A Powerhouse Slate of Professionals: Announcing the 2018 WFN Fast Pitch Judges
“Networking has been cited as the number one unwritten rule of success in business. Who you know really impacts what you know.” — Sallie Krawcheck, CEO Ellevest
True to the vision and mission of Women Founders Network, our judges span a broad cross-section of mentors, investors and business leaders focused on empowering women entrepreneurs. By competing in the WFN Fast Pitch, entrepreneurs gain invaluable visibility into the WFN network. Many of our top ten finalists have received investment from and/or built long-standing relationships with our network.
Let’s meet the Judges for the 2018 WFN Fast Pitch:
5 VENTURE CAPITALISTS
Deborah Benton — Partner, Kaktus Capital
Lori Cashman — Founder, Partner Victress Capital
Stacey Feinberg — Investor
Tracy Gray — Managing Partner, The 22 Fund
Maxi Kozler — Co-Managing Director, LDR Ventures
• • • • •
4 PRIVATE INVESTORS
JoAnn Bourne — Principal, Seabourne Capital Partners
Kimberly Kovacs — Managing Director, Arroyo Ventures
Lynda Thomas — CEO, Temple Two Investments
Laurie Weir — Investment Director, Springboard Enterprises
• • • • •
13 START-UP ADVISORS & ACCELERATORS
Darya Allen-Attar — CEO & Co-Founder WFN
Anna Barber — Managing Director, Techstars LA
Jennifer Dang — Founding Partner, PJ Tech LLP
Janine Davis — Partner, Evolution
Heidi Hubbeling — COO, Preccelerator, Stubbs Alderton & Markiles
Ronette Kite — Startup CFO, Countsy
Renee LaBran — Board Director, Idealab
Carrie Lauby — Vice President, Sandler Training
Shanita Nicholas — Co-Founder & President, LA Black Investors Club
Nancy Perlman —Founder, FourthWave
Adele Rom — Chief People Officer, Clique
Lisa Tsou — Founder, The Winning Pitch
Robyn Ward — Founder, FounderFirst
• • • • •
9 BUSINESS LEADERS
Lauren Gropper — Founder & CEO, Repurpose
Ashley Evans — Senior Manager, Advisory Services, EY
Julie MacMedan — VP, Investor Relations, Tailored Brands
Pamela Palmer — Partner, Pepper Hamilton LLP
Anne Plechner — Middle Market CFO
Cary Rubinstein — Managing Director, Union Bank
Laura Survant — Partner, Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory
Liz Sbardellati — Attorney, Greenberg Glusker
Michelle Wroan — Partner, KPMG Advisory
• • • • •
What’s up next? Our Fast Pitch is just getting started:
Each WFN event builds on itself as we’re gearing up for the final Fast Pitch Event in October. Along this journey, our finalists and audience members (that’s you!) will be learning, networking and expanding who they are as entrepreneurs. Our events go beyond panels: We give opportunities for women to benefit from shared learning by watching and interacting first-hand with the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
The Women Founders Network Top 10 will be announced July 9th
Meet the Top 10 & see their pitches LIVE! Limited tickets available! This is an amazing networking opportunity!
Dolphin Tank: Watch the Top 10 pitch and receive coaching on the spot from world-renown coaches and investors. Audience Q&A forum to follow! This is an invaluable opportunity to see styles of pitching and uncover what works.
The WFN Fast Pitch Event: This is the final event to see the polished and finalized pitches and discover what it takes to get that check!
Be sure to join our email list and we’ll see you at the next event!
The article's emphasis on networking as the top unwritten rule of success really resonates—having judges who are also mentors and investors creates genuine value beyond just competition. For founders preparing their pitches, using a free whisper transcription online tool to review and refine spoken delivery could be a practical advantage, though it works best when the recording environment is quiet and clear.
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