Event Sessions

Schedule a 15-minute one-to-one session with one of our Grant Writing Experts! Official 15-minute time slots will be assigned the week of the event. Please sign up here for your one-to-one session. You will be emailed details on your assigned time slot, a day or two before the event. If you have concerns about time availability or which mentor you'd like to meet with, please email alex@venturecafephoenix.org.

Welcome to “AI for Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders” – a platform created to unravel the dynamic, rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its transformative implications for businesses across sectors.   In today’s digitally-driven world, understanding and leveraging AI technologies is not just beneficial—it’s crucial for growth, competitiveness, and innovation.   Whether you are a startup founder seeking to disrupt industries, a seasoned business leader aiming to future-proof your enterprise, or a curious mind eager to learn about the AI frontier, this meetup is designed for you.   Our group fosters an open, collaborative space where you can:   Learn and Grow Deepen your understanding of AI and its subfields – Machine Learning, Deep Learning, NLP, and more. Keep abreast with the latest AI research, trends, tools, and applications in business.   Engage in Thought-Provoking Discussions Participate in enriching, robust discussions on the ethical, societal, and economic implications of AI. Understand how to effectively navigate the challenges and pitfalls in AI adoption.   Network with Diverse Professionals Connect with a diverse network of entrepreneurs, business leaders, AI enthusiasts, and experts. Gain unique insights from their journeys, experiences, and perspectives.   Discover Opportunities Learn about AI success stories and how businesses are using AI to gain a competitive edge. Explore possibilities for implementing AI in your own business context.   Collaborate Find potential collaborators, partners, and mentors. Forge strategic relationships to drive your AI journey.   Get Hands-On Participate in workshops, webinars, and hackathons. Get practical, hands-on experience with AI tools and techniques.   Our meetups will feature a blend of presentations, workshops, guest speaker sessions, and networking events, catering to all levels of AI knowledge and experience. We welcome everyone interested in exploring how AI can accelerate business growth, increase operational efficiency, and foster innovation.   Join “AI for Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders” today and step into the future of business and entrepreneurship, powered by AI. Let’s navigate the AI revolution together!  

Different mentors will show up every night to the VCPhx Mentor Corner. Come by with your ask and see if someone is there and able to help. Mentors manage the timing and availability on-site, no-preregistration necessary. If no-one there fits the bill, try again the following week! This is a free-for-all, and everyone is welcome, however, please note that Venture Cafe Phoenix is an inclusive environment, we encourage everyone to be kind and no hard sales! Mentors are welcome to bring business cards to network with. Please no additional marketing materials. We will rope off a section of the lobby lounge to become the Mentor Corner. Arrive at 5pm to get checked in and find a seat in the lounge.

In our remixed open mic, join us in the lobby where our host will ask Thursday Gathering attendees quick, ridiculous questions. It’s fun, it’s improv, and so innovative it’s…icebreaking. Let’s all live our VCPhx credo and “be interesting” in this fun interactive event.

Join us live at The Venture Cafe PHX for a Product School session on Thursday, July 27th, 2023 from 5:15 PM to 5:45 PM (AZ time.) Gain insights on how to look at your product from your user’s perspective! This session is open for anyone who wants to improve their product development skills and create products that users love. While “The LEAN Startup” by Ries is a great book, it can be unclear on how to start the LEAN product journey. In this 30-minute session, we will guide you through the basics of the 2×2 method and share some additional tricks to enhance its effectiveness in helping you think like your user. Our expert, Tony Hansmann, has spent his career understanding what users want from software and services. So, join us to gain valuable knowledge and insights into creating successful products.

Christian Beaudry co-founder of Equus Innovations, will be sharing his story on how him and his co-founder started their business. What strategic decisions they had to make along the way in regards to funding. What they use to fund their idea, and lessons learned along the way.

Are you a newcomer to Venture Café Phoenix? Join us for a short video session explaining what all the fun’s about!

We are going to discuss the information that is necessary to begin to search for and locate any grants that are available for the organization.

Due to the lack of funding in the Angel and VC world, and during this more bullish economy, it’s important to know the ropes in bootstrapping a company and providing for yourself and your family on a personal level. Let’s learn the do’s and don’ts, and how to streamline this process from experienced founders Vincent Serpico and Ana Tomboulian who have done it before and are actively doing it again for their next venture. At the end, Ana Tomboulian guides you on a strategy with templates and tricks to streamline your own bootstrapping journey with minimal financial stress.

We are going to discuss how for profit organizations can connect with nonprofit organizations and how nonprofit organizations can connect with for profit organizations. They are all waiting to connect to promote the common good.

Join the BioPreneur Network at Venture Cafe Phoenix: Your Gateway to the Thriving Intersection of Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. Connect, Collaborate, and Catalyze Your Journey in the Bio-Tech Industry.

Welcome to “AI for Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders” – a platform created to unravel the dynamic, rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and its transformative implications for businesses across sectors.   In today’s digitally-driven world, understanding and leveraging AI technologies is not just beneficial—it’s crucial for growth, competitiveness, and innovation.   Whether you are a startup founder seeking to disrupt industries, a seasoned business leader aiming to future-proof your enterprise, or a curious mind eager to learn about the AI frontier, this meetup is designed for you.   Our group fosters an open, collaborative space where you can:   Learn and Grow Deepen your understanding of AI and its subfields – Machine Learning, Deep Learning, NLP, and more. Keep abreast with the latest AI research, trends, tools, and applications in business.   Engage in Thought-Provoking Discussions Participate in enriching, robust discussions on the ethical, societal, and economic implications of AI. Understand how to effectively navigate the challenges and pitfalls in AI adoption.   Network with Diverse Professionals Connect with a diverse network of entrepreneurs, business leaders, AI enthusiasts, and experts. Gain unique insights from their journeys, experiences, and perspectives.   Discover Opportunities Learn about AI success stories and how businesses are using AI to gain a competitive edge. Explore possibilities for implementing AI in your own business context.   Collaborate Find potential collaborators, partners, and mentors. Forge strategic relationships to drive your AI journey.   Get Hands-On Participate in workshops, webinars, and hackathons. Get practical, hands-on experience with AI tools and techniques.   Our meetups will feature a blend of presentations, workshops, guest speaker sessions, and networking events, catering to all levels of AI knowledge and experience. We welcome everyone interested in exploring how AI can accelerate business growth, increase operational efficiency, and foster innovation.   Join “AI for Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders” today and step into the future of business and entrepreneurship, powered by AI. Let’s navigate the AI revolution together!  

Due to the lack of funding in the Angel and VC world, and during this more bullish economy, it’s important to know the ropes in bootstrapping a company and providing for yourself and your family on a personal level.   It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but let’s learn the do’s and don’ts, and how to streamline this process from an experienced founder who has done it before and is actively doing it again for her next venture.

Venture Cafe Phoenix will be offering complimentary headshots to interested attendees at the top of Thursday Gathering.

In our remixed open mic, join us in the lobby where our host will ask Thursday Gathering attendees quick, ridiculous questions. It’s fun, it’s improv, and so innovative it’s…icebreaking. Let’s all live our VCPhx credo and “be interesting” in this fun interactive event.

Championing Healthcare Transformation through Community Engagement: Join Our Organization on a Mission to Empower Communities, Drive Change, and Enhance Healthcare Access. Together, We Can Make a Difference!

Join us live at The Venture Cafe PHX for a Product School session on Thursday, July 27th, 2023 from 5:15 PM to 5:45 PM (AZ time.) Gain insights on how to look at your product from your user’s perspective! This session is open for anyone who wants to improve their product development skills and create products that users love. While “The LEAN Startup” by Ries is a great book, it can be unclear on how to start the LEAN product journey. In this 30-minute session, we will guide you through the basics of the 2×2 method and share some additional tricks to enhance its effectiveness in helping you think like your user. Our expert, Tony Hansmann, has spent his career understanding what users want from software and services. So, join us to gain valuable knowledge and insights into creating successful products.

Join Us for an Inspiring Founder Fireside Chat with Kovey Kovalan: Exploring the Transformative Role of AI in Healthcare. Gain Insights, Learn from the Expert, and Be Part of the Healthcare Innovation Conversation.

The debut of the Scorpion Tank Healthcare Pitch Competition in Arizona is an event that promises to bring together the brightest minds in healthcare innovation! This is your chance to be part of a dynamic community of healthcare enthusiasts, visionaries, and professionals who are actively shaping the future of healthcare.   Hosted collaboratively by the Mayo Clinic and Arizona State University Alliance for Health Care, the Scorpion Tank Healthcare Pitch Competition seeks to ignite the flames of innovation, foster collaboration, and celebrate creativity within the healthcare sector.   Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur with a wealth of experience or simply someone who’s interested in soaking up the excitement of the event, all are welcome to join us. It’s an opportunity to witness cutting-edge ideas, connect with healthcare experts, and become a part of a thriving community.   Judges:   Justin Bayless, Founder and President, Journey Venture Studio Rahul Pannala, Gastroenterologist, Mayo Clinic Jenny Poon, Entrepreneur and Founder, HUUB and CO-HOOTS Chris Yoo, Ph.D., Entrepreneur, CEO, Xcellerant Ventures, Yoo & Co. Neal Woodbury, Ph.D., Vice President, Chief Science + Technology Officer, Arizona State University   Teams: Aman Anand, Ph.D – Mayo Clinic Nicholas Harris -ASU Lin Zhao, MD MPH – Honor Health Adrijana Kekic, PharmD – Mayo Clinic Candace Pless – ASU Purvansh and Rajeev Bhatia, MD. – Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Are you a newcomer to Venture Café Phoenix? Join us for a short video session explaining what all the fun’s about!

Powered by: CEI Sponsored by: Arizona Commerce Authority Brought to you by: Inspired Vibe

Different mentors will show up every night to the VCPhx Mentor Corner. Come by with your ask and see if someone is there and able to help. Mentors manage the timing and availability on-site, no-preregistration necessary. If no-one there fits the bill, try again the following week! This is a free-for-all, and everyone is welcome, however, please note that Venture Cafe Phoenix is an inclusive environment, we encourage everyone to be kind and no hard sales! Mentors are welcome to bring business cards to network with. Please no additional marketing materials. We will rope off a section of the lobby lounge to become the Mentor Corner. Arrive at 5pm to get checked in and find a seat in the lounge.

Explore Cutting-Edge Healthcare Innovation: Witness the Future of Medicine with our 3D Printing Demo on Visualizing Organ Anomalies. Join Us for a Fascinating Journey into Medical Technology Advancements and Discover the Power of 3D Printing in Healthcare!

Join us live at The Venture Cafe PHX for a Product School session on Thursday, July 27th, 2023 from 5:15 PM to 5:45 PM (AZ time.) Gain insights on how to look at your product from your user’s perspective! This session is open for anyone who wants to improve their product development skills and create products that users love. While “The LEAN Startup” by Ries is a great book, it can be unclear on how to start the LEAN product journey. In this 30-minute session, we will guide you through the basics of the 2×2 method and share some additional tricks to enhance its effectiveness in helping you think like your user. Our expert, Tony Hansmann, has spent his career understanding what users want from software and services. So, join us to gain valuable knowledge and insights into creating successful products.

The word ableism might not be in everyone’s vocabulary, but ableist language and practices are entrenched in society. This presentation highlights the definition and different layers of ableism, examples of ableist acts, and how to prevent it. Attendees will gain different perspectives and best practices to address ableism, including when such actions are by our friends and colleagues.

Innovation in Surgical Training and Elevating Patient Care: Experience ‘Better, Faster, Safer, Sooner.’ Join Us as We Pave the Way for a Quantum Leap in Healthcare Excellence!

Unveiling the Power of Humanities and Bioethics in Advancing Healthcare Innovation. Join Us to Explore the Crucial Intersection of Ethics, Humanity, and Healthcare Advancements.

Venture Cafe Phoenix will be offering complimentary headshots to interested attendees at the top of Thursday Gathering.

Different mentors will show up every night to the VCPhx Mentor Corner. Come by with your ask and see if someone is there and able to help. Mentors manage the timing and availability on-site, no-preregistration necessary. If no-one there fits the bill, try again the following week! This is a free-for-all, and everyone is welcome, however, please note that Venture Cafe Phoenix is an inclusive environment, we encourage everyone to be kind and no hard sales! Mentors are welcome to bring business cards to network with. Please no additional marketing materials. We will rope off a section of the lobby lounge to become the Mentor Corner. Arrive at 5pm to get checked in and find a seat in the lounge.

In our remixed open mic, join us in the lobby where our host will ask Thursday Gathering attendees quick, ridiculous questions. It's fun, it's improv, and so innovative it's…icebreaking. Let's all live our VCPhx credo and "be interesting" in this fun interactive event.

Join us live at The Venture Cafe PHX for a Product School session on Thursday, July 27th, 2023 from 5:15 PM to 5:45 PM (AZ time.) Gain insights on how to look at your product from your user’s perspective! This session is open for anyone who wants to improve their product development skills and create products that users love. While “The LEAN Startup” by Ries is a great book, it can be unclear on how to start the LEAN product journey. In this 30-minute session, we will guide you through the basics of the 2×2 method and share some additional tricks to enhance its effectiveness in helping you think like your user. Our expert, Tony Hansmann, has spent his career understanding what users want from software and services. So, join us to gain valuable knowledge and insights into creating successful products.

Are you a newcomer to Venture Café Phoenix? Join us for a short video session explaining what all the fun’s about!

Join us in welcoming three teams of entrepreneurs from French Engineering Centrale and Supelec Grad schools . Theses students are the finalists ( 3 start-ups projects out of 30) of the competition organized by alumni from these schools who live in the USA and have created a foundation in order to instigate in the engineering students the spirit of enterprise . The finalists will pitch on Friday ,October 20 , in front of judges who represent Angel groups and venture funds here and then on Saturday October 21 at the forum , which this year is taking place in Arizona , in front f all the alumni present and the schools ‘ representatives. At which occasion they will get some prizes . In preparation for this event, these teams will be presenting their fast pitch to the Venture Cafe community on Thursday October 19 , and will be looking for feedback from you !

AstraZenecia's BioVenture Hub executive team is visiting Phoenix Arizona this week, all the way from Sweden! Meet the CEO Magnus Björsne who will be sharing with us insights on how their innovative model for research and development (R&D) has successfully launched extraordinary companies into the highly competitive and technical pharma space with their one-of-a-kind business incubator, BioVentureHub.   The AstraZeneca team will be available after the session for questions.