From Ideas to Investment

Startup Success Secrets: Funding, Innovation & Long-Term Growth

What does it really take to turn a big idea into a thriving business? In this high-value session, veteran investors Jim Chappell and Gayathri Radhakrishnan share over 55 years of combined experience helping early-stage startups secure funding, refine their ideas, and scale with intention.

From evaluating the viability of your concept to understanding what investors want to see, you’ll get an insider’s perspective on what it takes to launch and grow a successful venture—especially in today’s fast-moving market.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ How to assess and refine your startup idea
✅ What early-stage investors are really looking for
✅ Strategies for raising capital and securing funding
✅ How to scale sustainably for long-term success

Meet the Panelists:

🔹 Jim Chappell – DoublEagle Management Group
🔹 Gayathri Radhakrishnan – Hitachi Ventures

🎤 Moderator: Clare Dubé – Founder, SMARTchats®