First Look SoCal 2023

The First Look SoCal Innovation Showcase is an annual conference celebrating the best very early-stage startups commercializing deep tech and life science breakthroughs from SoCal’s top research institutions. 

The primary goal is to connect founders with investors, mentors, and executives with invaluable subject matter expertise to provide credible guidance and pre-seed/seed stage funding crucial to making the often-perilous journey from lab to market.

Attendee Registration for First Look SoCal 2023 is now open, so check out the full agenda and purchase early bird tickets.

STARTUPS: The application window is now closed but please attend to meet investors and network

EVENT AND PRESENTATION FORMAT

Each startup will present a 3-minute quick pitch followed by 9 minutes of Q&A led by a panel of leading investors and subject matter experts. Celebrate and connect with investors at the cocktail reception. The event will also be live streamed to increase your exposure to our network of investors who know that First Look SoCal is the premier showcase of top early-stage startups emerging from SoCal’s best research institutions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Teams will be selected based on factors such as potential for disruption, novelty of the innovation/discovery, size of the commercial opportunity, and/or overall potential for impact.

Sponsors

Here’s what some of the startup presenters had to say about their experience in 2022

“Great place to network and meet other entrepreneurs/investors in tech”

“I like the judging panel asking questions. And great attendance”

“The number of people and companies was just right. Resist the temptation to make it larger. Invaluable opportunity to connect with people directly during breaks, etc.”

“It was a great opportunity to get more pitch practice and meet investors”