Venture Saturday™
VENTURE SATURDAY is a full-day event held every two months for anyone who is interested in either joining a startup, creating their own startup, or investing in startups. Filled with two tracks of speaker panels and workshops, TWO pitch competitions, demo tables, sponsor expo, networking lunch, and more! Check out the full agenda below and come for the whole day, or just selected portions that may interest you the most.
The Founders & Mentors Mixer afterparty is open to all and is a great opportunity for founders to meet other founders, and mentors to meet other mentors, as well. Tickets sold separately - light dinner and adult beverages included.
New Feature! The extraordinary corporate portrait photographer Charles Cotugno will be in the photography studio from 11am to 3pm, offering startup founders a massive discount on headshots, only at Venture Saturday events. Make your team page gleam with credibility for only $50 per headshot (early bird price). Sign up here.
Conveniently located off the 520 in Bellevue, there's always free and easy parking at Venture Mechanics.
Saturday, January 11th
10:00 - 10:25 AM
Opening Introduction by Ron Wiener, Chief Mechanic @ Venture Mechanics
Keynote Speaker: Jan Vandenbos
Jan Vandenbos is a seasoned founder, investor, and strategy advisor whose entrepreneurial journey bridges innovation, technology, and leadership. Known for guiding companies to success, Jan combines cutting-edge product strategies, advanced technology development, and robust risk management practices, particularly in the fields of AI and cybersecurity. With a proven track record advising leaders at every level—including boardrooms—Jan excels at anticipating industry trends and translating them into transformative business opportunities.
Often described as a "renaissance entrepreneur," Jan’s multidisciplinary expertise spans industries and technologies, with a passion for asking the right questions and uncovering hidden opportunities. This is especially evident in his deep knowledge of cybersecurity, honed through senior roles at organizations like HSBC, T-Mobile, Microsoft, AT&T, and the Paris Olympics. His ability to navigate complex systems and high-stakes environments sets him apart as a trusted advisor and strategist.
Beyond the corporate world, Jan’s dedication to service is reflected in his years as a paramedic in search-and-rescue (SAR) and flight medic roles. As an educator, he empowers the next generation of EMS providers, specializing in wilderness medicine and outdoor emergency care. This unique blend of high-pressure problem-solving and empathetic leadership informs his holistic approach to building resilient organizations and mentoring others.
Jan’s work embodies the spirit of innovation and adaptability, whether he’s designing solutions for dynamic business challenges, inspiring founders and investors, or leading in life-or-death scenarios. His vision and drive continue to shape industries, foster growth, and prepare organizations for the future.
10:30 - 11:10 AM
Track 1 - Leonardo Room
Panel: 30 Great Ways to Use AI for Marketing in Startups
In this rapid-fire session you'll learn from three digital marketing mavens - Vlad Mkrtumyan (moderator), Josh Dirks and Nicole Donnelley - about the latest and greatest AI-enabled tools they've found for startups to leverage in their marketing campaigns.
10:30 - 11:10 AM
Track 2 - Airbus Room
Workshop: Harnessing ADHD as a Superpower in Entrepreneurship
One in three adults are neurodivergent (85% are undiagnosed) with even higher percentages in the tech industry. This workshop will teach you how to effectively support neurodivergent team members, particularly those with ADD/ADHD. By understanding the unique cognitive strengths and challenges of neurodivergent individuals, you can implement strategies to boost productivity, improve communication, and enhance overall job satisfaction. This knowledge can lead to increased company profits, reduced employee turnover, and a more inclusive and supportive work environment. Instructed by Brett Greene, MA.
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Piaggio Room (Photo Studio)
Founder Headshots
The extraordinary corporate portrait photographer Charles Cotugno will be in the photography studio, offering startup founders a massive discount on headshots, only at Venture Saturday events. Make your team page gleam with credibility for only $50 per headshot (early bird price). Sign up here.
11:15 - 12:00 PM
Track 1 - Leonardo Room
So You Want To Become An Angel Investor?
In this session, moderator Bill Kearns - an experienced fractional startup CFO and angel investor - will engage the panel of experienced investors on how to tread safely into the realm of angel investing. Learn how to identify promising startups, conduct thorough due diligence, and navigate the complex world of venture capital. Gain firsthand knowledge from experienced angel and VC investors as they share their secrets to success. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your journey, this seminar will equip you with the tools and strategies to make informed investment decisions and potentially achieve significant returns. Panelists include Mark Mueller-Eberstein of the Alliance of Angels, Dana Sather Robinson of E8 Angels, and Mark de Vere White
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Dine-in in the Boeing Room with fellow attendees. Lunch will be provided or you can feel free to brown bag it.
1:00 - 1:50 PM
Leonardo Room
Raw Concept Pitch Competition
This low-stakes pitch competition is an opportunity for aspiring founders to pitch their concept for a venture-scale startup. They get five minutes to pitch and two minutes of Q&A with the judging panel. The judges will cast their votes for the most promising business concept, and the audience will be able to crowdvote their favorite as well. The judges on this round include startup coaches Angie Parker, Catherine Bhattachar, and Dr. Jamar Montgomery. Will the winner of the two votes be the same or different? Come find out!
- Matthew De Bord, NewGem Foods
- Nolie MacDonald, VRenity
- Akil Bhagat, NovaNorth.ai
- Charlotte Wintermann, REearthable
- Jon Madamba, Pivotal Build
- Felix Deschamps, NuBlou
2:00 - 2:40 PM
Track 1 - Leonardo Room
Panel: When and How To Find Your Cofounder(s)
The panelists are serial entrepreneurs who were themselves once solo founders, who can speak to their evolved philosophies on how to find the right co-founder(s) at the right time, how to split equity amongst co-founders, how founders can protect themselves against a mismatch in chemistry or if the company pivots into a different direction that requires a different founder team make-up, etc. Moderated by serial entrepreneur Darian Parrish. Panelists: Angie Parker, Catherine Bhattachar and Ron Wiener.
2:00 - 2:45 PM
Track 2 - Airbus Room
Workshop: The Power of Storytelling for Founders
People naturally connect with stories and using storytelling can make your pitch more memorable and impactful. In today's competitive market, it's not enough to just have a good
product or service; you also need to be able to effectively communicate your vision and value proposition. This is where storytelling comes in. Storytelling helps founders stand out and make a lasting impression on potential investors.
In this talk, Dana will take us through some strategies to:
- Make numbers talk: show momentum, vision and traction in a way that resonates.
- Make complex ideas more understandable and relatable to your audience.
- Increase engagement and keep their attention
- Build trust by sharing authentic stories that demonstrate your values and capabilities.
Join us to transform your entrepreneurial vision into a story that really speaks to investors.
with Dana Sather Robinson
Dana is a professional pitch trainer who’s also an angel investor; she knows exactly what investors need to see in a pitch deck and hear from founders like you in a pitch presentation, so her investor-tested methods get results. The interactive Pitch4Impact Training Program will guide you through the process of crafting, preparing, and confidently delivering a pitch and accompanying investor deck that signals to investors: this one is worth my time and attention.
3:00-3:45 PM
Leonardo Room
Panel: How To Best Leverage Mentors and Fractional Executives
Without the benevolent participation of mentors in the startup ecosystem most venture-scale startups would never achieve funding and eventual success. Learn about how and why mentors can assist startup founders in their journey, and then when and how to engage them more fully as fractional executives, advisory board members, and in other part-time roles when you can't yet afford to hire experienced full-time management team members. Moderator: Darian Parrish. Panelists: Greta Remington, Bill Kearns and Santhosh Sorab.
3:00-3:45 PM
Airbus Room
Workshop: Jumpstarting Sales for Startups
Getting sales is one of the biggest challenges facing startup founders, particularly in the early stages when they are the primary salespeople This workshop will provide startup founders with the tools and strategies they need to jumpstart their sales efforts, get market traction and scale. Participants will also learn how neuroscience and psychology can be used to help demystify the sales process and build sales confidence and success. Panelists: Mark Kotzer, Lief Larson, Shannon Smith. (Note that the three panelists are also the mentor-instructors for our full-length workshop on this topic February 4th.)
4:00-4:50 PM
Leonardo Room
Venture Pitch Competition
This is the “high stakes” pitch competition as opposed to the raw concept competition earlier in the day. The four presenting startups will get 7 minutes to pitch, plus 5 minutes for Q&A with the judges (experienced investors). These startups will also have demo tables at the event where potential investors, customers, mentors, etc., can meet with them after the competition. The judges will cast their votes for the best investment opportunity, and the audience will be able to crowdvote their favorite as well. Will the winner of the two votes be the same or different? Come find out! Judges: Andrea Joseph from the Alliance of Angels, Brad Billington, General Partner at Q6 Capital, and Jimmie Lee.
- AR Bell, GametimeHero
- Gerry Cutler, Loadsters
- Divya Agarwal, Zesty
- Joshua Ahmed, RealEngineers.ai
5:00 - 5:50 PM
Leonardo Room
Introduction to the Venture Mechanics Catapult Accelerator Program
Learn all about the patently unique incubator/accelerator model we employ at Venture Mechanics to take in highly-vetted startups, fully train their founders to run a venture-scale business, and complete their funding. This is nothing remotely like the Techstars or YC model. Hear directly from the mentors who participate in the "mentor conclave" processes at the beginning and end of a founder team's journey through. Also hear from founders currently going through the process.
6:00 - 8:30 PM
Founders & Mentors Mixer Afterparty
More than just a good time, founders and mentors can use this opportunity to get to know one another in a casual environment. Whether you want to speed date or spend quality time with particular individuals huddled in one of the conference rooms, this party is a great opportunity for founders to meet other founders, and mentors to meet other mentors, as well. Light dinner and adult drinks will be served.
New Bonus Feature of Venture Saturday:
Get Your Professional Headshot Taken During The Event!
The headshots you post on your social media, website, and marketing tell your potential investors and customers a lot about you and your business. Will selfies, casual snapshots, and outdated photos convey your professionalism, attention to detail, and trustworthiness? Do not leave it to chance. Your prospects form lasting opinions about you, your capabilities, and your performance in less than half a second. You have what it takes. Make sure it comes through in your headshots.
Venture Mechanics has made a special arrangement with renowned headshot photographer Charles Cotugno to offer our community members and Venture Saturday attendees the opportunity to get their headshots at a deep, deep discount to his usual rates. He'll be set up in our in-house photo/video studio (Piaggio Room) from 11am to 3pm on January 11th. Enjoy the early bird price of only $50 by signing up before the day of the event, or $75 if you sign up on-site.
