Gainesville Commercial is excited to be a part of Founders Summit 2025, a dynamic event that brings together the best and brightest entrepreneurs, operators, and creatives for a day full of learning, networking, and inspiration. Scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM EDT, the summit will take place at Gerson Hall 126 on 1368 Union Rd, Gainesville, FL 32601. It promises to be an exciting opportunity for anyone looking to take their business, career, and network to the next level.
A Gathering of Innovators: The Founders Summit Experience
The Founders Summit 2025 is a highly anticipated event hosted by Starter Space, in collaboration with Gator Accelerator and the UF Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center. It’s an ideal platform for entrepreneurs, creators, and operators to connect and learn from some of the most successful individuals in the business world.
Designed for high-achieving students and professionals, this curated summit will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities aimed at equipping attendees with the tools to scale their businesses and careers. Whether you’re a bootstrapped founder, a venture-backed CEO, or an ambitious side hustler, the event is perfect for anyone who is driven to make an impact.
Notable Speakers Sharing Their Stories
At this year’s summit, attendees will have the chance to hear from a distinguished lineup of speakers who have made significant strides in their respective fields. Some of the featured speakers include:
- Abhi Lokesh, co-founder of Fracture
- Rick Carlson, co-founder of Neurotone AI
- James Coats, founder of Phalanx Defense System
- Mitch Glaeser, founder of San Felasco Tech City
- Payal Khurana, founder of Starter Space
- Eric Buffkin, founder of etectRx
- Hirofumi Leung, founder of Imagin Restaurant Group
- Laila Fakhoury, co-founder of How Bazar & Dion Dia Records
These industry leaders will share their insights and experiences, offering valuable advice on building, scaling, and sustaining successful businesses.
Gainesville Commercial’s Involvement: Bringing Experts Together
As part of our involvement with the Founders Summit 2025, GainesvilleCommercial.com has had the privilege of assisting in gathering some of these incredible speakers. We’re proud to contribute to an event that is dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial growth in the Gainesville area.
Additionally, I, Makayla Richardson, the commercial realtor behind GainesvilleCommercial.com and a local to the area, am thrilled to be moderating one of the panels during the summit. My panel will focus on the important topics of community involvement and sustainability—how entrepreneurs can actively work with their communities to grow their businesses and the challenges that come with fostering those relationships.
Community Engagement & Sustainability: Building Stronger Connections for Business Growth
Community involvement is one of the pillars of successful business growth, and sustainability plays a key role in ensuring long-term success. On this panel, we’ll dive into practical strategies for entrepreneurs to engage with their local communities in meaningful ways that help both the business and the community thrive.
There are unique challenges that come with these efforts, from building trust to ensuring the sustainability of initiatives over time. As a commercial real estate professional, I understand that location and space play a significant role in these efforts. The physical environment of a business can influence how it engages with customers, neighbors, and the broader community. I’m looking forward to sharing insights on how to create spaces that not only meet the needs of businesses but also help to foster positive community relationships.
What to Expect from the Summit
The Founders Summit 2025 is more than just an event—it’s a place to forge connections, build relationships, and gain actionable insights that can be applied immediately to your business. Attendees will have access to:
- Insightful Keynotes: Learn from leading entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators about what it takes to build a successful business and navigate the challenges along the way.
- Networking Opportunities: Meet fellow entrepreneurs, potential collaborators, and investors who can help take your business to the next level.
- Panel Discussions: Participate in interactive discussions that cover a wide range of topics from business growth and funding to scaling your operations and building community.
Practical Strategies: Walk away with real, actionable advice and strategies you can implement to accelerate your growth, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your existing business.
Why You Should Attend
The Founders Summit 2025 offers invaluable opportunities for both new and seasoned entrepreneurs. If you’re looking to gain insights from top entrepreneurs, expand your network, and leave with strategies to level up your career or business, this is an event you can’t afford to miss. Whether you’re a student, aspiring entrepreneur, or established professional, there’s something for everyone.
Join Us at the Founders Summit 2025
At Gainesville Commercial, we’re excited to be part of this incredible event and to contribute to the growth and success of local entrepreneurs. If you’re looking for ways to build your business, expand your network, and connect with some of the brightest minds in the industry, the Founders Summit 2025 is the perfect opportunity.Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, make meaningful connections, and be inspired by the leaders of tomorrow. To learn more and register for the event, visit the Founders Summit 2025 website today. We look forward to seeing you there!