Innovate & Invest 2025 - Santa Monica

Mar 29, 8:00 PM – Mar 30, 12:30 AM (UTC)

Carlsbad

i&i, 1533 26th Street, Santa Monica, 90404

This event is where women tech founders and investors connect! We're all about empowering women in tech to thrive and succeed. Network with like-minded individuals, discover groundbreaking startups, and explore funding opportunities. This is your chance to be part of a vibrant community driving change in the tech industry. Secure your spot while we still have tickets!

In-person event

About this event

Startup Grind is ecstatic to support Innovate & Invest 2025 in honor of Women's History Month!

Join us for networking, pitching, innovation, and more at this remarkable event that will empower female leaders of all shapes and sizes. Startup Grind members receive special pricing with 50% off any ticket! Use promo code STARTUP50 when registering and we hope to see you there!

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WHAT'S HAPPENING

  1. Connect: Meet industry-leading VCs actively seeking to invest in innovative women-led startups, and connect with female founders who are solving big problems

  2. Learn: Gain insights from a panel of accomplished founders and VCs on scaling businesses, securing funding, and thriving in tech.

  3. PITCH!

  • Founders: Get a chance to showcase your startup during our live pitch competition for instant feedback and potential funding opportunities!

  • Investors: Don't miss out on this opportunity to see some of the brightest tech entrepreneurs pitch their startups!

AGENDA

1:00 PM – Check-In, Grab Your Giftbag, & Enter Our Raffle!

​Be sure to arrive and check in before 1:30 to get into the raffle! You won’t want to miss it.

1:30 PM – Welcome & Networking

​Kick off with light refreshments and a chance to mingle with fellow founders, investors, and industry leaders.

2:00 - 2:30 PM – Keynote Address

  • ​​JOHN MAJESKI, our Investor Keynote: the first EVER male in Silicon Valley history to help start a VC fund specifically for investing in women-led companies (80% of the focus is on tech!)

  • OLIVIA RUTMAN, our Founder Keynote: a trailblazing woman tech founder who secured VC funding against the odds

2:45 - 3:30 PM – Fireside Chat: The Founder-Funder Relationship

​A candid conversation between leading investors and successful founders on what makes a great partnership and business.

3:45 - 4:15 PM – Live PITCH COMPETITION!

​The most compelling tech founders will pitch their startups to a panel of VC judges, followed by Q&A and feedback.

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM – Closing Address, Raffle, & Open Networking

​Wrap up with key takeaways and opportunities for one-on-one conversations.

Check out what happened

Speakers

  • John Majeski

    Portola Valley Partners

    General Partner | CEO | Investor | Board Member | Venture Partner | Operating Partner | Advisor

  • Olivia Rutman

    Kids Care Finder

    Founder and CEO | Leader | Innovator | Keynote Speaker | VC Backed Founder

Panelists

  • Stephanie Nwokolo

    OpenSky Ventures

    Investor

  • Katie Shahan

    Yarlow

    Founder/CEO/Innovator/Radio Personality

  • Jeanine Wright

    Board Member, Global COO, and CFO Growth Expert

  • Bailey Hancock

    Professional Friend-Maker & Connection Strategist

When

When

March 29 – 30, 2025
8:00 PM – 12:30 AM (UTC)

Hosts

  • Jessie Zaylía

    twrk, Inc.

    Founder and CEO

  • Eraina Ferguson

    Listen to Her

    B2B Product Marketing Leader | Economic Insight & Customer Focus

Organizer

  • Alexandra Renée Poelstra

    ALL MAVEN

    Chapter Co-Director

Global sponsor

Google Cloud logo

Google Cloud

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