PSL Weekly Digest 3/24 - 3/30

Hello PSL Community!  

Help us tell your story! Fill out the PSL Impact Survey

We're excited to introduce you to the Philly Startup Leaders Impact Report, a survey designed to help you share your entrepreneurial journey and how PSL has contributed to it. Your voice is vital in telling the story of our community. 

Please take a few minutes to complete our survey and share your insights. We're looking forward to reading them! 

Apply for Founder Institute Spring 2025 cohort! 

As proud partners of the Philadelphia Founder Institute, we are happy to inform you that the application deadline for the Spring Cohort has been extended to April 6th. Now, you have until then to join this brilliant network of entrepreneurs! 

The Founder Institute provides a global support community and a proven methodology to get your startup to traction and funding, and this program is designed to provide structure, feedback, and a supportive network for the next generation of entrepreneurs!

You don't have to do it alone! You will build your business in a structured, proven process alongside like-minded entrepreneurs. Apply using our referral link for priority access. 

Join Health2Tech Philly - An Innovative Series of Digital Health Events!

This April 1st be part of an exclusive gathering that brings together the brightest minds in the digital health space! Hosted by Alex Koshykov, this evening promises to be a confluence of innovation, inspiration, and invaluable networking.

Why Attend?

• Meet like-minded individuals who are actively shaping the health tech landscape.

• Share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore potential solutions with fellow founders.

• Learn from the journeys of other entrepreneurs, discover something new, seek advice, and perhaps find the mentor or partner you've been looking for.

Don’t miss this chance to be part of a community that’s driving the future of health tech. Reserve your spot now and help shape the landscape of digital health for 2024 and beyond.

The Global Entrepreneurship Congress is returning to the United States for the first time since 2009! 

The world's boldest entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and ecosystem builders from 200 countries and territories will arrive in Indiana, USA, June 2-5, 2025, for one of the most impactful and influential live connections of global entrepreneurship ecosystem players. 

Early-bird registration is open at www.gec.co.

As a member of our PSL Community, you can get a 50% discount! Contact our CEO, Isabelle Kent, to access a special code. 

Celebrate women founders! Assist to the Road to LionCage

The Road to LionCage series offers startups a chance to prepare for the major LionCage Pitch Competition in November 2025. This series comprises six smaller, intimate pitch events, each spotlighting a different theme. The upcoming session, on March 26th, focuses on Women Founders. The event will begin with a panel discussion featuring inspiring women entrepreneurs, innovators, and business owners. Following the panel, women-owned startups will pitch their ideas for cash prizes, and two winners will be selected. The event will conclude with a reception, providing a chance for attendees to connect and celebrate

Guests are welcome and encouraged to attend, cheer on their favorite entrepreneur, listen to an inspiring panel discussion on what it takes to be a female entrepreneur and founder and make new connections with business and community leaders. Join this celebration of the incredible women driving innovation and business success!

Register Here to Attend.

Calling all green startups, climate tech enthusiasts, investors, and service providers! 

Are you building a climate or sustainability-focused startup? This is your chance to pitch to top investors, industry leaders, and key stakeholders in the Philly climate tech ecosystem. Compete for a prize pool bigger than last year, gain invaluable feedback, and connect with the people who can help take your startup to the next level.

Not a founder? You can still join to be part of the action! Whether you're an investor looking for the next big opportunity, a service provider eager to support growing startups, or simply a climate tech enthusiast, this event is your gateway to the region’s most exciting sustainability innovations. 

Date: April 22 (Earth Day)

Time: 6:00 – 8:30 PM

Location: BEX, One Commerce Square, 2005 Market St, Suite 160, Philadelphia

You can complete this form to apply to pitch, or register here to attend the event. 

The fifth Philly Maker Faire is scheduled at Cherry Street & Race Street Piers

If you have a Do-It-Yourself (or Do-It-Together) attitude and want to share your work with a curious and engaged audience, then apply to the Philly Maker Faire! 

We encourage all makers, from startups and science clubs to inventors and artists to apply. They particularly love interactive exhibits and those that show the making process.

Expect to see: combat robots, green technology, unique tools, unusual machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, analog and digital artwork, drones, VR/AR, electronics, textiles, fashion, biotech, performances, films, rockets, food, glass, toys, and more.  

Participation is FREE if you are not selling or promoting a product, service, or organization, so apply now to participate in the largest maker event in Philadelphia.

Events You Can't-Miss This Week:

WEDNESDAY 3/26 @ 5pm - Startup Pitch Practice: Share Your Idea and Get Expert Feedback

Hosted by: Founder Institute 

To launch a great startup, it is critical to get feedback on your ideas from entrepreneurs who have been there and done that. On this live online event, we will gather several startup experts ready to provide feedback for entrepreneurs who aspire to be investor-ready. The event will start by providing guidelines to create a compelling elevator pitch, and then attendees will have the opportunity to share their pitch with other entrepreneurs, advisors, and investors at virtual tables for instant feedback. Even if you don't want to share your pitch, you can still join to hear other startup ideas and witness how the experts review a pitch. Register Here. 

FRIDAY 3/28 @ 8:30am - i2n Scaling For Growth - Funding Options

Hosted by: Ideas x Innovation Network (i2n)

i2n's Scaling For Growth is an education series that helps prepare emerging companies, small businesses, and entrepreneurs by offering timely topics and tools from expert presenters. This series is intended for businesses, startups, entrepreneurs, and those thinking about launching their ideas into action – and growth. Register Here. 

Join PSL’s Volunteer Program!

Our volunteer program seeks passionate individuals like you to join us in our mission to ignite change and lead the path toward a brighter future. As a volunteer, you'll have the chance to share your talents and interests, and we'll work together to create a personalized and fulfilling experience that's tailored just for you. We're always open to fresh ideas and suggestions that can help us enhance our program and make an even greater impact in our community. 

What are you waiting for? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at engage@phillystartupleaders.org or complete our volunteer form to get started. We can't wait to hear from you and welcome you into our community of passionate volunteers.

Go out there, connect, and be a part of the change! 

Team PSL