Online Event
Building Local Economies That Attract Venture Capital
How to Turn Your Local Economy Into Real Growth
Date
Oct 21, 2025
Time
12:00 pm - 01:30 pm
Address
Online Event
Startup ecosystems don't fail because founders lack ideas, they fail because cities keep mistaking press releases for progress. Begging and 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:
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: a startup economist and ecosystem strategist with 25 years in venture capital, public policy, and economic development. As Head of Public Affairs at the Founder Institute and Managing Partner of Startup Economist, he helps governments, investors, and civic leaders build stronger startup ecosystems that drive real economic growth.
- Elizabeth Packer - Director of Economic Development @ Golden Triangle: an urban planner and economic development strategist with more than a decade of experience advancing entrepreneurship, investment, and community revitalization. She has worked with HR&A Advisors, the Economic Innovation Group, and municipalities nationwide to design policies and projects that foster inclusive economic growth. Now serving as Director of Economic Development at the Golden Triangle BID in Washington, DC, Elizabeth continues to shape strategies that strengthen local ecosystems and attract capital.
- Levi Velez Reed - Entrepreneur in Residence@ Startup 425: a former founder turned investor and educator, working at the intersection of venture capital, entrepreneurship, and startup ecosystems. He serves as Entrepreneur in Residence with Startup425, where he directs the S425 Accelerator, and teaches entrepreneurship and marketing at the University of Washington Foster School of Business. As a Venture Partner at Loyal VC and active advisor to early-stage companies, Levi supports pre–Series A founders in brand building, go-to-market strategy, and scaling. His career spans roles at Amazon, Creative Destruction Lab, and multiple startups, with a focus on empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs and strengthening regional innovation economies.
- Hunter McFarland- Investor Relations Manager @ Build in Tulsa: an investor, consultant, and business development professional with experience across venture capital, startup fundraising, and investor relations. Currently serving as Investor Relations Manager at Build in Tulsa and Principal Consultant at DECKO, he has guided founders and emerging fund managers in securing over $40M in funding. His background spans roles at Concrete Rose Capital, the Black Venture Capital Consortium, and the Florida Department of Health, where he combined financial strategy with community impact. Hunter holds an MBA and BBA from Florida A&M University.
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.
About Founder Institute:
The Founder Institute partners with governments and economic development agencies to activate grassroots entrepreneurs, build credible deal pipelines, and turn local ecosystems into engines of sustained economic growth
Learn more at https://fi.co/government
About Founder Institute:
The Founder Institute partners with governments and economic development agencies to activate grassroots entrepreneurs, build credible deal pipelines, and turn local ecosystems into engines of sustained economic growth
Learn more at https://fi.co/government
Speakers
Platinum Partners
Local Partners
Google
Linkedin
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