GEW: Startup Storytelling and IP: A Fireside Chat with Ruky Tijani
Founders win when stories are clear and brands are protected. In this FourthWave Forum - Global Entrepreneurship Week edition - trademark attorney and startup advocate Rukayatu “Ruky” Tijani (Founder & Managing Attorney, Firm for the Culture) shares practical ways to connect story to strategy, practice confident delivery, and make smart IP moves that support growth. Expect a conversational session moderated by Nancy Perlman, live Q&A, and simple next steps you can apply immediately.
Guest Speaker:
Rukayatu “Ruky” Tijani is the Founder & Managing Attorney of Firm for the Culture, where she provides accessible, flat‑fee trademark education and strategy to social entrepreneurs and innovative founders. A former intellectual‑property attorney in the Silicon Valley office of a top U.S. litigation firm, Ruky brings detail‑oriented trademark, copyright, licensing, and contract expertise to mission‑driven businesses. A Nigerian‑American, first‑generation professional from Brooklyn, she is a graduate of UC Berkeley School of Law and a member of the New York and California Bars. She loves to cook, sing, and hike.
Moderator: Nancy Perlman, Business & Brand Strategist / Founder, FourthWave Female Founder Accelerator
Hosted by: FourthWave (see “About FourthWave”), in partnership with the Carlsen Center for Entrepreneurship, DiverseCity Ventures, and the City of Sacramento.
FourthWave Forums is a founder‑focused series bringing conversations beyond the accelerator to the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. Come for signal‑dense insights; stay for a community that’s building venture‑backable, impact‑driven companies.
About FourthWave
FourthWave is an Accelerator for Women‑Led Technology Businesses. Investing in women is one of the most effective ways to reduce inequality and increase economic growth. Join us in changing the gender equity narrative.
About the Carlsen Center
The Carlsen center is a regional hub and platform for providing approachable and accessible entrepreneurial education, community, and support to enable startup founders of all backgrounds to explore and launch their businesses.
About DiverseCity Ventures
DiverseCity Ventures backs tech-enabled, scalable companies with positive social, economic, and environmental impact, inclusive teams, and high potential for outsized returns.
About Firm for the Culture:
Firm for the Culture helps founders and social enterprises generate revenue through social impact trademarking, copyrights, contracts, and licensing.
About the City of Sacramento
The Office of Innovation and Economic Development works to create economic mobility and opportunity for all businesses and residents. We are committed to developing a region of economic excellence by supporting and engaging with businesses and communities, increasing access to housing and by supporting a skilled workforce.