Building Local Economies That Attract Venture Capital

Startup ecosystems don't fail because founders lack ideas; they fail because cities keep mistaking press releases for progress. This raises an intriguing thought exercise: If investors wouldn't fund your ecosystem as a startup, why would they fund your startups? This panel brings together three leading voices in economic development to tackle the uncomfortable truth about venture capital and entrepreneurship: money follows opportunity; it doesn't create it. We're going to cut through the theater and talk about what actually matters.

Expect a candid, sometimes provocative, conversation about the weakest links in economic development so that we can work together to overcome them for entrepreneurs and investors — exploring some programs and policies that can actually fix those challenges.

❯ What You'll Learn:

• How to stand up structured Startup Development Organizations rather than building more coworking spaces
• Distinguishing startups from small businesses in incentive design
• Publishing credible deal pipelines instead of celebrating ribbon cuttings
• Aligning infrastructure with targeted verticals that investors actually care about
• Professionalizing local capital so founders aren’t forever begging Sand Hill Road for attention

❯ Featured Experts:

• Paul O'Brien - Head of Public Affairs @ Founder Institute
• Elizabeth Packer - Director of Economic Development @ Golden Triangle
• Levi Velez Reed - Entrepreneur in Residence @ Startup 425
• Hunter McFarland- Investor Relations Manager @ Build in Tulsa

❯ Who Should Attend?
If you work in economic development, government, or civic leadership, this is not another “innovation showcase.” It’s a reckoning with what your region needs to stop doing, and what you must do next, if you want your founders to thrive and your city to serve and attract venture capital to close the gap on the challenges entrepreneurs there have finding it.

❯❯ This live, interactive online event promises valuable insights! Ensure your participation by RSVPing now at 👉 https://fi.co/startupwebinar/20717 to receive the link to join us live!