De-Risking for Startups Through Partnerships

De-Risking Startups Through Partnerships De-risk your build with non-dilutive implementation funds enabled by AWS through Emumba, expert guidance from SBDC, and hands-on technical delivery that takes your ideas to production. Overview Growing a business means making high-stakes decisions about capital, technology, and expertise, usually with limited time and resources. The right partners can take much of that risk off your plate. Join AWS, Silicon Valley SBDC, and Emumba at Plug and Play for an evening focused on three things growing businesses need: Non-dilutive funding from AWS Partner. Learn about AWS programs, including credits and partner-funded proof-of-concept projects, that help eligible businesses build without giving up equity. Engineering expertise from Emumba. Meet the AWS Advanced Tier Services Partner that helps companies take AI and cloud initiatives from idea to production. Business advisory from SBDC. Get guidance on strategy, funding readiness, and growth from Silicon Valley SBDC advisors. You’ll also hear from investors, executives, and founders who have grown through partnerships. You’ll leave with new connections and a clearer picture of the support available to your business. What to Expect Panel: De-Risking Startups Through Partnerships Three perspectives on building a business that partners and investors want to back: A senior technology executive on how aligning with large companies creates business value An investor on structuring your company to improve your funding prospects A serial entrepreneur on the dos and don’ts of building a startup Startup Showcase Three founders share how they navigated funding, technology, and scaling: what worked, what didn’t, and which partnerships made the difference. Interactive Breakout Sessions Go beyond presentations and engage directly with AWS, SBDC, Emumba, and invited experts in small-group discussions on the challenges that matter most to you. Expect conversations on non-dilutive funding and funding readiness, raising capital, scaling through partnerships, and taking product and technology initiatives from concept to production. Final sessions will be shaped by what registrants tell us they need, and you’ll choose your preferred session after you register. Topics include: Funding & Business Support: Explore AWS programs, SBDC advisory resources, and funding readiness. Raising Capital in the AI Era: Understand what investors look for and how to position your business. Scaling Through Partnerships: Explore how strategic and channel partnerships can unlock new opportunities. AI, Cloud & Engineering: Discuss technical challenges, product development, and pathways from concept to production. You’ll choose your preferred session after you register. Networking and Refreshments Connect with founders, investors, business leaders, and the AWS, SBDC, and Emumba teams over food and drinks. Agenda 5:00 to 5:30 PM Check-in and networking 5:30 to 5:35 PM Welcome 5:35 to 5:50 PM Partnership overview: AWS, SBDC, and Emumba 5:50 to 6:30 PM Panel: De-Risking Startups Through Partnerships 6:30 to 6:50 PM Startup showcase 6:50 to 7:20 PM Curated breakout sessions 7:20 to 8:00 PM Networking and refreshments Who Should Attend? Founders, business owners, executives, and decision-makers who are: Building (Under $1M): Validating an idea, launching a startup, or developing your first product. Growing ($1M - $5M): Acquiring customers, improving operations, and exploring funding opportunities. Scaling ($5M+): Expanding into new markets, adopting AI, modernizing technology, or accelerating business growth. Build the Right Connections. Take the Next Step. Whether you're exploring funding, developing a new product, or preparing to scale, this evening is an opportunity to meet the people and discover the resources that can help move your business forward. FAQs What will I take away from this event? Practical insights from investors, technology leaders, and founders, a clearer picture of the resources available to your business, and connections that can help you take your next step. Is this event relevant to a specific industry? No. It’s designed for startups and growing businesses across industries. Whether you’re building a technology product, expanding a services business, or scaling an established company, the discussions focus on common challenges: accessing capital, adopting technology, building partnerships, and scaling operations. Do I need to be an AWS, SBDC, or Emumba customer to attend? No. The event is open to all businesses. How do I know if I qualify for AWS funding programs? Eligibility depends on each program’s requirements and your company’s stage and plans. Tell us about your business when you register, and connect with the AWS and Emumba teams at the event to learn more.