MSIV Hosts 2nd Annual North Bay NEXT Conference
On April 25th, MSIV convened over 300 North Bay startup community members at Sonoma State University for the 2nd annual North Bay NEXT conference. The region’s entrepreneurs, community leaders, and investors gathered for a full day of programming designed to facilitate camaraderie and networking.
Entrepreneurship in the North Bay
The morning’s agenda (see the full day’s agenda) highlighted local entrepreneurs who shared their unique journeys and expertise gained through scaling their ventures. The founders revealed their lessons learned through personal anecdotes and moderated conversations. The first half of the conference programming concluded with tenured venture capitalists discussing the current macroeconomic environment and its effect on fundraising.
Small Group Lunches and Networking
An intentional priority of the NEXT conference was to facilitate networking amongst the North Bay Startup community. The extended breaks, conference page on LinkedIn, and small group lunches fostered collaboration and productive introductions.
Showcasing Innovation
Eleven founders of the region’s most innovative, early-stage companies participated in the Startup Showcase. The high-energy format allowed each presenter five minutes and five slides to introduce their venture to the community.
Local Impact: Planet & People
The day’s programming concluded with local leaders uplifting and challenging the community to innovate while purposefully uplifting those around them for the greater good and vitality of the region.
A Toast to Community
The North Bay NEXT attendees were welcomed to SSU’s Person Lawn to celebrate a marquee day of networking and collaboration for the startup community of Marin + Sonoma. The attendees were treated to beverages from local startup companies, Folksy, St. Hildie’s, West Shore Wines, Biotic Ferments, Free Spirits, and wine generously donated by Sonoma County Winegrowers.
Thank you!
Thank you to the members of the growing MSIV community of founders, mentors, and investors for actively leaning in to support our movement to create a robust local startup ecosystem across Marin + Sonoma.
This year’s NEXT conference was generously co-hosted and sponsored by Sonoma State University. Thank you to MSIV’s 2023 Platinum Sponsors Tri Counties Bank and the Francoise O. Lepage Center for Global Innovation and Gold Sponsors Cerity Partners, Redwood Credit Union, and North River Company.
