Check out the events lineup for Philly Startup Leaders’ 15th anniversary

Philly Startup Leaders (PSL), the nonprofit focused on supporting entrepreneurs and startups in the Philadelphia region, is celebrating 15 years with a lineup of events for the fall.

First up was supposed to be Techtoberfest, a new event originally scheduled to be held at NextFab on Monday, Oct. 23.

Yet, as of mid-October, Oct. 23 also happens to be the same night that the Phillies are playing Game 6 of the National League Championship Series. Because nothing can compete with Philly’s sports pride, PSL opted to cancel Techtoberfest and move some of its planned programming to Founder Factory on Nov. 6. (See the org’s full statement on the switch below.)

Founder Factory

This recurring event is an opportunity for founders to gather and discuss challenges they are facing, as well as attend workshops and panels about topics relevant to business growth. Founders will also have access to finance, legal and HR experts, plus a networking happy hour.

“Founder Factory: Building Companies That Last” will be held from 1:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6 at BEX at Brandywine Realty Trust in Center City. You can purchase tickets here.

The event will also include a screening and discussion of the 2013 docu-series “Developing Philly” by Maurice Gaston and David Dylan Thomas, which was first scheduled to take place during Techtoberfest. This web documentary covers the history of the Philly tech community and the growth it experienced a decade ago when the documentary was released — during Philly Tech Week 2012, no less.

Technical.ly asked Gaston what it’s like to know that folks who are new to the local tech community now will see his and Thomas’ view on it from 10 years ago. Here’s what he said:

“I feel pretty privileged to have been at the right place and the right time to help capture something of the electricity and hope of the community in that moment. To be a decade on from those days, I’m curious to see how recognizable or true the folks navigating the current Philly tech community find our snapshot,” Gaston wrote in an email. “So much has happened in technology and business in the last decade, it wouldn’t have surprised me if our ‘DIY’ docu-series had faded into the background. But I guess any longevity doesn’t hinge on how clever or insightful we were, but rather on the genuine authenticity of the Philly tech community.”

The screening will take place after a networking happy hour from 6 to 8 p.m. Anyone who purchased tickets for Techtoberfest will have their tickets honored at Founder Factory. Anyone who hasn’t purchased tickets yet for Founder Factory can get 25% off with the code Pivot25.

Glass Breakers Ball

Wrapping up this series will be PSL’s first Glass Breakers Ball and Community Holiday Party. The event will double as an awards ceremony to recognize entrepreneurs and experts in the Philly tech community, alongside a sit-down dinner and live entertainment. The event will be on Dec. 12 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Science History Institute. You can buy tickets here.

Stay tuned for a retrospective on the org’s history and impact from Technical.ly as PSL’s 15th anniversary celebrations roll out this fall.

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Here’s the full statement on the Techtoberfest cancelation from PSL leadership, including CEO Isabelle Kent:

Hey Community!

We love the Phillies and we know you all love them too!

Game 6 of the World Series playoffs is happening in Philly on Oct 23rd at 5:07pm – unfortunately, right during Techtoberfest. We’ve heard that many of you plan to attend (and/or take to the streets to celebrate the win after)!

As conscientious Philadelphians, we can’t make you choose between our hometown heroes and your PSL pals.

… So, we’ll be canceling Techtoberfest and moving the Developing Philly screening and discussion with filmmakers Maurice Gaston & David Dylan Thomas to Founder Factory on November 6th at BEX at 2005 Market St. The screening will take place after the Networking Happy Hour from 6-8pm.

Those who already purchased tickets will have them honored for Founder Factory. If you hadn’t bought your ticket yet, we’ll split the difference – use code Pivot25 for 25% off your Happy Hour Only or Full Day Pass at founderfactory2023.eventbrite.com.

While we’re bummed that we have to postpone, we’re excited to keep the conversation going with the filmmakers, Philly startup community OGs, and amazing founders and experts on how to build startups and ecosystems that last!

You’ll here for successful founders and tactical experts like: CEO & Co-founder of Crossbeam Bob Moore, CEO & Co-founder of Common Paper Jake Stein, CEO & Co-founder SnapRefund Cody Eddings, CMO of Pangea Grace Francisco, Founder & CEO &Marketing Rajat Kapur, Owner & President of Octo Design Group and Co-founder of Rallie Inc. Wendy Verna, Founder & CEO Trajectify and Founder of Philly New Tech Meetup Mike Krupit, and more!

Big thanks to our friends at NextFab for their flexibility. We highly recommend checking out their upcoming exhibits and artist activations over the next few weeks. What better holiday present than a handmade artisanal gift or a hands-on maker membership?!

Looking for a place to watch the game? Consider perching up at Cantina La Martina or snagging a 6-pack from Human Robot – our amazing, award-winning food & bev partners.

We know this isn’t quite the 15 Year Anniversary kick-off we all hoped for but, hey Go Phillies!

Thank you all for your support and understanding. Excited to see you all for a jam-packed day on Nov. 6th!

Isabelle, Legacy Leaders Council, and Team PSL