SSM cosponsored a Founders Live pitch contest and a panel titled "How to Scale and Build Out Startup Teams After a  Financing Event."  As more early stage startups receive larger amounts of investment at the seed and Series A than ever before, the next question becomes, how does a founder grow and scale startup teams and preserve enough financial runway for a rainy day? The  informative panel discussed topics such as how to attract and retain diverse talent, how to ensure that your financial runway is sound in times of expansion, and how to best work with your investors after a raise to ensure success.  Panelists included Lindsey S. Mignano of SSM, Jacquelynne Suguitan of Trinet, Danielle Delancy of Wilmot Ventures, Vijay Rajendra of 500.global, and Roy Lu of Hashkey Capital. SSM, Trinet, and Burkland sponsored dinner and drinks for this event.
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Kelly Lawton-Abbott of SSM presented on a panel entitled "Ride the Wave: Alternative Financing to VCs in 2023". Our expert panel dove into the tough questions and provided insights into what sources are available to you. SSM, Trinet, NowCFO, and First Republic Bank are sponsoring appetizers and drinks for this event. Panelists included: Kelly Lawton- Abbott of SSM, Bob Wallach of the Alliance of Angels, Owen Carton of NowCFO and Kevin Gunter of Alternative Capital Solutions. 

Teela Smith of SSM, Cassidy Chrivers of Barron & Newburger, and Christopher A. Karachale of Hanson Bridgett spoke on a panel moderated by Katherine Zarate Dulany of Zarate Dulany Law regarding options available to leverage help from other attorneys, along with various corporate, tax, and legal ethics considerations when forming partnerships and other associations. ​

Kelly Lawon-Abbott of SSM MC'd as the Seattle City Leader for Founders Live Seattle.  There was a special interview with Melissa Reaves from Story Fruition, LLC, about her upcoming book, "The Storyteller's Mind Movie: Become an Emotionally Connected Leader Through Your Storytelling Skills."  After the interview, guests joined for drinks, networking, and voting and chose one of five startups to win the top prize for this Founders Live Pitch Contest.

In her capacity as a Director for the Stanford Alumni Association's Women's Impact Network, Lindsey S. Mignano organized an online fireside presentation/chat with three personal and business coaches, Eli Blair, Jessie Arora, and Briona Ned.  They answered such questions as how to set your goals in life and work, and how to make (and keep) New Year's resolutions that actually work this time.