January 29, 2025, Austin, TX — Today, VentureLab announced it will be holding its fourth annual fundraising gala on April 12, 2025 at Assembly Hall located in East Austin. Ready, Set, Startup! is a special evening meant to celebrate, connect, and support the next generation of diverse innovators and changemakers.
VentureLab is a nonprofit organization that works on providing ESTEAM® programming, teaching students skills in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics under the lens of entrepreneurship.
Presented by lead sponsor Brown Advisory, Ready, Set, Startup! is a one-night event where Austin’s startup community and ESTEAM champions will raise funds to directly support youth entrepreneurship educational programs, especially for those who might otherwise miss these opportunities.
“I’m thrilled to serve as honorary chair of Ready, Set, Startup! because VentureLab’s mission is near and dear to my heart as a female founder and ESTEAM advocate,” says Amy Jackson, Founder and CEO of TaleSplash. “Attendees will love the ‘Shark Tank’ style competition, which has become a fan favorite that brings people back again and again.”
Guests at the event will have the opportunity to make an impact and participate in various fundraising activities, including a silent auction, a live auction, and a pitch game, while enjoying an evening of celebration with entrepreneurial spirit. Event sponsors include Brown Advisory, Upstart 13, Wild Basin, Atlassian, MoFo Foundation, S3 Ventures, and Wilson Sonsini.
“We had an incredible experience at last year’s gala and were deeply moved by the community’s generous support,” says Kellie Zesch Weir of Brown Advisory. “We’re excited to continue our support this year, knowing that we’re contributing to vital youth entrepreneurship education programs.”
“With Ready, Set, Startup! entering its fourth year, we are so grateful for the support from our sponsors and supporters as a whole,” says Desma Deitz, Executive Director of VentureLab. “The generosity and inspiration is felt by each and every one of the students that participate in VentureLab’s programs.”
To purchase tickets or sponsorship opportunities, visit https://app.betterunite.com/2025readysetstartup
About VentureLab
VentureLab envisions a world where every child, regardless of gender, race, or economic status, is empowered to fully participate in creating the future through entrepreneurial and STEM education. In its mission to create the next generation of diverse innovators and changemakers by making entrepreneurial education accessible to all youth, VentureLab has reached over 747,000 students, educators, and caregivers in 155+ countries and all 50 United States. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, support for VentureLab helps provide scholarships to students, schools, and organizations who want entrepreneurship and innovation education. It will provide training and coaching for teachers, business models/budgeting tools, and mentoring and materials for students without access.
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