We talk a lot about building better startup ecosystems—but too often, those conversations happen without the founders themselves in the room. In this opening session, we flip the script.
What does the ecosystem look like from the founder’s side of the table? What do they wish had existed when they started? What helped—or hurt—their momentum?
Facilitated by Ryan Rubio, Principal at Zero Labs, this founder panel features early-stage Las Vegas entrepreneurs building at the heart of industries like hospitality, gaming, and entertainment—plus the infrastructure needed to transform them. With candor and insight, they’ll unpack how the support systems around them have shown up, fallen short, and evolved along the way.
Together, we’ll explore:
- What founders wish ecosystem builders had known when they were just getting started
- The tension between broad support and targeted, effective resources
- Why access to capital and deep industry connections still remain barriers—and how to fix that
- How founders view programs, partnerships, and local institutions as they navigate growth
This session grounds the summit in the lived experience of the people our work is meant to serve. It challenges us to listen deeply, reflect honestly, and build better—with founders, not just for them.
