Recap: PSL's Virtual Entrepreneur Expo 2021

In case you missed it, the PSL team was happy to bring back the Entrepreneur Expo in 2021, this time for an all-virtual format! 

The all-day event featured fireside chats, panels, roundtable discussions and TED-style talks on topics ranging from Founder Wellness, to fundraising, to the future of work and more. Read on for some key takeaways from the day’s events.

We kicked off the Expo with a focus on our founders--specifically, founder wellness and how to prioritize yourself as a leader when it’s the most difficult to do so. The 8am Founder’s Breakfast began with Adriana Adelé, founder of The Field and Founded in Philly graduate, guiding the attendees in a beautiful 10-minute meditation to center the focus of the session. Then, PSL Board Member Anna Greenwald of On the Goga led a 40-minute panel discussion with Adriana, Joelle Tolifero, Founder & CEO of Your Care Collective, and Jade Javon, Founder of Jade Javon Yoga.

Topics included:

  • Honing in on the definition of “wellness” and “well-being”

  • How leaders can support their team members and themselves through individual and collective trauma

  • “Work-life balance” - what it means, whether it can be achieved and how employers can positively contribute to the lives of their employees

If you missed it live, you’re in luck! 

 
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Adriana Adelé

Founder of The Field and 2021 Founded in Philly Graduate, opened the Expo with a guided meditation.

 

Next, PSL Executive Director Isabelle Kent and Board President Rudy Ellis sat down for an informal discussion, The Future of Philly (Startup Leaders). Isabelle let us in on her first 90 days, her vision for the PSL of the future, and the ways in which Philadelphia as a whole can position itself on a global scale.

During the Ask-Me-Anything Investor Roundtable, participants Dr. Dan Young, Ellen Weber, Andrew Goldner and Jennifer Hartt answered your submitted questions--and didn’t hold anything back. \

Some key takeaways from that session:

  • "If you need money, ask for advice." - Ellen Weber

  • Most VCs and angels have a clear statement of the characteristics of the companies that they tend to invest in - Ellen Weber

  • "Reverse-engineer to find the capitalists who align with what you are doing: - Andrew Goldner

  • "Assumptions that you are putting into your forecast are where the discussion gets to be fruitful" - Ellen and Jenn

  • "On the Entrepreneur's Tombstone -- Herein lies your product. Cause of Death - No Market!" - Andrew

In continuing with the Ask-Me-Anything format, some of PSL’s most trusted partners offered their expertise during the Service Provider Showcase. Here is a look at some of the companies who exhibited:

At noon, our Founded in Philly Alumni competed in the Lightning Pitch Lunch, sponsored by Ben Franklin Technology Partners. The founders were able to pitch their concepts for 2 minutes each in front of a panel of judges, as well as a timekeeper:

Sri Sriadibhatla | Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Sri Sriadibhatla | Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Susan Yee | Broad Street Angels

Susan Yee | Broad Street Angels

Todd Outten | Comcast

Todd Outten | Comcast

Dylan Foley | Juno Capital

Dylan Foley | Juno Capital

Each of the (10) companies who pitched were Founded in Philly Alumni, some graduating as recently as May 11 from our program:

After the scores were in, it was Series I 2021 Alumni EmpathED who received first place and the $1000 grant; while KeepID received second place and the $500 grant.

We are so proud of all of our alumni, and all that they have accomplished. After lunch, it was time to open the Expo floor! Over 30 companies hosted virtual tables, fireside chats, product demonstrations, and meet-the-founder hours. At PSL, we were proud to see the innovative ways that exhibitors approached their virtual booth and the connections that happened on the exhibitor floor and beyond.

At PSL, one thing we pride ourselves on is listening to our community. In the last year, we have received countless inquiries about the critical growth stage. How do you get it right? What partners should you work with? Is there a formula?

Thankfully, our Growth Mode Intensive covered the 4 key topics entrepreneurs need to know: Sales, Growth Marketing, Go-to-Market Strategy, and Investment/Fundraising. Each of these TED-Style talks has at least one key takeaway to propel you to the next stage.

For the final session of the day, the Now Hiring Happy Hour brought together industry experts to discuss the latest in employee hiring practices, retention strategies, and open positions in the region. The session was followed by networking and a second chance to visit the Service Provider Showcase.

Of course, this event would not have been possible without the support of our partners and generous sponsors:

What was your favorite part of Expo? Comment below!

Philly Startup Leaders