XchangeInnovation Week 2023

Discover, connect with, and easily set up one-on-one meetings with hundreds of Midwest-based or Midwest-linked startup founders, VCs, angel investors, lenders, incubators, and accelerators - focused on Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A stages.

• A virtual summit/online community that brings together Midwest-based and Midwest-linked startups, VCs, angel investors, and other resources, focused on Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A stages
• Browse and connect with hundreds of attendees via detailed profiles and direct messages 
• Easily set-up optional private virtual 25-minute meetings directly on our platform based on mutual opt-in, or make connections via on-platform direct messages
• We typically facilitate 8,000+ connections between investors and startups every event, including numerous funding success stories

Who

• Founders: based in the Midwest or with ties to the region (Pre-Seed to Series A stage) 
• Funders: angel investors, VCs, venture lenders, and revenue-based financing options active in the Midwest
• Accelerators/incubators based in the Midwest, with ties to the region, or seeking startups from the region
• Select service providers that support early-stage companies

Join the ~700 startups and 200-300 investors participating, and Register Here.

Founder Institute and Bunker Labs are partnering to give entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch your startup ideas to experienced entrepreneurs and investors to recieve feedback. You will have 3 minutes to pitch. A digital presentation is optional.

We have limited pitch slots, so please email Randy Eager if you want to pitch: randy@silisiumtech.com 
Featuring the following Investors, Mentors, and Founders:

• Bob Delach, Bloomfield Robotics
• Mary Beth Green, Chief Innovation Officer, Sheetz
• Zach Malone, Partner at Magarac Venture Partners

Special Thanks to OneValley for sponsoring!

• The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 6,500 entrepreneurs raise over $1.75BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 95 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.
• Bunker Labs is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Veteran Service Organization (VSO) that serves Veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs in launching and growing their own businesses through a series of programs and workshops to provide education, networking opportunities, and capital access to our entrepreneurs.

What is Bunker Connect? Bunker Connect is designed to intentionally build meaningful connections with military-connected entrepreneurs, Veteran small business owners, local business organizations, and potential clients.
This event is for you if...
• You want to start and build a new business or grow your existing business
• You want to support local Veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs
• You want to learn about new local startups and businesses
• You want to be part of your local business community
• You want to invest in local entrepreneurs

Pgh Innovation District + PDMA Present Conduction Concert + F.U.N. VOL VII

An incredible live performance by Conduction followed by Pittsburgh’s bravest humans share their biggest failures in short, sweet speeches that bust the BS of business events & networking.

“If you’re not failing every now and again, it’s a sign you’re not doing anything very innovative.” Woody Allen

Pittsburgh Innovation District and Product Development and Management Association of PGH have partnered with F-Up Nights PGH for an Innovation Week Pop-Up Volume VII on 4/26/23 in Oakland!

Come hear some of Pittsburgh’s bravest humans share their biggest business failures in short, sweet speeches.

There will be FUN, Failure, F-Ups, Flabergasts, and of course Firsts at our special pop-up partnership with PID and PDMA. SO don't F-up and miss this opportunity to connect and disrupt with great innovators and leaders in our region for PGH FUN VOL. VII.

EVENT TIMELINE
5:30 pm Doors Open - Welcome & Mingle
6:00 pm Conduction Concert
7:30: Speakers: A panel of inspirational leaders will courageously share their biggest business failures in 7 mins with 10 images (Check out our social for more details as we announce the speakers: IG @fuckupnightspgh (https://www.instagram.com/fuckupnightspgh) LI @F*ckup Nights Pittsburgh)
8:30 pm - Open Mic: The event will close with an Open Mic Opportunity (we love our brave friends!)
8:30 pm - Wrap-Up or Party-time: Head out or Continue the FUN with drinks and connecting with the most REAL humans in PGH

F-Up Nights is a global movement where stories of failed businesses, projects, and careers are told, questioned, and celebrated. In events across the globe, business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders get on stage to acknowledge their work-fuckup in a room full of strangers (ish since this is Pgh with 1-degree of separation).

In a world of obstacles and posturing, F-Up Nights Pittsburgh plans to change the stigma around failure and inspire our brilliant innovative community as we come together and highlight entrepreneurial journeys from some of our very own change-makers.

Hear from Pittsburgh's top entrepreneurs, CEOs and leaders as they share their stories of a time when a business deal went sour, a product got recalled, or life took a turn for the worse. Join our F-Up Nights Pittsburgh community for our 7th event on April 26th at 5:30 pm for drinks, food, laughs and some effed up FAILURES!

Important:
By registering for this event, you agree to receive information and promotions related to Fuckup Nights Inc.
All your personal data is processed in accordance with the applicable legislation in force in the corresponding country. You have at all times the right to access, rectify, cancel or oppose the treatment we give to your personal data. This right can be asserted through direct communication with the organizers.  You can learn more at https://fuckupnights.com/privacy-policy/

Get ready for an exhilarating morning of networking, learning, and friendly competition at Dinks and Deals: A Startup Founders & Investors Pickleball Clinic

This unique event is designed to bring together entrepreneurs and investors from the regional startup community for a morning filled with pickleball fun and valuable connections.

This event is suitable for players of all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned pros.
Schedule:
7:00 AM - 7:15 AM: Registration and Welcome - Grab a coffee, check in, and mingle with fellow attendees while gearing up for an action-packed morning.
7:15AM - 7:45 AM: Pickleball Basics and Warm-up Our experienced coaches will guide you through the basics of pickleball, including rules, scoring, and essential techniques. Then, get your blood pumping with a dynamic warm-up session.
7:45 AM - 9:15 AM: Rotating Doubles Tournament Put your newfound skills to the test in our rotating doubles tournament. You'll have the opportunity to play with and against different partners, maximizing your networking opportunities and building lasting connections on and off the court.
9:15 AM - 9:30AM: Awards Ceremony and Deal-making Session - Connect with fellow founders and investors to explore potential collaborations and investment opportunities.

Why You Should Attend:

• Engage in a fun, low-pressure environment where you can build relationships with like-minded individuals.
• Learn a new sport or refine your existing skills while getting some exercise and fresh air.
• Tap into the local startup ecosystem and discover exciting investment opportunities.
• Experience a unique, memorable event that stands out from typical networking gatherings.

What to Bring:

• Comfortable athletic attire and sneakers with non-marking soles.
• A water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Business cards or a digital contact-sharing method to connect with your new acquaintances.

Join us for a morning of insightful investor-led panel discussions, an afternoon of curated one-on-one meetings with investors and regional stakeholders, top off the evening at this year's RustBuilt Startup Showdown featuring some of leading startups from Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Cincinnati, Columbus & Pittsburgh.

9-10:15am: Investor Networking (Invited Investors)
10:30-11:30am: Investor-Led Workshops (Invited Founders & Investors)
11:30am: Break
Noon: Investor Lunch (Sponsored by 412 Venture Fund) (Invited Investors)
1-5:30pm: One-on-One Investor Meetings (Invited Founders & Investors)
5:30-6pm: Break
6-8pm: RustBuilt Startup Showdown at Alphalab Gear (All Welcome)

Participating Investors Include:
- 412 Venture Fund
- BlueTree Capital
- Chicago Ventures
- CincyTech
- Detroit Venture Partners
- Endeavor
- FarOut Ventures
- Fitt Capital
- Grouse Ridge Capital
- Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Magarac Venture Partners
- M25
- Northcoast Ventures
- Platform Capital Management
- Pride Fund
- Plymouth Growth
- StartFast Ventures
- The Fund XX
- Valley Capital Partners
- More TBA

The inaugural RustBuilt Startup Showdown features some of the most promising startups from Pittsburgh, Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Columbus and leading venture funds, family offices, and investors from around the region.

Each startup has 5 minutes to present their company to a dais of experienced investor judges. There will also be an audience vote, so be sure to vote for your favorite founders.

Participating Investors Include:
- 412 Venture Fund
- BlueTree Capital
- Chicago Ventures
- CincyTech
- Detroit Venture Partners
- Endeavor
- FarOut Ventures
- Fitt Capital
- Grouse Ridge Capital
- Hyde Park Venture Partners
- Magarac Venture Partners
- M25
- Platform Capital Management
- Pride Fund
- Plymouth Growth
- StartFast Ventures
- The Fund XX
- Valley Capital Partners
- More TBA