Venture Café Phoenix

Meet Malcolm Marzett, one of our incredible Venture Café Phoenix Ambassadors! Malcolm understands that connection is everything. His favorite part of Thursday nights? The energy shift an hour in when you can feel deals being made and collaborations forming—the pulse of Phoenix's innovation. His advice to newcomers: "Come with curiosity. Meet three interesting people and ask what they're passionate about. The authentic relationships and business opportunities flow naturally from there." From collecting rare soul and jazz vinyl to building platforms that tell stories, Malcolm brings vision and energy to our community.

Arrive early to connect with legal expert George Pisaruk during Mentor Hours. 📅 TODAY: Meetings start at 4:30pm in 15-minute slots 📝 Sign-ups: First-come, first-served ON-SITE (no advance registration) 🎟️ Don't miss this opportunity to get personalized legal guidance!

HAPPENING TONIGHT!! We’re so excited to announce the lineup for this year’s Pitch2Tokyo, where local founders will take the stage for a shot at something BIG — representing Phoenix at the Global Finals in Tokyo this February! From bold ideas to breakthrough innovations, these startups are ready to show the world what Phoenix can do. One winner will go on to pitch alongside founders from around the globe at Venture Café’s international gathering in Tokyo. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gB2ntKbB 🚀 Pitching Companies: Carbon Utility, Devour, Unity Flow, MyScribe, Global Cooling Technology Group, Gravitrex

Join Jason Hsieh for The Ultimate Holiday Prep Guide—equipping product sellers and eCommerce entrepreneurs with the strategies to win Q4. Learn:  ✨ Early planning tactics to secure visibility  ✨ Marketing & advertising strategies that convert ✨ Inventory planning to avoid stockouts    ✨ Pricing, promotions & customer experience  ✨ Post-holiday retention strategies Whether you're a seasoned seller or gearing up for your first big holiday season, approach Q4 with clarity and confidence. Don't leave money on the table this holiday season. Register here: https://lnkd.in/g5X44-ja

Creativity meets technology at the AI Film 3 – Culture Jam Create-a-thon, part of the groundbreaking AI Film 3 Festival! This weekend-long event brings together artists, coders, filmmakers, and innovators to explore the creative power of generative AI across film, art, fashion, gaming, and music. 📍 Arizona Center, 455 N 3rd St. Phoenix, AZ 85004 📅 October 30 – November 1, 2025 Register here for the AI Film 3 Culture Jam Create-a-thon: https://lnkd.in/gP7aUu-Z Plus, don’t miss BitAngels PitchFest on November 1 — an opportunity for founders and visionaries to pitch web3 startups and connect with investors and industry leaders. Register for BitAngels Pitchfest: https://lnkd.in/gGzz-GBU

We're bringing back free professional headshots this Thursday! Update your LinkedIn profile, website, or any professional platform with a fresh new look, courtesy of Cliff Alexander and Ricky Merritt. No appointment needed. Just show up, get your shot, and walk away with a polished headshot ready to elevate your professional presence.

This Thursday, watch Phoenix's boldest startups battle it out in the PITCH2TOKYO FINALS for the chance to represent our city at Venture Café Global Gathering Tokyo '26. All expenses paid. Hotel and airfare included. The ultimate global stage. These aren't just pitches—they're Phoenix founders proving our city belongs on the world map of innovation. The energy will be electric, and the competition will be fierce. The winner will represent Phoenix on the global stage in Tokyo. Who will you be cheering for? Come support Phoenix innovation and witness which startup earns the trip of a lifetime. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gB2ntKbB

This Thursday is all about showing up and showing out. Watch Phoenix startups battle for an all-expenses-paid trip to Tokyo, explore how AI is revolutionizing filmmaking, equip yourself with Q4 sales strategies, and walk away with a fresh professional headshot—all in one powerful evening. PITCH2TOKYO FINALS - THE MAIN EVENT Phoenix startups compete for the chance to represent our city at Venture Café Global Gathering Tokyo '26. One winner. One trip to Tokyo. Come support Phoenix innovation on the global stage. Plus: ✨ AI Meetup: Exploring AI in Filmmaking - Discover practical tools transforming storytelling with PJ W. ✨ The Ultimate Holiday Prep Guide for Product Sellers - Q4 strategies with Jason Hsieh ✨ Free Professional Headshots with Cliff Alexander Register here: https://lnkd.in/gB2ntKbB

Join us for CleanTech & Sustainability Night as we kick off the evening with Ben Lepley, an Arizona climate innovator pioneering canal-solar systems that generate renewable energy while conserving water. Hear Benjamin's journey from architect and educator to climate innovator, and discover how Tectonicus is designing solar-covered canals that tackle water scarcity, energy demand, and land-use challenges all at once. This is groundbreaking work redefining sustainable infrastructure for Arizona and the Southwest—and it's happening right here in our backyard!

Selected startups—this is your moment. This private session gives you the chance to test-drive your Pitch2Tokyo presentations before the main competition on October 23. Share your pitch deck in front of experienced mentors and peers, receive live feedback, and strengthen your story before you compete. This is where you sharpen your slides, refine your message, and boost your confidence ahead of the global stage.