Agenda

  • 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm

Registration & Networking

  • Come join us in-person for startup expertise, networking, and fun.
  • No lunch will be provided, refreshments will be there during the networking session.
  • 1:00 pm – 1:10 pm

Opening Remarks

  • Welcome back to the vibrant and growing Orange County startup ecosystem.

Anshuman Sinha

Co-Founder & COO
Startup Steroid

Jerry Heikens

Founder/CEO
JTH Strategies

  • 1:10 pm - 1:40 pm

The Makings of a Great Founder: Investor Perspectives

What separates good founders from great ones? This panel will dive into the qualities and characteristics investors look for when evaluating founders. From leadership and resilience to market insight and vision, hear from top investors as they share their perspectives on what it takes to build and scale a successful company. Attendees will gain actionable insights on how to align their entrepreneurial journey with investor expectations.

  • 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm

Startup Pitching

Judges

  • Six pre-selected startup founders will get the opportunity to pitch to investors and attendees
  • 3 minutes to pitch, 5 minutes for Q&A
  • Audience feedback and voting provided by the Demo Day app from Startup Steroid.

David Friedman

Chair Emeritus
TCA Venture Network

  • 2:45 pm - 3:10 pm

Snacks & Networking Break

  • Visit the Exhibit Booths
  • Mingle with the Speakers, Investors, and Founders
  • 3:10 pm - 3:20 pm

Partners & Sponsors Showcase

  • Sponsor Showcase

Ashish Saboo

CO-FOUNDER & CEO STARTUP STEROID

  • 3:20 pm - 4:20 pm

Startup Pitching

  • Six pre-selected startup founders will get the opportunity to pitch to investors and attendees
  • 3 minutes to pitch, 5 minutes for Q&A
  • Audience feedback and voting provided by the Demo Day app from Startup Steroid.
  • 4:20 pm - 4:50 pm

AI in Startups: Investors’ Vision for the Future

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and redefining business strategies. But how much should startups integrate AI into their operations, products, or services? In this panel, leading investors discuss the role AI should play in driving innovation, scaling growth, and building competitive advantage in startups. Learn how investors evaluate AI-driven startups, what trends they anticipate, and how founders can leverage AI responsibly and effectively.

Jennifer Byrne

General Partner
Grit Capital Partners

Arabian Prince

Co-founder & Managing Partner
iNov8 Capital

  • 4:50 pm - 5:00 pm

Hear From The Investor What They Want In Pitch Deck

  • Hear feedback on today’s startup pitches and strategies from our investor panel.
  • 5:00 pm - 5:05 pm

Vote of Thanks & What's Next

  • Vote of thanks by Organizing Committee.
  • 5:05 pm - 7:00 pm

Networking Happy Hour

  • Don’t leave early! Meet more friendly founders and investors at the “After Party”. Join us at the outdoor SteelCraft Garden Grove venue nearby for more fun and conversation. Cash bar.