Getting Traction from the Early Start - by AWS x Fusion x Pearl Cohen
An exclusive morning session for early-stage founders on how to secure design partners, validate demand, and build real traction from day one.
Hosted by Fusion VC in collaboration with AWS & Pearl Cohen.
Why Attend?
Design partners are often the difference between a promising idea and a fundable company.
In this session, experienced founders & leading VCs will share:
How to approach and secure your first design partners
What investors actually look for as "early traction"
How to turn pilots into long-term customers
Common mistakes founders make at the pre-seed and seed stages
Practical, honest, and grounded in real startup experience.
09:00 – 10:00 | Arrival, Morning Snacks & Networking
10:00 – 11:00 | Founders Panel
Real stories from founders who turned early conversations into real traction.
Adi Elimelech – CTO & Co-Founder, Jedify
Dor Vardi – CEO & Co-Founder, Samplead
Jonathan Attias – CEO & Co-Founder, GYRO
Ravit Netzer, PhD – CEO & Co-Founder, Scala Biodesign
11:00 – 12:00 | VC Panel
What design partners signal to investors and how early traction impacts fundraising.
Aaron Rinberg – Partner, Ibex Investors
Ayal Itzkovitz – Managing Partner, Pitango First
Aya Peterburg – Founder & Managing Partner, S Capital VC
Hagi Schwartz – Managing Partner, Insight Partners
12:00 – 13:00 | Open Networking
Hosts:
Amit Shechter – Principal, Fusion VC
Guy Lachmann - Senior Partner, Pearl Cohen
Monika Rozalski Lilo – Senior Startup & VC Business Development Manager (EMEA), AWS