Mapping the future and identifying the right path for funding is tough for any startup team. But it can be especially daunting for advanced-tech or hard-tech founders with academic and engineering minds, who also face unique challenges around research, operations, and regulations that make it difficult to map the future with confidence.

In a startup world that feels full of mentors, investors, and advice articles comparing your company to software giants, healthy growth and fundraising can feel impossible. More than ever though, the world desperately needs to invest in new technology and physical products that will create sustainable, tangible change! And there is hope: many grant opportunities still exist, and innovative Venture Capital firms are turning toward the world of advanced technology. But to invest with confidence, these funders need a clear understanding of your vision of the future, and it's your job to communicate that vision.

In this interactive workshop, we'll move through proven future mapping and financial modeling processes designed specifically for advanced-tech and hard-tech companies (bring your laptop!). Whether you're just starting our or in the middle of a round of fundraising, you'll come away with a clear plan for the future, a specific funding ask, and a powerful story to share with grantmakers and investors.

This workshop is led by Colorado entrepreneur Allie Reitz, who currently works with VC firm gener8tor and the City of Greeley to run the gBETA Greeley accelerator, helping agricultural technology and manufacturing startups plan and raise funding for future growth. Allie is an "Entreprenerd" with 10 years of entrepreneurial experience in various industries. Through her company Meep, she has built the Launch Academy accelerator and delivers innovative entrepreneurship curriculum for hackathons, pitch competitions, and colleges. Her passion for building inclusive startup communities shows through her work as a lead organizer of 1 Million Cups in multiple cities, and as a partner with SVP Denver, helping to stand up their new COIIN impact investment initiative.