Jama Software 135 SW Taylor #200, Portland, OR 97204

Hey founders...it's time to think business! Insiders from Portland's startup scene will provide concrete tips for growth at this event. In this informative Q&A panel, we will discuss key tips to accelerate the growth of your startup. We will discuss many strategic topics:

• Choosing the right legal entity to set up your startup for investment
• Top tips for entrepreneurs looking for equity financing from angels, VCs, etc.
• Intellectual property concerns (i.e., confidential information, trademarks, patents)
• The importance of collecting and showcasing financial data for your investors
• How to choose and compensate the right team of early hires

Our panelists hail from professional service firms offering legal, financial, and HR advice for startups, and have collectively supported many early-stage entrepreneurs in the Portland area and across the country.

Agenda:

6:00: Doors open 6:30-7:30 pm: Panel discussion 7:30-9 pm: Q&A and networking

Panelists:

Teela Crosthwaite Smith is a corporate lawyer and litigator. Her practice is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build, grow, and protect their start-ups and small businesses. She provides a wide range of counseling and transactional services, including business formation, contract drafting and negotiation, funding and financing, and employment matters. Teela has also guided entrepreneurs, including venture funds, in restructuring their business ownership interests in mergers and acquisition matters.

Jessica Crannell-Menard has spent the last 4 years as Now CFO’s Northwest Business Development Manager in the Portland office. She has helped clients of all sizes — from startup to billion-dollar entities — through accounting pain-points and staffing issues. NOW CFO specializes in outsourced accounting support, and has impacted companies in industries like Construction, Healthcare, Non-Profit, Manufacturing, Food/Beverage, and several others throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Jessica also prides herself as a local networking powerhouse committed to connecting businesses with other providers.

Jean Roque is the founder and President of Trüpp, a human resources company committed to helping growing organizations thrive through consulting services, HR outsourcing, and leadership development solutions. Jean’s straightforward yet strategic approach focuses on delivering HR services that are tailored to the unique needs, risks, and business objectives of each organization while removing the complexity often associated with the HR function. Jean is honored that Trüpp has been named among the Portland Business Journal’s Top Women-Owned Businesses and Fastest Growing Private 100 Companies in Oregon for three consecutive years.

Event FAQ:

Q: What is the parking situation? A: Street parking only

Q: Is there secured bike parking? A: Yes, but limited

Q: Should I consider using public transportation? A: Yes

Purpose:

PDXWIT is a community-based non-profit organization. Our purpose is to strengthen the Portland women in tech community by offering educational programs, partnerships, mentorships, resources and opportunities. We are unifying a supportive environment for current and potential women in tech, all of whom are committed to helping each other. Our goal is to bring together and empower women in tech and to encourage others to pursue tech careers. This is our step towards reducing the gender imbalance in the industry and addressing the current negative effects of that imbalance on women.

Our events are inclusive. ALL people who support our purpose are welcome.