StartUp to Scale Up, presented by Octane Capital & Growth, is your inside look at what it really takes to build, fund, and grow a successful company. Across three high-impact sessions, industry experts—from investors to legal advisors—will share the strategies, insights, and lessons that can fast-track your journey from startup to standout. Registration is free—just RSVP below to reserve your spot.

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Tuesday 5/6 Agenda

10:00 am - 11:00 pm - Meet the Funders

12:00 - 1:30 pm - Capital & Growth Lunch (sponsored by Knobbe Martens)

2:00 - 4:00 pm - StartUp to Scale Up

Meet the Funders: As part of OC Innovation Week, this exclusive session brings you face-to-face with three influential investors helping define the future of tech innovation. You'll hear directly from them as they share how they’re investing today, what trends and opportunities are catching their attention, and how founders can build meaningful connections that lead to funding.

Whether you're scaling a startup or exploring your next move, this is a unique chance to gain insider insights from those backing the next generation of game-changing companies.

Capital & Growth Lunch (sponsored by Knobbe Martens): Octane’s Capital & Growth Lunch is a curated networking experience that brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and strategic partners for meaningful conversation over a shared meal. Designed to foster relationships that fuel innovation, this lunch provides a relaxed yet purposeful setting to connect with individuals who are actively shaping the growth economy.

Attendees include early to growth-stage companies seeking capital, venture and private equity investors, and experts in business acceleration. Whether you're looking to raise funding, identify strategic partners, or explore new markets, the Capital & Growth Lunch offers a unique opportunity to build valuable connections and gain insights to support your next stage of growth.

StartUp to Scale Up Agenda

Raising Capital: Essential Strategies for Early-Stage Founders

Securing funding is a pivotal milestone for any startup, but navigating the fundraising process can be complex and competitive. Investors don’t just back great ideas—they invest in well-prepared founders who understand how to structure deals, manage financials, and build trust. This seminar brings together expert insights to help you fundraise with confidence, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your company’s valuation.

This 2-hour session will cover 3 key topics essential for founders looking to raise capital and secure the best possible terms for their startup’s future growth.


1) How to Tell Your Story: Crafting a Compelling Pitch & Investor Deck for Early-Stage Fundraising

Presented by:

• John Wiet, Director, LaunchPad SBDC
• Shaun Sanders, JD, Senior Associate Director, LaunchPad SBDC
• Misti Cain, Managing Director of Techstars San Diego, powered by SDSU

Learn how to craft a clear, persuasive pitch and investor deck that captures attention and drives investment. This session will cover key storytelling strategies to showcase your vision, problem-solving ability, and scalability—critical factors investors evaluate when making funding decisions. Gain insights into what resonates with investors and how to position your startup for success.

2) Startup Essentials: 409A Valuations, Cap Tables & Data Rooms

Presented by: RSM

• Meera Daya, Director, Valuation Service
• Michelle Borman, Washington National Tax, Compensation & Benefits - Principal

Investors expect transparency and financial discipline before committing capital. This seminar will cover 409A valuations, cap table management, and investor-ready data rooms, key elements that build investor confidence in your company and management team.

What You’ll Learn:

• 409A Valuations: Why investors care about fair stock pricing and compliance
• Cap Tables: How a clean, well-managed cap table signals strong governance
• Data Rooms: Organizing key documents to streamline due diligence

3) Understanding Key Deal Terms for Early-Stage Companies - SAFE, Convertible Notes, and Priced Rounds

Presented by: Parker Schweich, Partner, Stradling

Raising capital is one of the most critical steps for early-stage companies, and structuring your deal correctly can have a significant impact on your startup’s future. This session, led by an experienced securities attorney, will break down the pros and cons of SAFE, convertible notes, and priced rounds, helping founders make informed decisions when negotiating with investors.

What You’ll Learn:

• The key differences between SAFE, convertible notes, and priced rounds
• The advantages and risks associated with each funding mechanism
• How investors evaluate deal structures and what they expect from founders
• When to consider a priced round versus a convertible instrument
• Best practices for preparing for investor due diligence and negotiation