Female Founder Series: Balancing Events with Building Your Business

February 10, 2025

Navigating the dynamic world of startups can often feel like a juggling act—especially when it comes to balancing your time between growing your business and engaging with the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. With countless events, networking opportunities, and pitches happening every week, how can you decide which ones are worth your time? At the final panel of Arlington Economic Development (AED)’s “Elevate Your Venture: Female Founder Series,” powered by Citrine Angels and moderated by Lisa Friedlander, co-founder of Citrine Angels and CRO of NEXT by Shulman Rogers, several successful entrepreneurs and investors shared their strategies for making the most of events while still staying focused on building their businesses.

Here are some key takeaways and event recommendations for entrepreneurs looking to engage with the DMV startup scene without losing focus on their growth.

Be Intentional with Your Time

One of the panel's main themes was the importance of being intentional about where you spend your time. As Pauline Idogho, founder and CEO of Mocktail Club, shared, "Time is precious as a CEO, and you really need to evaluate what each event will do for your business." Whether you’re just starting out or scaling, being selective about which events you attend can help you maximize your ROI. Pauline suggests focusing on events that align with your business goals, whether that means meeting potential investors, networking with other founders, or finding new customers.

Christy Steele, Principal at Sands Capital, echoed this sentiment. From an investor's perspective, she finds that attending events is one of the best ways to meet new people and stay connected within the community. She encourages founders to be intentional and prepared, ensuring that they have a clear idea of what they want to achieve—whether that’s securing investment or forming strategic partnerships.

Leverage the Power of Networking

Networking is a key component of any entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the DMV region is no exception. "The beauty of this ecosystem is that everyone is willing to help," said Rachel Koretsky, CEO of Upace and the organizer of DC Startup and Tech Week. Whether it's introductions to investors or advice from fellow founders, the region's tight-knit community thrives on collaboration.

Pauline, for example, emphasized the value of "meeting people organically." Many of the connections she’s made in the DMV have led to valuable introductions, helping her business grow. Networking doesn’t always have to be transactional; sometimes, it’s about building relationships that pay off in unexpected ways down the line.

Attend Key Events for Strategic Growth

While every event offers different benefits and should be tailored based on your specific industry and/or needs, some stand out for their ability to connect entrepreneurs with investors and other key players in the ecosystem. Rachel Koretsky pointed to DC Startup and Tech Week, a flagship event for thousands of founders in the region. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, funding, or simply to expand your network, DC Startup and Tech Week offers invaluable opportunities for entrepreneurs at every stage. Arlington Economic Development was a key sponsor this past year.

In addition to large events like DC Startup Week, there are smaller, more intimate gatherings that can be equally impactful. Christy Steele mentioned the Citrine Angels office hours and DC Tech Meetup as excellent ways to meet potential investors in a more personal setting. These gatherings allow for deeper connections and the chance to discuss your business in more detail.

Other notable events include Seed to Table, a curated experience bringing founders and investors together, and Agora Breakfast Club, which focuses on supporting female founders and providing access to capital connections.

Be Open to Helping Others

As a founder, it’s easy to focus on your own business and its needs, but sometimes helping others can lead to unexpected benefits. The panelists all emphasized the importance of being open to offering help or advice when you can. Rachel shared a powerful story of attending a dinner for founders and funders where she mentioned that her company was looking for a new hire. That simple ask led to a successful hire and demonstrated the power of being vulnerable and clear about your needs.

Christy added that events are about "building out connections with people who you enjoy and like talking to." When you go into events with a collaborative mindset, you'll naturally build meaningful relationships that go beyond just transactional exchanges.

Key Events to Consider in 2025

AED is committed to supporting the startup ecosystem, and their 2025 event calendar is already packed with exciting opportunities. Some events to look out for include:

Blue Ventures’ Cyber Forum on February 19th, focusing on cybersecurity innovation.
Seed to Table on February 20th, a curated event bringing founders and investors together.
DC Tech Meetup in May, an excellent networking event for tech founders.

Additionally, DC Startup Week will return for its 10th year in 2025, bringing together thousands of entrepreneurs and investors for a week of community-building, education, and celebration.

Final Thoughts

As you set your goals for 2025, remember that attending events is not just about filling your calendar—it’s about being strategic with your time and leveraging these opportunities to foster growth. Whether you’re looking to secure funding, build partnerships, or simply learn from others in the field, balancing these events with the daily grind of growing your business can help you thrive in a competitive startup ecosystem.

So, take a moment to look at your calendar and identify a few key events to prioritize. Engage intentionally, make meaningful connections, and, most importantly, keep building. Your business will thank you for it.