Founders Lounge
Join the NBA Foundation, Braze, and 1Philadelphia as we kick off Innovation Weekend 2026 with an evening of connection for founders, operators, and ecosystem leaders building in the Philadelphia region.
The Founders Lounge is an invite-only evening celebrating Philadelphia entrepreneurs and the NBA Foundation’s commitment to expanding economic opportunity for under-resourced founders. Connect with fellow builders and partners where community, capital, and culture come together.
Enjoy food, music from DJ NP3, and a fireside chat led by Genisha Metcalf, Head of Partnerships at the NBA Foundation, with Kenny Duncan, followed by networking ahead of Innovation Weekend.
Please note that approval is required for attendance.
Explore opportunities with our co-hosts
The NBA Foundation invests in programs, partnerships and making grants to local and national organizations that promote school-to-career employment opportunities, including job readiness, skill training, job placement, and career advancement.
Learn more about the NBA Foundation →
Braze’s Tech for an Equitable Future program provides underrepresented founders with 12 months of free access to its customer engagement platform, along with onboarding, implementation support, and dedicated customer success resources. The program is designed for growth-stage startups with established product-market fit that are ready to scale customer acquisition and engagement. Applications for the next cohort are open through January 15, 2027.
Learn more about Braze’s program and apply →
About Innovation Weekend
Innovation Weekend is where founders, investors
and operators gather for curated experiences that turn proximity into momentum. Across three days, the weekend creates the rooms, relationships, and conversations that help companies grow and ecosystems move forward.
About 1Philadelphia
1Philadelphia is an initiative led by Coded by: focused on providing the support tech entrepreneurs need to launch and scale in Philadelphia. 1Philadelphia aims to build a tech community where everyone can thrive.
Media and Photography Disclosure
By registering for this event, attendees agree to granting permission for their image, likeness, and voice to be recorded on audio or video without payment or other consideration. These recordings may be edited, copied, exhibited, published, or distributed, and waive the right to inspect or approve any finished product in which their likeness appears. Attendees also waive any right to royalties or other compensation related to the use of their image or recordings. This material may be used in various educational and promotional settings across an unrestricted geographic area.