Future Forward Summit
Event Description
The Future Forward Summit is the centerpiece of Innovation Weekend—a full-day gathering where tech founders, investors, and ecosystem builders come together with thought leaders to explore what’s next in innovation. The day features inspiring keynotes, candid conversations, and interactive workshops designed to spark new ideas, challenge assumptions, and surface real opportunities for growth.
Event Schedule
9:15 AM: Doors Open
9:15 -10:00 AM: Breakfast and Networking
10:00-10:15 AM: Welcome and Opening Remarks
Aize Asowata, Comcast LIFT Labs, emcee
Danae Mobley, Executive Director, 1Philadelphia
10:15 - 11:00 AM: Disruption, Resilience, and Reinvention: A Conversation with Stacy Spikes moderated by Will Toms
This fireside chat will spotlight Stacy Spikes—visionary entrepreneur, co-founder & CEO of MoviePass, and author of Black Founder. In conversation with moderator Will Toms, co-founder of REC Philly, Stacy will share insights on disrupting entrenched industries, navigating setbacks and reinvention, and creating access to cultural and entrepreneurial opportunities. The session will inspire founders, creatives, and innovators to think boldly about disruption, resilience, and building inclusive futures. Speakers:
Stacy Spikes, co-founder and CEO, MoviePass
Will Toms, Co-Founder, REC Philly - Moderator
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM: Morning Breakouts
Operational IQ: Adapting at the Speed of Change presented by Comcast LIFT Labs
Tap into this convo with Rick Nucci, CEO of Guru, and Laura Plunkett, Head of Startup Engagement at Comcast LIFT Labs, as they dig into what it really means to lead and operate with intelligence in today’s AI-driven world. From navigating massive market shifts to reimagining how products are priced and built, Rick will share how Guru is evolving its strategy and mindset to stay ahead of the curve. Together, they’ll unpack the lessons learned from scaling through change, explore how founders can sharpen their operational instincts, and ask the big question: if you were starting from zero today, what would you do differently? Speakers:
Rick Nucci, CEO of Guru
Laura Plunkett, Vice President of Startup Engagement and Head of Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs
The Growth Code: Unlocking Value in the Age of AI presented by Accenture
As artificial intelligence transforms every corner of the economy, the question is no longer if but how it will redefine value creation. This panel brings together thought leaders and innovators to explore the real impact of AI on industries and communities. We’ll unpack how AI is unlocking new opportunities, reshaping business models, and driving competitive advantage across sectors. From automation to innovation, this timely conversation will illuminate how AI can be harnessed not just to drive efficiency, but to expand opportunity and build a dynamic economy. Speakers:
Anthony Bennett, Data & AI Strategy, Accenture
Ayanna Lott-Pollard, Executive Director, Resilient Coders
Dan Rhoton, Executive Director, Hopeworks
Lenworth Henry, Lead Principal, VC Strategy & Startups, Google
Jordan Rambo, Managing Director, Accenture - Moderator
The Next Newsroom: Where Tech & Journalism Collide with Lenfest Media
As technology continues to transform how we create, share, and consume information, the newsroom itself is being redefined. The Next Newsroom, presented in partnership with explores how emerging tools — from AI and automation to data visualization and audience engagement platforms — are reshaping the practice and purpose of journalism. This interactive session brings together technologists and journalists to discuss how innovation can strengthen integrity, amplify impact, and deepen trust with audiences. Through a dynamic conversation and collaborative workshop, participants will explore real strategies for adapting to this new era of storytelling. Speakers:
Will Toms, Co-Founder, REC Philly
Antoinette Talley, Founder and CEO, TYP Social Media Co
Shawn Mooring, Lenfest Institute for Journalism's Head of Philadelphia Programs, Moderator
12:15 - 1:45 PM: Lunch & Networking
2:00 - 3:15 PM: Afternoon Breakout 1
The Fundraising Reset: What Investors are Seeing Now
The rules of startup fundraising have changed—again. In this candid conversation, investors and ecosystem leaders unpack how today’s market realities are reshaping deal flow, valuation, and founder expectations. From capital efficiency to sector shifts, this session explores what’s driving investment decisions in 2025 and beyond. Founders will walk away with clear, actionable insights on how to position their startups for success in an environment where discipline and traction matter more than ever. Speakers:
Antonia Dean, Principal, Black Operator Ventures
Sylvester Mobley, Co-Managing Partner, Plain Sight Capital
Heath Naquin, Senior Vice President, Innovation and New Ventures, University City Science Center
Jonathon Beschen, Managing Director of Investments, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern PA - Moderator
Philly Versus: Tech Ecosystem Lessons from Paris, Silicon Valley, and Austin
Philadelphia’s startup ecosystem is hitting its stride, and now is the time to define what makes it stand out. Philly Versus takes a look at how other innovation hubs do it — from Silicon Valley’s playbook for scaling big ideas, Paris’s flair in creating brands, to Austin’s mix of community and culture — and asks: what can Philly steal, and what should it own? This talk will explore how Philadelphia can adapt these strategies while leaning into its own strengths — grit, authenticity, and unique mix of industries and talent — to stand out on both the national and global stage. Speakers:
Grace Francisco, cofounder and partner at EMG Worldwide
Bonnie Ravina, founder of Full Circle: 360 Marketing
Jamie Catanach, managing partner at ScoutHouse
Chris Wink, publisher and CEO of Technical.ly
3:30 - 4:45 PM: Afternoon Breakout 2
Unlocking Hidden Brand Opportunities to Grow Revenue with Amanda Sabreah
In a crowded market, clarity is a competitive advantage. This interactive session helps founders and business leaders identify untapped brand opportunities that drive meaningful growth. Participants will define their target audience with precision, uncover the unique differentiators that set their brand apart, and shape a clear point of view that strengthens both marketing and sales alignment. Leave with a sharper brand strategy—and a clearer path to scalable revenue. Speaker:
Amanda Sabreah, Founder, Thought Factory
Beyond the Pitch: Rethinking How Founders Fund Growth
Too many founders are sold the idea that joining all the accelerators or seeking venture capital are the only ways to scale. This session challenges that narrative and offers founders a full-picture, holistic approach to fundraising and capital readiness. Through an engaging conversation with investors, ecosystem builders, and founder advisors, we’ll explore what it really takes to grow sustainably without falling into the traps of over-acceleration or predatory venture terms. Panelists will share tangible strategies for building strong business foundations, choosing the right investors and programs, and accessing non-dilutive capital—like state and local funding, or grants.
Speakers:
Luke Cooper, Partner, Latimer Ventures
Christina Whatley, Partner, BEA Venture Fund
Ila Cocoran, Founder & CEO, Sengo
Brooke Daniels, Founding Partner, Project Wellspring
Mandy Bynum, Founder, Sanctum Foundation
5:00 - 6:30 PM: Summit Reception
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Innovation Weekend 2025 is made possible with support from our generous sponsors, including:
About 1Philadelphia
1Philadelphia is a coalition of public and private stakeholders working to build a tech community where everyone can thrive. Our goal is to elevate the city’s position as a hub for innovation through community cultivation, talent development and entrepreneurial investment.
Media and Photography Disclosure
By registering for this event, attendees agree to granting permission for their image, likeness, and voice to be recorded on audio or video without payment or other consideration. These recordings may be edited, copied, exhibited, published, or distributed, and waive the right to inspect or approve any finished product in which their likeness appears. Attendees also waive any right to royalties or other compensation related to the use of their image or recordings. This material may be used in various educational and promotional settings across an unrestricted geographic area.