Meet the Seattle Startup Ecosystem (In-Person Networking Event)
Founder Institute Seattle Open House: Ignite the Next Wave of Builders
What to Expect
Two Panels. Real Talk. Tactical Resources.
Panel 1: Building in Seattle (4:15 PM)
What founders actually need to go from 0→1.
Panel 2: Scaling & Leverage (5:15 PM)
How Seattle's platforms help you go from traction to scale.
Between panels: Network with the people who can solve your biggest problems right now.
Who You'll Meet
Your Panel Speakers:
Luke Arrigoni – Loti, Founder/CEO
Built and scaled an AI company protecting creators from deepfakes. He's been in your seat.
Sarah Studer – UW Buerk Center
She's helped thousands of founders navigate university resources, competitions, and early validation.
Evan Poncelet – Venture Black / Dreamward Group
Reshaping how underrepresented founders access capital and community.
Brooks Lindsay – Light Legal
Founder-turned-attorney. Knows what legal infrastructure startups actually need.
Jacob Colker – AI2 Incubator
Has launched 40+ AI companies, raising $500M+ and creating $2B+ in value.
Taylor Black – Microsoft AI Ventures
Opens doors at Microsoft most founders don't know exist.
Nick Hughes – Founders Live
Created the global pitch platform in 140+ cities where founders get visible and build momentum.
Louis Newkirk – Moderator (Venture Black, Founders Live)
Go-to-market strategist who keeps it real and keeps it moving.
Why Founder Institute?
6,500+ companies launched. 200+ cities. $20B+ created.
More importantly: We don't take equity. We don't make you relocate. We don't force you into a box.
We help you build what you actually want to build — and we connect you to a global network that lasts beyond the program.
Our March 2026 cohort opens December 14. Tonight, you meet the ecosystem that makes it work.
Who Should Come
✅ Founders with ideas, prototypes, or early traction
✅ Ecosystem partners who want to support early-stage companies
✅ Students & technologists exploring entrepreneurship
✅ Mentors & investors who believe Seattle's next wave is starting now
Doors open at 4 PM. Panels start at 4:15 sharp. Bring questions, not business cards.
Speakers
Platinum Partners
Local Partners
Google
Linkedin
The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 8,600 entrepreneurs raise over 1.9BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.
