Why We Are Hosting A 3-Day Female Entrepreneurship and Technology Weekend
Sep 25–27, Los Angeles. Call your friends and register already!
This is Casey Mruk’s interview of Pocket Sun, Founder of SoGal. Originally posted on TechDay.
First of all — What is SoGal?
SoGal is a global community of 2,000+ female entrepreneurs and investors from over 25 countries. We have grown tremendously since our first event in November 2014, and created a peer-to-peer support system to empower and connect the next generation women founders and leaders. Currently we are based in Los Angeles, and expanding to New York City, Singapore, and entrepreneurial university campuses.
Casey: What is SoGal Startup Bootcamp?
Pocket: SoGal Startup Bootcamp is a 3-day entrepreneurship and technology super fun weekend in Los Angeles on September 25–27. There are two major components to it. The first part is the Startupathon, where we will take 10 teams with new ideas to explore feasible solutions utilizing lean startup methodologies and rapid prototyping. The second part is the Bootcamp, where we will provide education for entrepreneurs of all levels of experience to acquire new skills. The event is a deep-dive experience for individuals who want to learn about different aspects of entrepreneurship and technology. We want to provide a a valuable experience for entrepreneurs at all stages!
C: Who can attend?
P: Our main demographic is millennial women, but we definitely don’t leave anyone out! SoGal is proud of our diversity, which takes all of us to join together to build. We encourage everyone interested in entrepreneurship, technology, and startups to join the party!
C: How can I benefit from this event?
P: You will gain confidence. The confidence will come from new friends that you make, new skills that you learn, new ideas that you discover, and new inspirations that you realize. I want you to walk away with a fresh perspective. To do so, we plan to set up a one-on-one entrepreneur clinic as part of the Bootcamp, so that you can set up appointments to meet our talented group of coaches and mentors.
We want to make you feel empowered and ready to take on new challenges. The impact of the event doesn’t end with the weekend, either. Entrepreneurship is hard! Our community will always be here to help you succeed.
C: What do I actually do at the event?
P: The event is divided into two tracks: the Startupathon and the Bootcamp. As a Startupathon participant, you will receive startup training, form a team, define and test your team’s startup idea, work with coaches, and finally pitch a prototyped solution. You will work with other selected participants over the weekend to understand the problem your team aims to solve using lean startup methodologies. We provide food, drinks, workspace, and an opportunity for you to shine in front of the LA startup community. As a Bootcamp participant, you can pick from a knowledge-packed menu of workshops to attend, taught by entrepreneurial experts. Topics include user acquisition, UX design, web development, growth hacking, fundraising strategy, relationship building, and more. No matter which track you choose, you will create meaningful connections with top-notch investors, founders and mentors through the luncheon, reception, and other networking opportunities. We will also have startup exhibitors to showcase their products and technologies. We promise, it’ll be a lot of fun!
C: What will be the most exciting moments of the event?
P: There are several highlights! Our Super Power Luncheon on Friday Sep 25 features Lisa Lambert (read SoGal interview), Vice President of Intel Capital and Managing Director of the $125 million Intel Diversity Fund. On Friday night, we will have a welcome reception that will feature a group of leaders in the LA tech community. On Saturday, you can enjoy beauty services, massages and other fun stuff to take a break. On Sunday, you will hear the final presentations from the 10 teams in the Startupathon. Together, we can use this weekend to accomplish amazing things!
C: How can SoGal Startup Bootcamp change things for someone?
P: We are curating the most practical, value-adding workshops for Bootcamp participants. You will walk away with concrete knowledge, helping you know where you are going next and where you can go to for help.
My hope is that the SoGal community will continue to support one another well after the event, and grow our collective success together.
Our previous SoGal event attendees reported that connections they made helped them get good jobs, find the perfect hire, build business partnerships, and even meet their co-founder. Some participants were so inspired that they decided to start a company. There’s nothing else that makes me happier!
If you would like to join our powerful group of coaches, become a sponsor/partner, or start a SoGal chapter in your area, please reach out. We are here to answer any questions at hello@iamsogal.com!
Make sure to register for the event ASAP, as it’s sure to sell out quickly!
