By Tim Ryan

As the sold-out Startup World Cup on the evening of August 28th approaches, the excitement in Hampton Roads is palpable. But the energy and innovation won’t just be confined to that one night. In the days leading up to the main event, a series of pre-event activities will provide entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders with an array of opportunities to engage, learn, and grow.

The festivities kick off on August 27th at 11:00 AM Speaker Series Luncheons and Knowledge-Packed Sessions

Both days are packed with an impressive lineup of speakers who are set to share invaluable insights into various aspects of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Day 1 Highlights:

  • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Speaker Series Luncheon sets the stage for the day with engaging discussions.
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Standing On Giant Shoulders: Innovating With NASA Tech for Your Startup Success – Featuring NASA Langley’s Katrina Young and Jesse Midgett, alongside technologist John Patrick Harris, this session explores how startups can leverage cutting-edge NASA technologies.
  • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Entrepreneur to CEO: The Shift You Can’t Ignore – Founders of RedwoodRISE Ventures, Sara Brown and Amber Hamilton, will discuss the critical transition from entrepreneur to CEO.
  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: How Regions Like Hampton Roads Thrive in the Age of Innovation – Linda Peck of the Norfolk Innovation Corridor will delve into the factors driving regional success in today’s innovation landscape.

Day 2 Highlights:

  • 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Another Speaker Series Luncheon kicks off the day.
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Accessing Capital the Right Way – Experts like Todd Coulard, Howard Hesson, and Sabrina Davis will discuss various strategies for securing startup funding.
  • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Empowering Entrepreneurs and Strengthening Communities through Coworking Spaces – Gene Granger and Dr. Angela Reddix will highlight the impact of coworking spaces on both entrepreneurs and communities.
  • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Mastering Your Startup Growth: Insights For You from the Shark Tank and Beyond – Allen Martinez, Founder & Chief Strategist at Noble Digital Agency, will share insights on how to scale your startup effectively.

These pre-event activities are not just a warm-up to the Startup World Cup—they are essential opportunities for local entrepreneurs to gain the tools, connections, and knowledge they need to succeed. Whether you’re looking to celebrate local startups, learn from seasoned professionals, or network with like-minded innovators, these events offer something for everyone in the Hampton Roads entrepreneurial community.

Don’t miss out on these enriching sessions that will pave the way for an unforgettable Startup World Cup experience. Register now and be part of the innovation wave sweeping across Hampton Roads!

Download the flyer here.