​Generic fundraising advice rarely works if you don't fit a specific founder profile. That is especially true in today's market.

​​Advice like "running a tight process", "warming up your network", "creating FOMO", etc. is basically a catch-22 (Ex: how do you create FOMO when there is zero interest to begin with?). This kind of advice is irrelevant and not helpful to many founders.

​​Join QEDC and FirstGen for an important conversation with early stage VCs, who are also firstgen. They will discuss what investors are looking for and provide examples of what businesses  they  themselves  have invested in.  This information will give you the knowledge and tools needed to prepare a compelling reason why your new venture is something to be taken seriously and worthy of investment. 

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​​Agenda for the event:

• ​​6 - 6:40pm: Registration and mingling

• ​​6:40 - 6:50pm: Welcome & intro to panelists

• ​​6:50 - 7:30pm: Facilitated conversation

• ​​7:30 - 7:50pm: Open Q&A

• ​​7:50 - 8:50: Networking and drinks

​You can also enjoy our complimentary food and drink!

​Our Panelists

• ​Joanne Lin - Partner, NTT VC. NTT VC is an independent venture capital firm formed in collaboration with NTT that invests broadly in technology startups of all stages and sectors, with an emphasis on the future of enterprise, digital health and innovations powered by AI, machine learning and data.

• ​Antonio Osio, General Partner, ANIMO Ventures. ANIMO Ventures is a seed stage focused fund that leads pre-seed and seed rounds across the US.

• ​Ashley Aydin - Principal, VamosVentures. VamosVentures is an LA-based VC fund that invests in Latinx and diverse teams solving real problems through scalable, tech-driven companies with an emphasis on health & wellness, future of work, fintech and sustainability.

• ​Matias Barbero - Principal, FJ Labs. FJ Labs is a stage-agnostic investment firm that focuses on marketplaces and consumer-facing startups.

• ​Mat Kaliski - Principal, Acronym Venture Capital. Acronym invests in Late Seed and Series A rounds of B2B software and omni-channel consumer brands.

​Following the panel, you'll have the chance to connect with other founders, investors and supporters in both Queens Tech and FirstGen community. Whether you are just starting out or are already well on your way, we hope you'll join us for the evening. 

​This event is held by Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC), in partnership with FirstGen. QEDC has launched its 2024 Queens Tech + Innovation Challenge. It's an annual competition for early-stage entrepreneurs to have an opportunity to win a $20K grant and grow their businesses. Five winners will be selected and each will be awarded a $20K grant.

​FirstGen is an organization that helps immigrant and firstgen founders raise their first $1m in funding and get to $1m in revenue through the 4 Cs: Capabilities, Capital, Community and Customers.