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Here are the basics:

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old, or the age of majority in their state of residence. Applicants under this age must have consent and full application packet submission by their parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
• Applicants must be legal residents of the United States.
• Applicants should not have any felony convictions, nor be currently charged with any criminal felonies or misdemeanors.
• Applicants must consent to and pass a background check

The Founder’s Chair events create an environment for deeper connections between Funders and Founders. Instead of just presenting, Founders engage in meaningful dialogue about real-world challenges and opportunities.

Prior to the event, The Founder’s Chair works with Founders to craft a business summary that addresses key questions Funders have, providing insight into a founder’s leadership style, adaptability, and long-term vision. This preparation ensures that Funders can engage with Founders on a deeper, more strategic level.

We try to keep it personal. That means no traditional PowerPoint presentation or sales deck. Instead, we encourage Founders to bring a one-pager that covers key business metrics, market positioning, and growth strategies. After their initial pitch (10-20 minutes), the floor opens up to an interactive session with the Funders. This gives Founders a chance to address specific questions and receive real-time feedback from potential investors.

Each event spans three days, though Founders are only required to attend two. On the second day, each Founder is given a dedicated one-hour slot, starting with a concise presentation followed by an in-depth discussion.

This format allows Funders to ask targeted questions, gain deeper insights into the business, and evaluate alignment with their investment interests.

Founders prepare by working closely with our team to craft a compelling one-pager that summarizes their business. This process includes one-on-one strategy sessions to refine key messaging, ensure the right details are included in our Lounge, and practice answering Funder questions.

Many Founders engage in multiple prep calls leading up to the event. Beyond the event itself, Founders benefit from post-event exposure, debriefs, follow-up calls with Funders, and education on deal structures—making this preparation one of the most valuable investments they can make.

After the Founder Showcase, the conversations don’t stop. Founders and Funders continue connecting in a relaxed setting during the post-event networking cocktail hour and group dinner.

Beyond the in-person interactions, follow-up engagement continues through webinars, where Funders take a deeper dive with the Founders they’re most interested in.

This extended dialogue is a key part of the experience, fostering real relationships and advancing investment discussions that might not happen in a traditional setting.

Yes, The Founder’s Chair places great emphasis on post-event follow-ups. We organize webinars the week after each event to give Funders a chance to dig deeper into the businesses they are interested in.

Founders should actively engage Funders post-event to explore potential deals and partnerships. We also encourage everyone to stay active in The Lounge–our digital deal room software.

Not exactly. Though Funders might show serious interest at the event, the real progress happens during our 30- to 60-day deal window after the pitch. This is when Funders come together to debrief on each founder, discuss opportunities, and consider investments either individually or collaboratively.

Founders can expect feedback and potential deals to develop within this window.

Founders can apply through our website to be considered for an upcoming event.

Funders interested in participating can reach out directly for more details on involvement opportunities. Our selection process includes a short survey followed by a 1:1 conversation to ensure a strong fit.

The Founder’s Chair hosts multiple events across the U.S. each year, bringing together high-growth Founders and strategic Funders in a curated, high-impact setting.

Founders can expect feedback and potential deals to develop within this window.

The preview night is a networking opportunity held the evening before the main event. It allows Founders and Funders to connect informally before the pitches, giving them a head start on building relationships.

Founders gain valuable time to introduce themselves and their businesses, while Funders can start identifying which ventures they want to learn more about the following day.

The Founder’s Chair events primarily feature companies within the Financial and Insurance Services sector, including technology-enabled firms, distribution, and services. We focus on businesses at various stages of the growth cycle, not just startups, that are ready to scale with strategic investment.

While we’re currently sector-specific, we plan to evolve and expand into other industries in the future.

In addition to facilitating connections during the event, The Founder’s Chair helps streamline the investment process by offering structures like SPVs (Special Purpose Vehicles) to organize deals more efficiently. This helps Funders pool resources and act quickly when they see a strong investment opportunity.

While we’re currently sector-specific, we plan to evolve and expand into other industries in the future.

Our custom deal room software, The Lounge, allows you to create a profile, take an assessment, and provide detailed business information and documentation. This gets you in front of Funders well before you meet them in person.

While we’re currently sector-specific, we plan to evolve and expand into other industries in the future.