Mark Penn to Lead Insights at Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Startup World Cup

Mark Penn to Address Entrepreneurs at the Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Startup World Cup Regional

On September 12, 2025, the Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs (HAE) are set to welcome back one of their own, Mark Penn, a distinguished Harvard alumnus, as the headline speaker at the HAE Startup World Cup Regional. The event will take place at the Martin Conference Center located within Harvard Medical School in Boston, and will provide an invaluable networking opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Mark Penn is not just a Harvard graduate, but also a well-respected strategist and author known for his influential book, Microtrends. He currently serves as the Chairman and CEO of Stagwell, a marketing transformation company. His work is pivotal in interpreting small yet impactful behavioral changes that can indicate larger market trends. During the Fireside Chat, which will be moderated by his fellow classmate Bill Reichert from Pegasus Tech Ventures, Penn will share his insights into identifying emerging trends and adapting them into actionable strategies for businesses.

"Bringing Mark to the HAE Startup World Cup Regional shines a light on the practical application of trendspotting and how entrepreneurs can transform observations into strategic business decisions," said Regina Ryan, President of HAE. Founders attending this session will gain crucial tools that can elevate their approaches to product development, pricing strategies, and market entry tactics.

Bill Reichert emphasized the importance of recognizing patterns in business, stating, "Exceptional founders are skilled at identifying patterns. Mark’s insights can directly inform funding decisions and fuel growth in startups."

The Startup World Cup Regional isn't solely about discussions with successful figures; it also offers a platform for twelve distinguished startups founded by Harvard alumni. These startups will compete for the chance to advance to the grand finale in Silicon Valley, where they will vie for a staggering $1 million investment prize from Pegasus Tech Ventures. This competition is recognized globally as a premier startup pitch event, featuring over 100 regional competitions across more than 60 countries.

For those unable to attend in person, the HAE has arranged a global livestream to ensure that innovators from around the world can tune in and engage with the thought leader discussions and startup pitches.

Event Details:

- Venue: The Martin Conference Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Date: Thursday, September 12, 2025
- Audience: Founders, investors, alumni, and members of the global innovation community
- Tickets: Available for purchase at HAE Startup World Cup Event

Media Inquiries: Members of the media seeking credentials or interview opportunities with Mark Penn, Bill Reichert, or finalist founders can reach out to Regina Ryan at [email protected]

The Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs is an esteemed alumni organization from Harvard University that supports founders through a network of 22 global chapters, accelerators, and various programs aimed at nurturing innovative ideas. The Startup World Cup Regional marks an exciting new phase in showcasing alumni ingenuity and expanding access to global funding opportunities for emerging businesses.

For more information about Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs and their initiatives, visit www.harvardae.org.

The Startup World Cup is organized by Pegasus Tech Ventures, a venture capital firm deeply embedded in Silicon Valley with over $2 billion in assets under management. They uniquely offer a model for Venture Capital-as-a-Service (VCaaS), enabling large corporations to collaborate with pioneering tech startups. Don't miss this chance to learn from the best and witness the future of entrepreneurship unfold live!