WFN 2026 Launch Event

Join us for a conversation with:

• Madelin Williams, Director, Silicon Valley Bank for an overview of current deal flow stats.

• Sarah Chambless, Partner at DLA Piper, focused on rapidly scaling technology companies and their investors.

• Michael Jones, Founding Partner of Science Inc, a venture fund and studio focused on building the next generation of companies shaping the future. Mike’s current portfolio includes Liquid Death, Pray.com and Final Boss Sour.

• Moderated by Renée LaBran, Co-Founder of Women Founders Network

Learn what it takes to get funded from a company performance perspective — including the traction, metrics, and milestones that matter most when you’re just getting started. We’ll also break down current deal flow trends so you understand today’s funding landscape and how to position your startup within it.

Plus, get all the details about the WFN Fast Pitch competition — including how to apply, what judges look for, and how this opportunity could accelerate your growth.

If you're serious about turning your early momentum into real capital, this session is for you!

PANELISTS:

Madelin Williams, Director, Silicon Valley Bank

Madelin Williams is a Director in SVB’s Technology Banking practice in Los Angeles where she is responsible for serving the LA tech community with tailored lending solutions, commercial banking services, and acting as the connective tissue between investors, innovators, and ecosystem partners. Since joining SVB in 2018, she’s held various roles in Los Angeles and today manages the Consumer Technology Growth Portfolio in the region. Madelin began her career at General Electric Capital in New York, NY and earned her BA in Economics from Boston College. When not working, Madelin spends her time trying all the fabulous restaurants across LA.

Sarah Chambless, Partner, DLA Piper

Sarah Chambless is a trusted advisor to rapidly scaling technology companies throughout their life cycle, and their venture capital and strategic investors. She guides growth-stage startups as they navigate equity and debt financings, secondary liquidity transactions, strategic joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate structuring and compliance. She also has experience in the planning, structuring, and formation of venture capital funds, incubators, and venture studios for institutional and corporate investors. Sarah serves as a trusted advisor to companies in a diverse array of industries, spanning from aerospace, defense tech and dual-use software, hardware and materials science to fintech, climate tech, autonomous vehicles and digital health. Sarah frequently engages in mentoring initiatives, speaking engagements, and guest lectures at incubators, accelerators, business organizations, and universities within the broader Southern California ecosystem.

Michael Jones, General Partner, Science Inc.

Michael Jones is a General Partner at Science Inc., a venture studio behind $3.5B in exits that builds and co-founds companies from day zero, often as the largest or majority owner. Science has created category-defining brands including Dollar Shave Club, Rover, and Liquid Death. Michael continues to build companies such as Final Boss Sour and Sorted, and currently serves on the boards of Liquid Death, Pray.com, and Mindset Care. A former CEO of MySpace and AOL’s youngest SVP, Michael is a recognized authority and frequent public speaker on founder psychology, the human traits behind outsized outcomes, and how AI is reshaping self-reflection, identity, and modern company creation.

Panel Moderator:

Renée LaBran, Co-Founder of WFN / Investor / Board Director

Renée LaBran is a seasoned executive, investor, and Board Director with financial and digital expertise. She currently serves on the Boards of B. Riley Financial (NASDAQ: RILY), and Idealab. In recent years, she has also served on the boards of Guidewell Education, Sambazon, Inc, TomboyX, and was Gov. Brown's appointee to the Board of the State Bar of CA (regulatory board) as a non-attorney public member, where she was been instrumental in the turn-around of the organization and the board itself. In addition to her boards, Renee is an adjunct professor at UCLA Anderson Business School, consults on strategy and M&A, and advises many early-stage entrepreneurs.

Agenda:

5:30-6:30  Networking Reception - food, wine & beverages will be served

6:30-6:40  Opening Remarks & Introductions

6:40-7:20  Moderated Panel Discussion

7:20-7:30  Q&A and Closing Remarks

Location:

Silicon Valley Bank

1437 7th Street

Suite 300

Santa Monica, CA 90401

Thanks to Silicon Valley Bank for hosting us!

Parking:

There are a few options nearby:

SP+ Parking, 601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

SP+ Parking, 1323 5th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Santa Monica Main Library Parking Garage, 601 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Your ticket includes food, wine & beverages