Florida: Catalyst Working Group
Catalyst Incubation and Acceleration Workshop
Join us for the Catalyst Working Group on the beautiful Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) campus at Lucas Hall Friday, May 24th and Saturday, May 25th. Our main event on Saturday the 25th will focus on "Catalyst-Funded Project Incubation and Acceleration."
This two-day gathering provides excellent networking opportunities, including an evening mixer on both Friday and Saturday. Several workshops will explore ways to provide further incubation and acceleration support to Catalyst-funded projects that have successfully completed their initial goals.
Come learn about extending the impact of pioneering Catalyst endeavors through additional resources, mentorship, and strategic guidance. Connect with innovators, entrepreneurs, and forward-thinkers united in bringing transformative ideas to fruition.
Join us for this impactful weekend of envisioning, empowering, and propelling the next phase of groundbreaking Catalyst projects.
Friday Event Overview
Student Opportunities Workshop 2 PM Time: 2 Hours
Learn about opportunities to apply for funding for your student project. Meet entrepreneurs and experts from the Cardano Blockchain.
Vetpreneur Networking and Mixer 6 PM Time: 2 Hours
Attention Veteran Entrepreneurs! Join us for an evening mixer at Lucas Hall on the FGCU Campus. We'll discuss funding opportunities for blockchain startups and business opportunities for the investment community.
Saturday Work Shop Overview
Registration and Sign in from 8:30 until 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 25th.
Welcome - Time: 5 min
Ground rules & Expectations - Time: 5 min
Workshop Overview - Time: 10 min
Intro to Catalyst: 10 min
Networking/Break - Time: 20 min
Mini Working Groups Session #1 - Time: 1 hour
5 min Overview Task #1
Break into small groups and brainstorm a list of the most important criteria/requirements that investors typically consider when deciding whether to invest in a project or startup. Examples could include traction, market size, competitive landscape, team experience, IP/technology, business model, financials, etc.
25 min Task #1
5 min Overview Task #2
Within the same small groups, prioritize the top 3-5 criteria from your brainstormed list. Discuss why those specific criteria are most crucial from an investor's perspective for projects seeking additional funding after an initial Catalyst round.
25 min Task #2
5 min Wrap-Up
Lunch Break - Time: 1 hour
Energizer and Group Spirit - Time: 10 mins
Mini Working Groups Session #2 - Time: 40 min 1 hour
5 min Overview Task #1
Now focus specifically on Catalyst-funded projects that have completed initial goals/milestones. What additional evidence, metrics or achievements would investors likely want to see from these projects to gain confidence in providing more funding? Brainstorm examples.
25 min Task #1
5 min Overview Task #2
How could the Catalyst ecosystem better support and position these projects for successful fundraising after their initial Catalyst round? Discuss potential processes, resources, mentorship or other enablers that could be beneficial.
25 min Task #2
5 min Wrap-Up
Community Group Sharing - Time: 30 min
Closing Thoughts - Time: 20 min
Feedback - Time: 10min
Catalyzing Connections Mixer
Starting immediately after the workshops, approximately 4:00 PM on Saturday, May 25th.
After an engaging day of workshops and collaborative sessions, unwind and continue the conversations over delicious food and refreshments at our Catalyzing Connections Mixer.
This catered networking event offers the perfect opportunity to make new connections, catch up with fellow innovators, and discuss potential partnerships or investment opportunities arising from the day's activities.
Help yourself to a spread of appetizers, small bites, and beverage selections as you mingle with like-minded professionals from the Catalyst ecosystem and beyond. The relaxed atmosphere provides an ideal setting for informal networking and following up on ideas generated during the working sessions.
Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking funding, an investor exploring new ventures, or simply passionate about driving impactful projects forward, this mixer allows you to form meaningful connections. Swap contacts, share insights, and forge relationships that could catalyze the next stage of growth for groundbreaking initiatives.
Don't miss this chance to cap off an insightful and productive day by catalyzing new connections that could propel innovative ideas to new heights. The future is brightest when we come together over drinks and dialogue.