On July 14, 2025, Los Angeles will host a groundbreaking tech investment summit called Power Forward, where innovators in the sports, entertainment, and real estate technology sectors will come together to pitch their ideas to leading investors. At the heart of this initiative is Stacy Spikes, co-founder of MoviePass and author of the influential book "Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider," who will serve as the headline speaker.
Presented by Equity Angels, a foundation committed to enabling equitable opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs, Power Forward aims to address the significant funding gap in high-growth markets. Despite the sports tech, entertainment tech, and proptech sectors boasting a staggering combined valuation of $847 billion, less than 2% of venture capital funding typically reaches founders from marginalized backgrounds. This summit seeks to change that narrative, providing a platform for budding entrepreneurs.
"The numbers are clear — these markets hold massive untapped potential," stated Maximillian Diez, General Partner at Twenty Five Ventures, emphasizing the need for more diverse investment opportunities. This summit is particularly exciting as it features a $100,000 funding competition, encouraging startups to contend for coveted investment from prominent investors like Twenty Five Ventures, alongside other collaborators.
The event's format moves beyond the standard networking structure; it introduces an interactive investment experience. Startups will go through a stringent selection process, presenting their pitches directly to a handpicked group of active investors, ensuring real-time feedback and fast-tracking potential funding opportunities. Some of the innovative companies that are already set to participate include PairGap, Reeku, Convierge, Chambr, Goby Homes, among others. Each of these firms is poised to showcase their products or services in categories such as sports technology, entertainment technology, and real estate technology, aiming to capture the attention of the investors present.
The summit’s agenda will be rich with industry insights. Alongside Stacy Spikes, renowned figures including Patrick Lee, co-founder of Rotten Tomatoes, and Thai Randolph, Co-Founder of HARTBEAT, will engage attendees with their knowledge and experiences in entrepreneurship and leadership.
Wider discussions will delve into essential topics such as the staggering $84 trillion wealth transfer altering investment patterns, the transformative potential of AI in content creation and monetization, and evolving initiatives addressing homeownership accessibility. Panel discussions also emphasize the growing opportunities in women's sports and the importance of innovative technologies in enhancing fan engagement and athlete performance.
Power Forward is set to be a landmark event, bridging the gap between investor curiosity and the innovative solutions being crafted by tomorrow's entrepreneurial leaders. As the landscape of investment broadens to include diverse voices and perspectives, this summit will play a crucial role in fostering the next generation of successful businesses.
Event Details:
- - What: Power Forward Summit
- - When: July 14, 2025
- - Where: Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles
- - Format: Investor roundtables and main stage presentations including a $100K funding competition
This invitation-only affair aims to connect thriving startups with investors who are eager to support fresh ideas and enhance market diversity. Startup companies and ecosystem partners can register through the Equity Angels website to partake in this innovative endeavor.