About this Event
Growing a business means making high-stakes decisions about capital, technology, and expertise, usually with limited time and resources. The right partners can take much of that risk off your plate.
Join AWS, Silicon Valley SBDC, and Emumba at Plug and Play for an evening focused on three things growing businesses need:
● Non-dilutive Funding from AWS Partner. Learn about AWS programs, including credits and partner-funded proof-of-concept projects, that help eligible businesses build without giving up equity.
● Engineering expertise from Emumba. Meet the AWS Advanced Tier Services Partner that helps companies take AI and cloud initiatives from idea to production.
● Business advisory from SBDC. Get guidance on strategy, funding readiness, and growth from Silicon Valley SBDC advisors.
You’ll also hear from investors, executives, and founders who have grown through partnerships. You’ll leave with new connections and a clearer picture of the support available to your business.
What to Expect
Panel: De-Risking Startups Through Partnerships
Three perspectives on building a business that partners and investors want to back:
● A senior technology executive on how aligning with large companies creates business value
● An investor on structuring your company to improve your funding prospects
● A serial entrepreneur on the dos and don’ts of building a startup
Startup Showcase
Three founders share how they navigated funding, technology, and scaling: what worked, what didn’t, and which partnerships made the difference.
Interactive Breakout Sessions
Go beyond presentations and engage directly with AWS, SBDC, Emumba, and invited experts in small-group discussions on the challenges that matter most to you. Expect conversations on non-dilutive funding and funding readiness, raising capital, scaling through partnerships, and taking product and technology initiatives from concept to production. Final sessions will be shaped by what registrants tell us they need, and you’ll choose your preferred session after you register.
Topics include:
● Funding & Business Support: Explore AWS programs, SBDC advisory resources, and funding readiness.
● Raising Capital in the AI Era: Understand what investors look for and how to position your business.
● Scaling Through Partnerships: Explore how strategic and channel partnerships can unlock new opportunities.
● AI, Cloud & Engineering: Discuss technical challenges, product development, and pathways from concept to production.
Networking and Refreshments
Connect with founders, investors, business leaders, and the AWS, SBDC, and Emumba teams over food and drinks.
Agenda
- 5:00–5:30 PM — Check-in & networking
- 5:30–5:35 PM — Welcome
- 5:35–5:50 PM — Partnership overview: AWS, SBDC, and Emumba
- 5:50–6:30 PM — Panel: De-Risking Startups Through Partnerships
- 6:30–6:50 PM — Startup showcase:
- 6:50–7:20 PM — Curated breakout sessions
- 7:20–8:00 PM — Networking and refreshments
Who Should Attend?
Founders, business owners, executives, and decision-makers who are:
● Building (Under $1M): Validating an idea, launching a startup, or developing your first product.
● Growing ($1M - $5M): Acquiring customers, improving operations, and exploring funding opportunities.
● Scaling (Over $5M): Expanding into new markets, adopting AI, modernizing technology, or accelerating business growth.
Build the Right Connections. Take the Next Step.
Whether you're exploring funding, developing a new product, or preparing to scale, this evening is an opportunity to meet the people and discover the resources that can help move your business forward.
FAQs
What will I take away from this event?
Practical insights from investors, technology leaders, and founders, a clearer picture of the resources available to your business, and connections that can help you take your next step.
Is this event relevant to a specific industry?
No. It’s designed for startups and growing businesses across industries. Whether you’re building a technology product, expanding a services business, or scaling an established company, the discussions focus on common challenges: accessing capital, adopting technology, building partnerships, and scaling operations.
Do I need to be an AWS, SBDC, or Emumba customer to attend?
No. The event is open to all businesses.
How do I know if I qualify for AWS funding programs?
Eligibility depends on each program’s requirements and your company’s stage and plans. Tell us about your business when you register, and connect with the AWS and Emumba teams at the event to learn more.
Emumba is an AWS Advanced Tier Services Partner helping SMBs build, modernize, and scale their technology, operations, and customer experiences with AI, cloud, and emerging technologies on AWS.
From building secure AWS foundations to solving complex AI challenges, Emumba operates as a product engineering partner, combining hands-on engineering depth with the speed, adaptability, and ownership needed to turn ambitious ideas into real-world systems. With the AWS AI Services Competency, Emumba helps organizations move quickly and build with confidence, whether they are launching new digital products, scaling internal platforms and operations, modernizing legacy systems, or operationalizing Generative AI.
Event venue & nearby stays
Plug and Play Tech Center, 440 North Wolfe Road, Sunnyvale, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.