Founder Factory

Founder Factory 2024 - Modern Startups / Modern models

Join us for PSL's Founder Factory 2024 - Modern Startups / Modern Models. Get a look at new/current ways of funding and running a startup.

PSL’s flagship Founder Factory is back! This year’s Founder Factory theme is Modern Startups / Modern Models. Attendees will get a look at new/current ways of doing business, running their startups, funding, and more through an afternoon of 15 minute lightning talks.

Founder Factory will feature speakers on multiple diverse funding methods, sales, innovation, business model innovation, and more!

Founders will also be able to meet with service providers and experts in finance, legal, HR, and more to receive free advice during office hours.

We'll wrap this day of education and inspiration with networking!


Hear from startup founders, execs, and experts!

  • Welcome & PSL Update - Isabelle Kent, CEO, and Mark Hijar, COO - Philly Startup Leaders

  • Business Model Innovations: Ecosystem-Led Growth - Bob Moore, CEO, Crossbeam and Author, Ecosystem-Led Growth

  • Government Grants & Credits and Working with State Government - Jennifer Leinbach, Executive Director, Technology Investment Office, PA Department of Community & Economic Development

  • Angels & VCs - Ellen Weber, Executive Director, Robin Hood Ventures

  • Accessing Private Wealth - Jason Ray, President & Chief Investment Officer, Zenith Wealth Partners, and Michael Crossey, Shareholder, Co-Chair Emerging Business and Venture Capital Group, Cozen O’Connor

  • Strategic Acquisitions - Aaron McLean, Chief of Staff, PAR Retail

  • Venture Studios & Commercializing IP - Sean Boyce, Fractional Product and Financial Executive - NxT Step Consulting, Founder - Podcast Chef and Founder - StaffGeek, and Matthew Burkhardt, Director B+Labs

  • Accelerators & Incubators - Darren Stephenson, Program Director, Gener8tor

  • Corporate Open Innovation - Katie Teuber, Director, Startup Engagement, Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, and Brian Slough, Of Counsel, Morgan Lewis

  • Closing the Deal: The Changing World of Sales & RevOps - Matt Walsh, Founder - Treasure and Head of Customer Success - CruZen, and Michelle Berkoben, Partner, Wipfli

  • Diversity of Thought for Diversifying Markets - Shannon Morales, Founder & CEO, Tribaja