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Monday, May 12
 

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

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.

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

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
 
Tuesday, May 13
 

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

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

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

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

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

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
 
Wednesday, May 14
 

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

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

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

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

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
 
Thursday, May 15
 

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

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

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

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.

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

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
 
Friday, May 16
 

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

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

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

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
 
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