Washington and Lee University to Host 2025 Entrepreneurship Summit

Washington and Lee University is gearing up for its highly anticipated 2025 Entrepreneurship Summit, set to take place on campus on April 11-12. This two-day event is designed to inspire and cultivate innovative business ideas and strategies while providing a platform for networking, learning, and growth within the entrepreneurial community. Registration is now open for the entire W&L community, as well as interested guests, alumni, faculty, and staff.

The summit will feature a diverse range of presentations and panels that delve into various topics such as emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, launching consumer brands, entrepreneurial acquisitions, and building lifestyle brands. The goal is to connect, inspire, and support the next generation of entrepreneurs within the W&L community. Highlights of the event include an alumni pitch session, a student pitch competition, a mentorship luncheon, networking reception, trivia, and more. Additionally, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation will provide a $1,000 prize for a social enterprise, with the winning student being entered into a broader competition for a chance to win $10,000 and participate in mentorship activities.

One of the key features of the summit is the Student Showcase, where up to 80 students and 35 student teams will pitch their products. Jay Margalus, Johnson Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership and director of the Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship, expressed excitement about the event, stating, “We’ll have a group voting on their favorites that will be chosen for another pitch competition later that day.”

The summit will also feature distinguished keynote speakers, including Ward Waltemath ’97, managing director for the technology, media, and telecommunications group at Goldman Sachs, and Ethan Smith ’10, CEO and co-founder of Spur. Nearly 20 alumni will serve as speakers or presenters across the two days, offering valuable insights and expertise to attendees.

Waltemath, with his extensive experience in TMT investment banking and leveraged finance, brings a wealth of knowledge to the summit. Smith, on the other hand, leads Spur’s efforts in the cybersecurity space, with the company specializing in detecting network anomalies and deceptive user behaviors. Both speakers are W&L alumni who have achieved significant success in their respective fields.

The Entrepreneurship Summit has become a highly anticipated event since its inception in 2012, offering numerous benefits to participants. For alumni, it provides an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and expand professional networks. For students, it offers a chance to learn from successful entrepreneurs and gain valuable real-world insights. The summit has also led to tangible outcomes, such as internships, job offers, and mentoring relationships, as the interaction between alumni and students continues to foster meaningful connections.

Registration for the summit includes access to all programming, meals, and networking opportunities over the two days. The event is co-hosted by the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship, showcasing the university’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. For a detailed schedule of events and registration information, interested individuals can visit the summit’s website.

In conclusion, the Washington and Lee University Entrepreneurship Summit promises to be a dynamic and engaging event that brings together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, alumni, students, and industry experts. With a lineup of insightful presentations, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, the summit is set to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be a part of the W&L entrepreneurial community and take your business ideas to the next level.