Coming Together
The community came together in a big way on Saturday, April 6th for VentureLab’s third annual, Ready, Set, Startup! presented by Brown Advisory.
Our goal was threefold: to inspire attendees with our impactful work, have fun, and raise $200,000 to further our cause. Not only did we meet these objectives, but we also exceeded our fundraising goal by raising over $250,000! This achievement is a testament to the power of community and shared purpose in fostering youth entrepreneurship education.
A Night of Joyful Celebration
Ready, Set, Startup! was a celebration of entrepreneurship. From great food and drink to amazing live and silent auctions, and notably, an engaging pitch competition, the evening buzzed with energy. However, it was the pitch game that truly stole the spotlight. The surprise Kids Team, with their inventive smoothie-making bicycle, took the innovation game up a notch, earning the crowd’s favor and showing everyone the potential of young minds and the importance of our mission.
The Ongoing Journey
Though the event has ended, our journey continues. The overwhelming success of Ready, Set, Startup! has only bolstered our determination to reach even more students and educators across the country. It’s a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to join us in our mission. Your support, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, is invaluable as we continue to pave the way for the next generation of diverse innovators and change-makers.
Heartfelt Gratitude
Thank you to everyone who made Ready, Set, Startup! an unforgettable experience. From our extraordinary Honorary Chairs, Kellie and James Weir, to our sponsors: Brown Advisory, Wild Basin, Atlassian, ZenBusiness, DLA Piper/Alexa & Jonathan Polenz, Wilson Sonsini, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, 80/20 Foundation, TaleSplash, Tivity, BOXT , LALO Tequila, Hi Sign Brewing, SXSW, Renu Well, Hotel Ella, Kendra Scott, milk+honey, Love Talla, Ron Yates Wines and Party Snaps Photo Booth. And thank you to our amazing planning committee, our Board of Directors, and every attendee who contributed their time and treasure—we are so grateful. Your belief in the transformative power of entrepreneurship education fuels our continued success and impact.
Join Us in Changing the Face of Entrepreneurship
As we look ahead, we’re energized by the possibilities. Together, we can cultivate a world where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to innovate, create, and develop resilience through entrepreneurial mindsets.
Relive the magic of the evening through our event photos below and click through our fun photobooth snaps. Let’s continue to inspire, empower, and innovate—for our children and their future.
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With heartfelt thanks,
The VentureLab Team
