The Founder's First Move: The Early Decisions That Shape Every Startup.
Most founders think the big decisions come later.
Funding strategy, board structure, hiring, financial planning. By the time they're forced to make them, they're already reacting instead of building.
This is a live salon built around the decisions that shape a company from the inside: fundraising, boards, hiring, legal, finance, brand, and operations.
This is a curated and intimate podcast recording and rotating expert salon.
Presented by J.P. Morgan - Helping venture-backed founders navigate the financial decisions that come after the term sheet.
Live Panel + Rotating Expert Tables
Host: Andy Walsh — Founder & Host, Startups Decoded
Panelist: Elizabeth Vincent — Vice President, J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Panelist: Breen Sullivan — General Counsel & Cofounder, The Fourth Effect
Panelist: Emma Usich — Investor & Cofounder, Girl Math Capital
We'll unpack:
The early structural, financial, and hiring decisions that shape a startup's trajectory
What changes once capital, a board, or structure arrive
The legal and financial blind spots that cost founders
How to build brand, hiring, and operating rhythms that hold as you scale
What the smartest founders do differently from the start
Immersive Workshop
After the panel, the room transforms. Founders rotate through themed tables: fundraising, boards, hiring, legal, finance, brand, and operations, working through challenges they’re facing alongside industry experts.
This session is designed for founders navigating the decisions that continue to shape a company long after day one. Attendance is limited to maintain an intimate room.
Format
8:30–9:00 Arrival, snacks, and drinks
9:00–9:45 Live panel and podcast recording
9:45–10:30 Rotating expert tables and networking
Who This Is For
Founders navigating fundraising, boards, or scaling decisions
Operators building the systems that hold a company together
Anyone who wants direct access to the people who've made these calls before
Thanks To Our Friends
J.P. Morgan — Helping venture-backed founders navigate the financial decisions that come after the term sheet. From capital preservation to liquidity strategy, we help companies make the most of every dollar they raise.
The Fourth Effect: Helps startups find, structure, and manage advisor relationships
Girl Math Capital: Empowers women with the knowledge and experience to make informed investing decisions across asset classes.
Corgi: Business Insurance at the Speed of Compute.