Day 1
This opening session presents a personal, unfiltered account of how one entrepreneur has navigated the highs, lows, and unknowns of building a business, as well as the impact of relationships within and with the community on their journey. This story provides the "why" behind the "how" of Community as Capital as our Summit theme.
"The arena isn't even, but community steadies you."
- Meagan Pitcher
Session Gem
THE JOURNEY UNFILTERED
Join us for a provocative conversation with three resourceful entrepreneurs who leveraged their communities or other innovative approaches to fund their businesses. Gain insights from their real-world journeys as they detail how they secured capital and provide a blueprint for a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
"When you look at the ways we’ve been shut out of funding, you have to really lean into your why...Whatever mountain I have to climb, I have to be willing to climb it."
- Ashley Crafton
Session Gem
CAPITAL PATHWAYS FOR INCLUSIVE ECOSYSTEMS
Pipeline Angels has been changing the face of angel investing for 15 years. Based on the insights gained through the training of more than 500 new angels, we’ll discuss why who’s writing the checks matters, and how the Pipeline Angels approach fosters community that opens doors.
"Did I get exposure to deals? If I didn't have access to Pipeline Angels, then absolutely not!" - La Keisha Landrum Pierre
Session Gem
WHY WHO'S WRITING THE CHECKS MATTERS
This session highlights novel approaches to unlocking more capital for entrepreneurs. Following a few brief presentations, our discussion will reflect on these models and how inclusive capital can bridge access gaps while generating strong returns for investors.
“Women don’t have only 2% of the best business ideas.”
- Alisha Griffey
“High interest is a tax on being underfunded.”
- Marvin Francois
Session Gems
ARCHITECTS OF CAPITAL
Day 2
This must-see fireside chat challenges the prevailing "grow fast at any cost" narrative. Instead of chasing unicorns, veteran investor Ed Dugger shares how he finds strong investor returns in cultivating camels – founders who prioritize capital efficiency, resilience, and sustainable business models.
“[P]rofit is your ticket to the future…I encourage our founders to think about it that way. It's not just making money for investors, it's making sure you have a future.”
- Edward Dugger III
Session Gem
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WHY I'M BETTING ON CAMELS
In this session, we'll hear from leaders in the growing crowdfunding sector as we explore how more innovators are putting community-as-capital into action. These platforms are proving that neighbors, friends, and fans can be the key to unlocking meaningful capital for networked entrepreneurs.
"Crowdfunding is not for the faint of heart...go in knowing you have to put yourself out there."
- George Cook
"Entrepreneurs [need] to understand the power of storytelling and how to focus on [it] because that’s how you win."
- Lyndsae' Peele
Session Gems
HOW FANS & SMALL DOLLARS ARE VALIDATING COMMUNITY CAPITAL MODELS
Day 3
This year’s Summit explores the strategic intersection of social networks and resource mobilization. During this fireside chat, Angelique Johnson will share insights learned from her work at InBIA, one of the largest and oldest entrepreneurial ecosystem builders.
“I want to make one distinction between a trust-spoke and a gatekeeper. A gatekeeper forms relationships and then holds [them] hostage. The foundational tenet of a trust-spoke is vulnerability, authenticity, openness, and abundance.”
Session Gem
WHY ECOSYSTEM BUILDING MATTERS
This session, "Data Matters and Conversation: Angels are the Key," explores the critical role angel investors play in sparking innovation in regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. Drawing on the 2025 Advancing Regional Innovation Economies (ARIE) Report backed by JPMorgan Chase and NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center, we discuss how high-performing metros grow capital from within, making angels the essential first believers and first capital in the startup ecosystem.
ANGELS ARE THE KEY
Session Gem
"Angels come in really with belief capital to say we believe in this entrepreneur, we believe in this business...It’s capital that really helps these aspiring entrepreneurs grasp onto that first rung so they can continue to scale the capital continuum." - Annie Spencer
This panel will explore place-based entrepreneurial support programs that lean into the power of community. Panelists will share information about their respective programs, what’s working, lessons learned, and what they are still trying to figure out. Our hope is that attendees gain insights that they can use to implement a strategy that addresses the needs in their own community.
"We were seeing a tremendous amount of talent going unrealized for no other reason but just a lack of access to capital. We just found that to be unacceptable. So we started doing some diligence and the data was undeniable. The southeast is growing rapidly..its actually outpacing growth in any other region of the country, including the coasts by 40%.”
- Kelli Saulny
Session Gem
COMMUNITY AND PLACE AS INNOVATION DRIVERS
Summit Gems
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Join us as we explore how a community-first approach can provide a blueprint for a future where the entire ecosystem works together to unlock more capital for more entrepreneurs, leading to more businesses that create more jobs and drive community wealth.
CAPITAL CIRCLES IN ACTION
About the Summit
The Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL) invites investors, allies, executives, and policymakers to join us at the Conscious Collisions Summit 2026. This is an invitation-only virtual gathering focused on understanding the systemic barriers to capital access, learning best practices from ecosystem thought leaders, and discussing the actions we can take to increase the flow of capital to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and founders who struggle most to secure it.
This year's theme, Community as Capital, will highlight how communities can create more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems by strengthening know-like-trust relationships between people whose paths would not otherwise cross. Strong relationship connectivity can open more doors for more people. Attendees will leave with a selection of pathways for making a difference for the entrepreneurs, causes, and communities they care about.
Day 1
THE JOURNEY UNFILTERED
Session Gem
"The arena isn't even, but community steadies you."
- Meagan Pitcher
This opening session presents a personal, unfiltered account of how one entrepreneur has navigated the highs, lows, and unknowns of building a business, as well as the impact of relationships within and with the community on their journey. This story provides the "why" behind the "how" of Community as Capital as our Summit theme.
Join us for a provocative conversation with three resourceful entrepreneurs who leveraged their communities or other innovative approaches to fund their businesses. Gain insights from their real-world journeys as they detail how they secured capital and provide a blueprint for a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
CAPITAL PATHWAYS FOR INCLUSIVE ECOSYSTEMS
Session Gem
"When you look at the ways we’ve been shut out of funding, you have to really lean into your why...Whatever mountain I have to climb, I have to be willing to climb it."
- Ashley Crafton
Pipeline Angels has been changing the face of angel investing for 15 years. Based on the insights gained through the training of more than 500 new angels, we’ll discuss why who’s writing the checks matters, and how the Pipeline Angels approach fosters community that opens doors.
WHY WHO'S WRITING THE CHECKS MATTERS
Session Gem
"Did I get exposure to deals? If I didn't have access to Pipeline Angels, then absolutely not!" - La Keisha Landrum Pierre
Day 2
This session highlights novel approaches to unlocking more capital for entrepreneurs. Following a few brief presentations, our discussion will reflect on these models and how inclusive capital can bridge access gaps while generating strong returns for investors.
ARCHITECTS OF CAPITAL
Session Gems
“Women don’t have only 2% of the best business ideas.”
- Alisha Griffey
“High interest is a tax on being underfunded.”
- Marvin Francois
This must-see fireside chat challenges the prevailing "grow fast at any cost" narrative. Instead of chasing unicorns, veteran investor Ed Dugger shares how he finds strong investor returns in cultivating camels – founders who prioritize capital efficiency, resilience, and sustainable business models.
WHY I'M BETTING ON CAMELS
Session Gem
“[P]rofit is your ticket to the future…I encourage our founders to think about it that way. It's not just making money for investors, it's making sure you have a future.”
- Edward Dugger III
HOW FANS & SMALL DOLLARS ARE VALIDATING COMMUNITY CAPITAL MODELS
In this session, we'll hear from leaders in the growing crowdfunding sector as we explore how more innovators are putting community-as-capital into action. These platforms are proving that neighbors, friends, and fans can be the key to unlocking meaningful capital for networked entrepreneurs.
Session Gems
"Crowdfunding is not for the faint of heart...go in knowing you have to put yourself out there."
- George Cook
"Entrepreneurs [need] to understand the power of storytelling and how to focus on [it] because that’s how you win."
- Lyndsae' Peele
Day 3
WHY ECOSYSTEM BUILDING MATTERS
Session Gem
“I want to make one distinction between a trust-spoke and a gatekeeper. A gatekeeper forms relationships and then holds [them] hostage. The foundational tenet of a trust-spoke is vulnerability, authenticity, openness, and abundance.”
This year’s Summit explores the strategic intersection of social networks and resource mobilization. During this fireside chat, Angelique Johnson will share insights learned from her work at InBIA, one of the largest and oldest entrepreneurial ecosystem builders.
This session, "Data Matters and Conversation: Angels are the Key," explores the critical role angel investors play in sparking innovation in regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. Drawing on the 2025 Advancing Regional Innovation Economies (ARIE) Report backed by JPMorgan Chase and NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center, we discuss how high-performing metros grow capital from within, making angels the essential first believers and first capital in the startup ecosystem.
ANGELS ARE THE KEY
Session Gem
"Angels come in really with belief capital to say we believe in this entrepreneur, we believe in this business...It’s capital that really helps these aspiring entrepreneurs grasp onto that first rung so they can continue to scale the capital continuum." - Annie Spencer
This panel will explore place-based entrepreneurial support programs that lean into the power of community. Panelists will share information about their respective programs, what’s working, lessons learned, and what they are still trying to figure out. Our hope is that attendees gain insights that they can use to implement a strategy that addresses the needs in their own community.
COMMUNITY AND PLACE AS INNOVATION DRIVERS
Session Gem
"We were seeing a tremendous amount of talent going unrealized for no other reason but just a lack of access to capital. We just found that to be unacceptable. So we started doing some diligence and the data was undeniable. The southeast is growing rapidly..its actually outpacing growth in any other region of the country, including the coasts by 40%.”
- Kelli Saulny
CAPITAL CIRCLES IN ACTION
Join us as we explore how a community-first approach can provide a blueprint for a future where the entire ecosystem works together to unlock more capital for more entrepreneurs, leading to more businesses that create more jobs and drive community wealth.
Summit Gems
Day 1
THE JOURNEY UNFILTERED
This opening session presents a personal, unfiltered account of how one entrepreneur has navigated the highs, lows, and unknowns of building a business, as well as the impact of relationships within and with the community on their journey. This story provides the "why" behind the "how" of Community as Capital as our Summit theme.
CAPITAL PATHWAYS FOR INCLUSIVE ECOSYSTEMS
Join us for a provocative conversation with three resourceful entrepreneurs who leveraged their communities or other innovative approaches to fund their businesses. Gain insights from their real-world journeys as they detail how they secured capital and provide a blueprint for a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
WHY WHO'S WRITING THE CHECKS MATTERS
Pipeline Angels has been changing the face of angel investing for 15 years. Based on the insights gained through the training of more than 500 new angels, we’ll discuss why who’s writing the checks matters, and how the Pipeline Angels approach fosters community that opens doors.
Day 2
This session highlights novel approaches to unlocking more capital for entrepreneurs. Following a few brief presentations, our discussion will reflect on these models and how inclusive capital can bridge access gaps while generating strong returns for investors.
ARCHITECTS OF CAPITAL
This must-see fireside chat challenges the prevailing "grow fast at any cost" narrative. Instead of chasing unicorns, veteran investor Ed Dugger shares how he finds strong investor returns in cultivating camels – founders who prioritize capital efficiency, resilience, and sustainable business models.
WHY I'M BETTING ON CAMELS
In this session, we'll hear from leaders in the growing crowdfunding sector as we explore how more innovators are putting community-as-capital into action. These platforms are proving that neighbors, friends, and fans can be the key to unlocking meaningful capital for networked entrepreneurs.
HOW FANS & SMALL DOLLARS ARE VALIDATING COMMUNITY CAPITAL MODELS
Day 3
This year’s Summit explores the strategic intersection of social networks and resource mobilization. During this fireside chat, Angelique Johnson will share insights learned from her work at InBIA, one of the largest and oldest entrepreneurial ecosystem builders.
WHY ECOSYSTEM BUILDING MATTERS
This session, "Data Matters and Conversation: Angels are the Key," explores the critical role angel investors play in sparking innovation in regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. Drawing on the 2025 Advancing Regional Innovation Economies (ARIE) Report backed by JPMorgan Chase and NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center, we discuss how high-performing metros grow capital from within, making angels the essential first believers and first capital in the startup ecosystem.
ANGELS ARE THE KEY
This panel will explore place-based entrepreneurial support programs that lean into the power of community. Panelists will share information about their respective programs, what’s working, lessons learned, and what they are still trying to figure out. Our hope is that attendees gain insights that they can use to implement a strategy that addresses the needs in their own community.
COMMUNITY AND PLACE AS INNOVATION DRIVERS
Join us as we explore how a community-first approach can provide a blueprint for a future where the entire ecosystem works together to unlock more capital for more entrepreneurs, leading to more businesses that create more jobs and drive community wealth.
CAPITAL CIRCLES IN ACTION
Summit Day 2
Item Title
This is a paragraph area where you can include any information you’d like. It’s an opportunity to tell a story about the business or describe a special service or product it offers. You can use this space to share the company history or highlight a particular feature that sets it apart from competitors.
Let the writing speak for itself. Keep a consistent tone and voice throughout the website to stay true to the brand image and give visitors a taste of the company’s values and personality.
Item Title
This is a paragraph area where you can include any information you’d like. It’s an opportunity to tell a story about the business or describe a special service or product it offers. You can use this space to share the company history or highlight a particular feature that sets it apart from competitors.
Let the writing speak for itself. Keep a consistent tone and voice throughout the website to stay true to the brand image and give visitors a taste of the company’s values and personality.
Item Title
This is a paragraph area where you can include any information you’d like. It’s an opportunity to tell a story about the business or describe a special service or product it offers. You can use this space to share the company history or highlight a particular feature that sets it apart from competitors.
Let the writing speak for itself. Keep a consistent tone and voice throughout the website to stay true to the brand image and give visitors a taste of the company’s values and personality.
Summit Day 1
Item Title
This is a paragraph area where you can include any information you’d like. It’s an opportunity to tell a story about the business or describe a special service or product it offers. You can use this space to share the company history or highlight a particular feature that sets it apart from competitors.
Let the writing speak for itself. Keep a consistent tone and voice throughout the website to stay true to the brand image and give visitors a taste of the company’s values and personality.
Item Title
This is a paragraph area where you can include any information you’d like. It’s an opportunity to tell a story about the business or describe a special service or product it offers. You can use this space to share the company history or highlight a particular feature that sets it apart from competitors.
Let the writing speak for itself. Keep a consistent tone and voice throughout the website to stay true to the brand image and give visitors a taste of the company’s values and personality.
Item Title
This is a paragraph area where you can include any information you’d like. It’s an opportunity to tell a story about the business or describe a special service or product it offers. You can use this space to share the company history or highlight a particular feature that sets it apart from competitors.
Let the writing speak for itself. Keep a consistent tone and voice throughout the website to stay true to the brand image and give visitors a taste of the company’s values and personality.
Summit Day 3
Item Title
This is a paragraph area where you can include any information you’d like. It’s an opportunity to tell a story about the business or describe a special service or product it offers. You can use this space to share the company history or highlight a particular feature that sets it apart from competitors.
Let the writing speak for itself. Keep a consistent tone and voice throughout the website to stay true to the brand image and give visitors a taste of the company’s values and personality.
Item Title
This is a paragraph area where you can include any information you’d like. It’s an opportunity to tell a story about the business or describe a special service or product it offers. You can use this space to share the company history or highlight a particular feature that sets it apart from competitors.
Let the writing speak for itself. Keep a consistent tone and voice throughout the website to stay true to the brand image and give visitors a taste of the company’s values and personality.
Item Title
This is a paragraph area where you can include any information you’d like. It’s an opportunity to tell a story about the business or describe a special service or product it offers. You can use this space to share the company history or highlight a particular feature that sets it apart from competitors.
Let the writing speak for itself. Keep a consistent tone and voice throughout the website to stay true to the brand image and give visitors a taste of the company’s values and personality.
Day 1 Conscious Collisions Summit Kicks-off at 3 p.m. (Eastern Standard)
Day 1 Welcome: Beyond the Handshake
The Journey Unfiltered
This opening session presents a personal, unfiltered account of how one entrepreneur has navigated the highs, lows, and unknowns of building a business, as well as the impact of relationships within and with the community on their journey. This story provides the "why" behind the "how" of Community as Capital as our Summit theme.
Presenter: Meagan Pitcher, Bairitone Health
Capital Pathways for Inclusive Ecosystems
Join us for a provocative conversation with three resourceful entrepreneurs who leveraged their communities or other innovative approaches to fund their businesses. Gain insights from their real-world journeys as they detail how they secured capital and provide a blueprint for a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Presenters: Q. Nicole Vanderhorst, WH Farms Co.
Ashley Crafton, Galena Innovations
Domingo Valadez, Homebase
Why Who’s Writing the Checks Matters: Insights from Pipeline Angels
Pipeline Angels has been changing the face of angel investing for 15 years. Based on the insights gained through the training of more than 500 new angels, we’ll discuss why who’s writing the checks matters, and how the Pipeline Angels approach fosters community that opens doors.
Presenters: Juliana Marques, Anthropic PBC
Colleen McLaughlin, SBX Ventures
Kina Guyton, RAPP - an Omnicom agency
La Keisha Landrum Pierre, Emmeline Ventures
Closing Remarks
Virtual Mixer: Creating ConnectionsDay 2 Starts at 3 p.m. (Eastern Standard)
Day 2 Welcome: Finding Your People
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One Size Does Not Fit All: Unlocking Funding Beyond VC
Capital is not one-size-fits-all. We’ll start today conversations with a discussion about how diversification in the capital stack can lead to a lower cost of capital for entrepreneurs and stronger returns for investors.
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Presenter: Stephanie Fowler, IFEL
Lightning Talks: The Architects of CapitalThis session highlights novel approaches to unlocking more capital for entrepreneurs. Following a few brief presentations, our discussion will reflect on these models and how inclusive capital can bridge access gaps while generating strong returns for investors.
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Presenters: Alisha Griffey, Daintree Capital
Mac Conwell, Rarebreed Ventures
Marvin Francois and Jennifer Gomez, The Founders' Pool
Fireside Chat: Why I'm Betting on Camels
This must-see fireside chat challenges the prevailing "grow fast at any cost" narrative. Instead of chasing unicorns, veteran investor Ed Dugger shares how he finds strong investor returns in cultivating camels – founders who prioritize capital efficiency, resilience, and sustainable business models.Presenter: Ed Dugger, Reinventure Capital
Democratizing the Deal: How Fans & Small Dollars Are Validating Community Capital Models.In this session, we'll hear from leaders in the growing crowdfunding sector as we explore how more innovators are putting community-as-capital into action. These platforms are proving that neighbors, friends, and fans can be the key to unlocking meaningful capital for networked entrepreneurs.
​
Presenters: Lyndsae Peele, Kiva Microfunds
George Cook , Honeycomb Credit
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Closing Remarks
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Crowdfunding Showcase
Day 3 Starts at 3 p.m. (Eastern Standard)
Day 3 Welcome: The Currency of Trust
Why Ecosystem Building MattersThis year’s Summit explores the strategic intersection of social networks and resource mobilization. During this fireside chat, Angelique Johnson will share insights learned from her work at InBIA, one of the largest and oldest entrepreneurial ecosystem builders.
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Presenter: Angelique Johnson, Vissionaireum
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Data Matters and Conversation: Angels are the Key
This session, "Data Matters and Conversation: Angels are the Key," explores the critical role angel investors play in sparking innovation in regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. Drawing on the 2025 Advancing Regional Innovation Economies (ARIE) Report backed by JPMorgan Chase and NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center, we discuss how high-performing metros grow capital from within, making angels the essential first believers and first capital in the startup ecosystem.Presenters: Nicola Corzine, NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center
Annie Spencer, JPMorgan Chase
Community and Place as Innovation Drivers
This panel will explore place-based entrepreneurial support programs that lean into the power of community. Panelists will share information about their respective programs, what’s working, lessons learned, and what they are still trying to figure out. Our hope is that attendees gain insights that they can use to implement a strategy that addresses the needs in their own community.Presenter: Sharonda Hill, TruFund Financial Services
Kelli Saulny, Corridor Ventures
Capstone Conversation: Capital Circles in Action
Join us as we explore how a community-first approach can provide a blueprint for a future where the entire ecosystem works together to unlock more capital for more entrepreneurs, leading to more businesses that create more jobs and drive community wealth.​
Capital Circles Ecosystem Mixer: Launching Collective Action
Closing the Conscious Collisions Summit with purpose, this session marks the official launch of Capital Circles. Moving beyond the "talk" of capital access, this program by the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL) operationalizes collaboration to bridge the wealth gap.
This is your chance to connect with changemakers—investors, champions, and ecosystem builders—who are committed to activating new angel capital in our pilot regions: NY/NJ, Philadelphia, DC, New Orleans, and Houston. We are replicating high-wealth "informal networks" to create scalable, relationship-based pathways for underrepresented founders.
How to Prepare:
Come ready to engage! Whether you are a seasoned investor or a community advocate, we want to know how you can contribute to our regional working groups. Have your LinkedIn URL and a brief intro ready to share. Let’s build the connections that turn "community" into "capital."
Closing Remarks