Workshop & Happy Hour

Startup Spark II: Business Strategies

Date:
9/25/2025 4:30 PM
-
7:30 pm
Location:
10918 Technology Pl, San Diego, CA 92127

Ready to ignite your startup’s next phase of growth? Startup Spark II brings together visionary founders, brand strategists, and market experts for an immersive workshop designed to sharpen your business edge. This isn’t just theory—it’s tactical insight you can apply immediately.

Whether you're refining your pitch, rethinking your brand, or ready to scale, this session delivers frameworks and insights you can apply immediately. Plus, stick around for a relaxed happy hour to connect with fellow innovators and potential collaborators.

After the workshop, unwind and connect with fellow founders, strategists, and startup supporters. Whether you're scouting collaborators or just soaking up the energy, this is your space to build real relationships.

Register

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

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

Dr. Neda S. Pelar, Ph.D.

Managing Principal, Neda's Consulting

Dr. Neda Pelar holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Pathology and has specialized in researching nano-drugs and developing drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. With extensive experience in cancer research, nanobiotechnology, and project management, she has worked as a senior scientist and R&D manager at companies such as AJK Biopharmaceutical (a Startup), Nitto Avecia (a CRO), and Hycor Biomedical (a medical devices). She also holds a Project Management certification from UC Irvine. As an educator, published researcher, and PM expert, she helps startups and professionals bring their technologies to market, all while championing women’s activism and enjoying the outdoors.

Dr. Koni Scavella

Business Growth & Leadership Strategist

Dr. Koni Scavella is a bestselling author, speaker, and business growth strategist with a legacy of leadership across top pharmaceutical, healthcare technology, and software companies—spanning both startups and global enterprises. As the founder of Iconic Business Advisors and Executurn, she equips transitioning executives and emerging founders to build fundable, scalable businesses with clarity and confidence.

Through her proprietary frameworks, diagnostic tools, and branded onboarding systems, Koni helps healthcare and biopharma startups transform complex ideas into iconic brands and investor-ready business models. Her work turns disruption into elevation—making every founder’s story one of strategic growth, market trust, and legacy-building impact.

MC/MODERATOR

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STARTUP SHOWCASE

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JUDGES

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Judges

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Sponsors

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?

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.


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.