions.Attendees will learn about various data sources, covering where to find the data, how it is collected, how to interpret the results, and how to efficiently navigate each tool to extract meaningful insights.For example, a tech startup founder might want to track the number of new tech companies in Boulder over time to assess market saturation. This presentation will demonstrate where to access that data.Similarly, a utilities startup could benefit from identifying which Front Range zip codes have the highest utility costs to refine their targeted advertising strategy. The session will showcase how to locate and leverage such insights effectively.By the end of the session, attendees will gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively leverage public data sources, uncovering opportunities, minimizing risks, and enabling smarter business decisions.
Session Lead
Friday May 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
Canyon Center 1881 9th St, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

1:00pm MDT

Government Programs that Help Colorado Startups Thrive
Friday May 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
This session will highlight programs run by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) that support Colorado startups and investments in those startups. We’ll cover OEDITprograms that provide entrepreneur education, startup grant capital, tax credits to angel investors, and public matching for private investment.The panel will include program representatives from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) for a high-level overview of the programs/incentives available to founders and investors. Proposed panelists:Luz Gonzalez - CO State Advanced Industry Investment Tax CreditRama Harris - CO Advanced Industries Accelerator ProgramCrystal Walsh - CO Venture Capital AuthorityAli Karp - CO Quantum Tax Credits
Session Facilitators
avatar for Luz C. Gonzalez

Luz C. Gonzalez

Partnerships Manager, Exponential Impact
Luz has worked in the space where social impact meets entrepreneurship, nationally and internationally, for the last decade. Luz currently supports Exponential Impact, a leading tech accelerator for Colorado Startups, as well as Denver Angels, one of the leading startup funding organizations... Read More →
Friday May 16, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

2:00pm MDT

Mastering the Grant Writing Process: A Guide to Crafting Winning Proposals and Securing Funding
Friday May 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Securing funding through grants is a pivotal skill for nonprofits, researchers, and organizations looking to bring their ideas to life. This session, "Mastering the Grant Writing Process," will provide participants with a comprehensive guide to understanding and navigating the complexities of grant writing. Whether you're new to grant writing or looking to refine your skills, this session will offer valuable insights and practical strategies to craft compelling proposals that stand out to funders.

In this interactive and hands-on workshop, we will explore the key components of a successful grant proposal, from the initial idea to the final submission. Participants will gain a deep understanding of how to research and identify the right funding opportunities, how to structure a persuasive narrative, and how to align their organization's goals with the funder's priorities. We will also delve into frameworks for budgeting, writing clear objectives, and demonstrating measurable outcomes to ensure your proposal effectively communicates your project's impact.

Furthermore, attendees will learn how to avoid common pitfalls that often lead to proposal rejections and how to strengthen their application by incorporating compelling evidence, strong storytelling, and data-driven insights. Real-world examples and case studies will be shared to highlight successful approaches, and there will be opportunities for peer feedback and Q&A.

By the end of this session, participants will leave with the tools and confidence to approach grant writing strategically and effectively. Whether you’re seeking funding for a new project, research, or organizational development, this session will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to increase your chances of securing the funding you need to make your vision a reality.
Session Lead
Friday May 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
SOVRN 1600 Pearl St. #200

2:00pm MDT

The Heart of Humanity in Health Tech & Startups: How to Embrace Sales, Product, & Growth, Without Sacrificing the User
Friday May 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Let’s face it — startup growth often comes with its own set of challenges, taking a toll on its customers (especially in health tech, where the end users are often patients). But what if we approached sales and product with more human connection and less transactional pressure? In this panel, powerhouses from sales, product, and partnerships roles share their experiences and strategies for building authentic relationships, driving sustainable revenue, and standing out in an industry traditionally dominated by aggressive tactics.

We’ll explore the often-overlooked intersection of sales, product, and user experience—how startups can drive revenue while keeping the user at the center of their strategy, especially in health tech. Through real-world case studies and interactive exercises, attendees will gain actionable insights into retention, customer engagement, and ethical business growth, applying these lessons into any industry.

Key Discussion Points & Metrics to Measure:
-User Retention vs. New Users – Understanding the "leaky bucket" syndrome and how to fix it.
-Churn Rate – Identifying early warning signs and creating intervention strategies.
-Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) – Weighing the cost of acquiring new users vs. retaining existing ones.
-Selective Listening for Non-Users – Why did they leave or never convert? What is the cost of inaction?
-Driving Toward a User-Centered Initiative – Strategies for integrating product, UX, and sales efforts.

Key Takeaways:
1. How to shift from transactional to relationship-driven UX, sales, product, and growth strategies across various industries (healthcare, AI, B2B & B2C Saas)
2. The power of storytelling, community building, and customer experience in the sales process and in product management.
3. A framework for bridging product, user experience, and growth to scale startups effectively.
4. Practical strategies for integrating user insights into sales and product decisions.

Interactive Components:
Attendees will receive a worksheet or template to apply the discussed concepts in their own startups.
Live case study walkthroughs, where panelists will break down real-world examples of successful (and failed) sales and product strategies.
Audience Q&A to address specific challenges participants face in their own startups.
Session Lead
avatar for Megan Flanagan

Megan Flanagan

Director of Business Development, SOL Mental Health
Friday May 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Kiln
 
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