StartUp Westport Young Innovators Forum

The Westport Library is proud to host the StartUp Westport Young Innovators Forum, a celebration of the groundbreaking innovations birthed in Connecticut, particularly from the remarkable graduates of Staples High School in Westport.

This event shines a spotlight on the extraordinary talent emerging from the Staples Computer Science program, which has nurtured a generation of young entrepreneurs. These visionary founders, all under the age of 26, have successfully launched transformative technologies and startups that are reshaping industries and attracting significant investment. Attendees will gain insights into their journeys, the challenges they've faced, and the creative solutions they've developed to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Topics for discussion include:

- From Classroom to Boardroom: Realizing Startup Dreams: Hear firsthand accounts from young founders about their transition from student projects to full-fledged startups. Discuss the key moments and decisions that propelled them into entrepreneurship and the lessons learned along the way.

- Navigating Funding and Investment: Delve into the strategies employed by these young entrepreneurs to raise tens of millions of dollars in funding. Discuss the importance of networking, pitching, and building relationships with investors, and how their youth and involvement in the Westport community has influenced their approach to securing capital.

- The Future of Innovation in Westport: Engage in a forward-looking discussion about the potential impact of these young innovators on the tech landscape in Connecticut and beyond. Consider how their successes might inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and shape the city and state's economic future.

Moderator: Molly O’Shea, VC Investor and Founder, Sourcey

Panelists:

• Dylan Diamond, Co-Founder and CEO, Saturn Technologies
• Max Hammer, Co-Founder and CEO, CrowdVolt
• Josh Karol, Co-Founder and CTO, CrowdVolt
• Jack Sharkey, Co-Founder and CTO, Whop

Agenda:

• 6:30-7 pm: Welcome reception + networking
• 7-8:30 pm: Moderated panel discussion + live Q&A
• 8:30-9 pm: Closing remarks

Host or Publisher The Westport Library