1PHL Startup Summit
The 1PHL Startup Summit will be a signature, can’t-miss event of Philly Tech Week bringing together thought leaders, founders, investors, and innovators for an unforgettable afternoon at one of the city’s most dynamic venues. Designed to spotlight emerging trends across startups and technology, the Summit will feature high-impact turfside chats, panels, and conversations alongside curated opportunities for networking and connection.
This event is hosted by 1Philadelphia and made possible by our lead sponsor, Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, and additional supporters, including:
Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Event Schedule
1:30 PM: Doors Open for all attendees
2:00 - 2:10 PM: Welcome and Opening Remarks
Kick off the summit with opening remarks that set the stage for the day ahead. Hear an overview of key themes, goals, and what to expect as we convene leaders, founders, and partners shaping the future of innovation.
Speaker: Danae Mobley, CEO, Coded by:
2:10 - 2:50 PM: Turfside Chat #1: The Build vs. Buy Signal: How Enterprises Decide presented by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs
As innovation cycles accelerate, enterprise teams are under increasing pressure to make the right decisions faster. One of the most critical and often misjudged questions is not just what to invest in, but when to build, buy, or partner. This session explores how leading organizations consider these decisions. Speakers will share how to assess factors like speed to market, internal capabilities, cost, and long-term differentiation to determine the right path at the right time.
Drawing on insights from Comcast NBCUniversal and broader enterprise experience, the discussion will provide practical guidance on identifying decision triggers, avoiding common missteps, and knowing when partnership can unlock greater efficiency and impact than going it alone.
2:50 - 3:00 PM: The Audible - Staying Discoverable in the Age of AI
As AI rapidly reshapes how people search, discover, and evaluate companies, founders can’t rely on yesterday’s playbook. In this lightning talk, we will break down how emerging AI search experiences are changing what it means to be discoverable and what founders can do today to stay visible and relevant. Think of it as calling an audible: learning when and how to pivot your strategy mid-game so your startup stays top of mind as the rules evolve.
Speaker: Alisa Scharf, VP of AI & Innovation, Seer Interactive
3:00 - 3:40 PM: Turfside Chat #2: The Invisible Systems Behind Scaling Companies presented by J.P. Morgan
The most successful startups aren’t just powered by great ideas, they’re built on invisible systems that enable them to learn faster and scale smarter than everyone else. This session pulls back the curtain on the unseen infrastructure that separates companies that stall from those that break out. From data pipelines and identity frameworks to knowledge management and internal decision systems, panelists will explore how the best teams design their companies to win.
Speakers:
Shelton Mercer, Co-Founder, Audigent and CEO, Virtuous Innovation
Vanessa McGrath, Chief of Staff and General Counsel, Burro
Joseph Biancaniello, Executive Director, Innovation Economy, Technology, J.P. Morgan
3:40 - 3:50 PM: The Timeout: Interactive Intermission
Stay with us during a 10-minute interactive intermission with a live game and giveaway celebrating Philly's Technical.ly's 2026 RealLIST Startups.
3:50-4:05 PM: The Highlight Reel
Catch the highlight reel, where you’ll get a front-row seat to some of Philly’s emerging startups. In these interview-style spotlights, founders share quick demos and key insights into what they’re building.
4:05- 4:50 PM: Turfside Chat #3: Raising Venture Capital in Practice: Key Decisions and Common Missteps
Founders often hear that fundraising advice depends on timing, market conditions, and context. And while that’s true, some principles consistently hold. More importantly, there are common missteps that derail founders again and again, regardless of the environment. This panel cuts through the noise to focus on what actually matters: the key decisions that shape a successful raise and the mistakes that can quietly undermine it. Join experienced investors and operators as they share practical insights to help you navigate venture capital. Speakers include:
Ellen Weber, Executive Director, Robin Hood Ventures and Mid-Atlantic Diamond Ventures
Brett Topche, Co-founder and Managing Director at Red & Blue Ventures
Scott Nissenbaum, President & CEO, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Sylvester Mobley, Managing Partner, Plain Sight Capital - Moderator
4:50 - 5:00 PM: Closing Remarks
Join us for closing reflections, highlighting key takeaways from the day and a forward-looking perspective on the future of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaker: Jen Gilburg, Deputy Secretary of Technology and Entrepreneurship · Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
5:00 - 6:30 PM: The Victory Lap: Afterparty on the Turf
Celebrate the day’s conversations and connections at our closing afterparty on the turf. Continue networking with fellow attendees, speakers, and partners in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
1PHL Playground
The Summit doesn’t end… it levels up.
Continue the momentum at the official Startup Summit Afterparty, the 1PHL Playground, where the real connections happen. Check out the full schedule and details here.
For more information on Philly Tech Week, please visit the website.
About 1Philadelphia
1Philadelphia is an initiative led by Coded by: focused on providing the support tech entrepreneurs need to launch and scale in Philadelphia. By connecting startups to capital, education partners, and resources, we help drive startup creation, increase private investment, and reinforce the city’s competitiveness in the national innovation landscape. 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.