FUNDAMENTALS
FOR STARTUPS

Is taking venture capital a “sign of success?” Dave’s answer would be absolutely not. In this session, entrepreneur, investor, and startup advisor Dave Parker challenges one of the most persistent myths in the startup world: that raising venture capital is the ultimate badge of honor. With decades of experience on both sides of the table, Dave lays out ten compelling, real-world reasons why VC funding might not be the right path for your startup–and how it can actually derail your vision, autonomy, and long-term success.

Are you a startup founder or entrepreneur looking to navigate Washington State’s business landscape? Join us for an informative session covering the resources, programs, and support available through the Washington State Department of Commerce. This event will provide a practical roadmap to accessing funding opportunities, export assistance, innovation programs, and more. Hear directly from Commerce representatives on how to best leverage state support and grow your business right here in Washington State.

What you’ll learn:

• How to tap into grants, loans, and technical assistance
• Programs tailored for startups, small businesses, and innovators
• Export and international trade support
• How to connect with regional economic development partners

Thinking about joining a startup accelerator? Wondering if it’s the right move for your company—or how to even get in? Join Emer Dooley, Momo Nakamura, and Olly Downs for a candid and informative panel discussion featuring leaders from some of the region’s top accelerator programs. Panelists will share their perspectives on what accelerators look for in applicants, how to evaluate whether an accelerator aligns with your goals, and common misconceptions and mistakes founders make. Whether you’re actively applying or just exploring your options, this session will help you understand the landscape, ask the right questions, and make informed decisions about your startup’s next steps.

Join Brooke Borseth for an essential deep-dive into cap tables–one of the most critical yet misunderstood aspects of startup finance. This session will equip you with the knowledge to confidently navigate equity structures from company formation through multiple funding rounds. We’ll cover cap table basics like structure, terminology and key metrics, how to set up your initial equity distribution to avoid common mistakes, and real-world dilution scenarios that show founder ownership evolution through multiple fundraising rounds. Whether you’re splitting equity with co-founders or preparing for your first investor meeting, this session provides the foundation you need to make informed decisions about your company’s most valuable asset – its ownership structure.

Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, unlocking new possibilities—and raising serious questions. In this panel discussion led by the team at Wilson Sonisi, we’ll explore the risks, legal challenges, and ethical dilemmas that startups and technologists must consider when building and deploying AI. Join legal experts alongside startup founders and AI industry leaders, for a candid discussion on emerging legal framework and regulatory risks; IP and data privacy concerns; and bias, fairness, and unintended consequences. Whether you’re developing AI tools or integrating them into your business, this session will help you understand the potential pitfalls and what founders really need to know before launching AI-powered products.