Networking and Happy Hour

Founders + People Ops: What You Really Need to Know

Date:

8/12/2025 4:00 PM

7:00 pm

Location:

10918 Technology Pl, San Diego, CA 92127

📢Q&A Panel + Happy Hour‍

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✨Join us for an open Q&A session with AmpersandPeople on what early stage startups often overlook in hiring, culture building, and compliance-and how to lay a strong HR foundation while scaling fast.

Register

Register

Get Tickets

Pitch Deck Help?

Are you a California startup developing a device, therapy, or diagnostic?

You may be eligible for 16 hours of complimentary Pitch Deck Consulting.

Agenda

4:00- 4:30 pm

*Check-in

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4:30- 5:30 pm

*Discussion and Q&A ("Founders + People Ops: What You Really Need to Know")

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5:30-7:00 pm

*Happy hour

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Prizes

1st place Therapeutic and Medtech winners will receive the following prizes:

$5,000 Tax Services

$20k in office/lab space

Digital Marketing and Branding Services (worth $5,000)

$10K in office/lab space

$25k custom UX design package from the largest femtech incubator in the US

$5,000 Legal Services

Exploratory biostatistics package: 3 reports

Membership to Mayo Clinic Innovation Exchange

Regulatory kit and Regulatory strategy consulting (Medical Device only)

$5,000 Legal fees

Two months campaign on startup program

3-day ticket to the upcoming 2025 RESI Conference

Contingent Permanent Placement ($5,000 off); Retained Search services ($5,000 off)

$5,000 of tax services

Medtech winner will also receive the following prize:

6 month Growth subscription and services package (worth up to $14K)

Learn from Subject Matter Experts

Samantha Schneider

CEO & Principal, AmpersandPeople

Samantha Schneider is the founder and Principal of AmpersandPeople, Inc. She is an established People Leader with over 20 years of experience in recruiting and human resources working with a variety of industries, and was recognized as one of BLOC’s 100 Most Impactful Women & Allies for 2025. Samantha holds a Bachelors in Organizational Communications from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

Kerry Ann Kelly

Legal Consultant, AmpersandPeople

Kerry Kelly is a licensed California attorney. She is a highly collaborative working leader who expertly balances critical, pragmatic problem solving, with a sense of urgency in strategic and tactical decision making. Kerry has a great depth of experience in employment law and HR matters, as well as general company operations. She is able to apply her understanding and skills to provide efficient, cost-effective solutions. Kerry has a JD degree from Santa Clara University School of Law.

MC/MODERATOR

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STARTUP SHOWCASE

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JUDGES

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Judges

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Startup Market

Innovative products from local founders

The Startup Market is a unique marketplace designed to promote local startups. The market provides founders with the opportunity to showcase their products and to sell directly to consumers.

Interested in a booth at the symposium?

Startup Market

Catalyst Capital Symposia

IMPACT

Activating Startups

Catalyst Capital Symposia is a platform connecting founders and funders to catalyze innovation.

This monthly forum provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain valuable insights into emerging sectors and disruptive technologies that have the potential to revolutionize human health, the environment, and society.

Through engaging discussions, informative panels, and interactive workshops, aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs and investors can learn about essential concepts, strategies, and best practices directly from industry experts.

By engaging the venture and startup ecosystem, the symposia encourages investors to be activists and empower startups with cutting-edge technology.

BECOME AN
INVESTOR-ACTIVIST

Investing in Startups

Stay ahead of the curve by joining us at the Catalyst Capital Symposia, where you can gain valuable insights into emerging technologies, spanning various industries, from tech and healthcare to sustainability and beyond.

Join the ranks of investor-activists who not only provide financial backing but also lend their expertise, networks, and influence to nurture startups, catalyzing a collective effort towards a brighter, more innovative future.

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Learn more

FUNDRAISING
&
RESOURCES

Startups: Apply to Pitch

Are you ready to supercharge your innovative startup? Don't miss this golden opportunity to bring your vision to life!

Pitch your startup to an audience of industry experts, colleagues, and seasoned investors to gain valuable insights and feedback, forge strategic partnerships and connections, secure vital funding for your pioneering project, and elevate your startup to the next level!

Apply to pitch at one of the upcoming symposiums.

SPONSOR

Connecting with Potential Customers

Position your organization as a corporate sponsor and connect with a deeply engaged audience of investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts.

Sponsorship at Catalyst Capital Symposia provides a range of advantages, such as heightened brand visibility, lead generation, networking opportunities, thought leadership, and early access to emerging technologies.

To explore the ways in which your company can benefit from sponsoring our event, reach out to us for more information.

SPONSOR

Be a Champion of Women's Health

Want to make an even bigger impact? Consider becoming a sponsor for Casino Night! As a sponsor, you'll receive prominent recognition at the event, on our marketing materials, and across our digital platforms. Sponsorship packages offer a unique opportunity to align your brand with a cause that resonates with so many.