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

​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