Venture Mechanics is a coworking space and innovation center for startups and entrepreneurs in the Pacific Northwest.

Venture Mechanics Bellevue

 is a a full-day event held every two months for anyone who is interested in either joining a startup, creating their own startup, or investing in startups. Filled with workshops, pitch competitions, demo tables, sponsor expo, and more.

Panel: 30 Great Ways to Use AI for Marketing in Startups

In this rapid-fire session you'll learn from three digital marketing mavens - 

 - about the latest and greatest AI-enabled tools they've found for startups to leverage in their marketing campaigns.

Workshop: Harnessing ADHD as a Superpower in Entrepreneurship

​One in three adults are neurodivergent (85% are undiagnosed) with even higher percentages in the tech industry. This workshop will teach you how to effectively support neurodivergent team members, particularly those with ADD/ADHD. By understanding the unique cognitive strengths and challenges of neurodivergent individuals, you can implement strategies to boost productivity, improve communication, and enhance overall job satisfaction. This knowledge can lead to increased company profits, reduced employee turnover, and a more inclusive and supportive work environment. Instructed by 

 - an experienced fractional startup CFO and angel investor - will engage the panel of experienced investors on how to tread safely into the realm of angel investing. Learn how to identify promising startups, conduct thorough due diligence, and navigate the complex world of venture capital. Gain firsthand knowledge from experienced angel and VC investors  as they share their secrets to success. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting your journey, this seminar will equip you with the tools and strategies to make informed investment decisions and potentially achieve significant returns. Panelists include 

Dine-in in the Boeing Room and conference rooms with fellow attendees. Lunch will be provided or you can feel free to brown bag it.

This is a low-stakes pitch competition is an opportunity for aspiring founders to pitch their concept for a venture-scale startup. They get five minutes to pitch and three minutes of Q&A with the judging panel. The judges will cast their votes for the most promising business concept, and the audience will be able to crowdvote their favorite as well. Will the winner of the two votes be the same or different? Come find out!

The judges on this round include startup coaches 

. Will the winner of the two votes be the same or different? Come find out!

Panel: When and How To Find Your Cofounder(s)

The panelists are serial entrepreneurs who were themselves once solo founders, who can speak to their evolved philosophies on how to find the right co-founder(s) at the right time, how to split equity amongst co-founders, how founders can protect themselves against a mismatch in chemistry or if the company pivots into a different direction that requires a different founder team make-up, etc. Moderated by serial entrepreneur 

Dana is a professional pitch trainer who’s also an angel investor; she knows exactly what investors need to see in a pitch deck and hear from founders like you in a pitch presentation, so her investor-tested methods get results. The interactive 

 will guide you through the process of crafting, preparing, and confidently delivering a pitch and accompanying investor deck that signals to investors: 

Panel: How To Best Leverage Mentors and Fractional Executives 

Without the benevolent participation of mentors in the startup ecosystem most venture-scale startups would never achieve funding and eventual success. Learn about how and why mentors can assist startup founders in their journey, and then when and how to engage them more fully as fractional executives, advisory board members, and in other part-time roles when you can't yet afford to hire experienced full-time management team members. Moderator: 

Workshop: Jumpstarting Sales for Startups

Getting sales is one of the biggest challenges facing startup founders, particularly in the early stages when they are the primary salespeople  This workshop will provide startup founders with the tools and strategies they need to jumpstart their sales efforts, get market traction and scale.  Participants will also learn how neuroscience and psychology can be used to help demystify the sales process and build sales confidence and success. 

. (Note that the three panelists are also the mentor-instructors for our 

This is the “high stakes” pitch competition as opposed to the raw concept competition earlier in the day. The four presenting startups will get 7 minutes to pitch, plus 5 minutes for Q&A with the judges (experienced investors). These startups will also have demo tables at the event where potential investors, customers, mentors, etc., can meet with them after the competition. The judges will cast their votes for the best investment opportunity, and the audience will be able to crowdvote their favorite as well. Will the winner of the two votes be the same or different? Come find out! 

Introduction to the Venture Mechanics Incubator/Accelerator Program

Learn all about the patently unique incubator/accelerator model we employ at Venture Mechanics to take in highly-vetted startups, fully train their founders to run a venture-scale business, and complete their funding. This is nothing remotely like the Techstars or YC model. Hear directly from the mentors who participate in the "mentor conclave" processes at the beginning and end of a founder team's journey through. Also hear from founders currently going through the process. 

More than just a good time, founders and mentors can use this opportunity to get to know one another in a casual environment. Whether you want to speed date or spend quality time with particular individuals huddled in one of the conference rooms, this party is a great opportunity to founders to meet other founders, and mentors to meet other mentors, as well. Light dinner iand adult drinks will be served.

Venture Saturday, January 2025