Alumni Ventures at Early Stage LA
Driving Community Engagement and Innovation
Alumni Ventures played a pivotal role in Early Stage LA, a month-long initiative aimed at revitalizing early-stage startup investment in Los Angeles. They actively engaged in sponsorships, panel discussions, and facilitated connections, emphasizing their commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Southern California’s startup ecosystem.
Pioneering Change in Los Angeles
As part of our ongoing commitment to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship, Alumni Ventures was proud to participate in Early Stage LA, a dynamic initiative to revitalize investment in early-stage startups across Los Angeles. This month-long event offered a series of engagements designed to connect investors with founders, and we are excited to share our experiences and insights from being deeply involved in this community-focused endeavor.
Deepening Ties Through Strategic Partnerships
Our involvement in Early Stage LA is rooted in a strategic relationship developed with the event’s organizer, Lorel Scott, who founded StartupStarter. As a venture capital partner for the event, Alumni Ventures and our Westwood Ventures funds for the UCLA community have actively supported the startup ecosystem in Southern California, enhancing our community engagement and furthering our mission to support emerging entrepreneurs.
Alumni Ventures’ Role at Early Stage LA
Early Stage LA presented a special opportunity for Alumni Ventures to reinforce our commitment to the Southern California startup ecosystem. Our involvement ranged from event sponsorships to participation in panel discussions, all aimed at driving attention toward the incredible LA startups shaping the future. We leveraged our network to facilitate meaningful connections and discussions essential for fostering a robust entrepreneurial community.
Highlighting Our Investors’ Engagement
A significant highlight of our participation was the impactful contributions from our team members, particularly Drew Wandzilak and Josh Lee, who served as panelists in the “Venture Velocity” discussion, and Lizzie Brown, who took attendees through a guided meditation at the Startup Wellness Summit. Their insights into the investment landscape and strategic advice were invaluable to new and seasoned entrepreneurs attending the events.
Drew Wandzilak
A Profile in Leadership
Drew Wandzilak, with his extensive background in venture capital and his roles across various high-growth industries, provided a comprehensive view of the importance of community and strategic investments. His position as an ambassador of Northwestern’s Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, along with his recognition in Chicago Inno’s 25 under 25, exemplifies his commitment to cultivating entrepreneurial talent and driving innovation.
Josh Lee
Strengthening Community Ties
Josh Lee, a Westwood Ventures Scout and Investment Committee member, also brought a wealth of experience to the panel. As the Founder and CEO of Ardius, a company within the Westwood Ventures portfolio that was successfully acquired by Gusto, Josh’s entrepreneurial journey adds a layer of depth to his insights. His extensive network and deep connections in the LA startup scene, combined with his firsthand experience in leading a startup through to acquisition, underscore community-engaged investors’ significant role in enhancing the funding ecosystem.
Lizzie Brown
Taking Care Of Your Body and Mind
Lizzie Brown is an Alumni Ventures Scout and entrepreneur specializing in mental wellness and consumer tech. At the Startup Wellness Summit, she gave founders the tools they need to incorporate healthy movement into their busy lives. Prior to co-founding award-winning, Apple “App of the Day”, Yoga Wake Up, she launched a boutique agency she prides with developing emerging fitness and wellness brand and personalities, notably Carbon38 and Fabletics.
Our Commitment to California’s Startups
Alumni Ventures has a strong track record of investing in California-based startups, with ~100 active portfolio companies in Southern California alone, ~60 of which are based in Los Angeles. This robust investment activity reflects our deep belief in the region’s potential and our ongoing commitment to supporting its vibrant startup ecosystem. Our strategic investments aim to foster innovation and drive economic growth across various sectors, contributing to California’s reputation as a global hub of technology and entrepreneurship.
Key Takeaways from Early Stage LA
Our involvement in Early Stage LA reinforced several key insights:
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Community Engagement:
The active participation of investors and entrepreneurs in community events like Early Stage LA is crucial for overcoming the traditional risk aversion to early-stage funding. - Home
Sector-Specific Opportunities:
Discussions revealed that certain sectors, such as gaming and consumer products, show rare potential in LA. - Home
Role of Strategic Partnerships:
Building relationships with universities, accelerators, and other community entities can significantly enhance the support network available to entrepreneurs.
Looking Forward
Our experience at Early Stage LA was not only rewarding but also enlightening. It gave us a deeper understanding of the local startup landscape and reinforced our resolve to continue supporting innovative ventures in Los Angeles. As Alumni Ventures, we remain dedicated to facilitating the growth of early-stage companies and contributing to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
We invite the community to join us in this journey of innovation and growth. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from our future engagements in the startup world.