Mark Penn to Headline Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Startup World Cup Regional

Strategist, author of Microtrends, Harvard alumnus shares insights on unicorn trends, global shifts, and investor sentiment

BOSTON, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs (HAE) announced today that Mark Penn, Harvard alumnus, renowned strategist, author of Microtrends, and Chairman & CEO of Stagwell, will headline a Fireside Chat at the HAE Startup World Cup Regional on September 12 at Harvard Medical School. The conversation will be moderated by his classmate, Bill Reichert, Partner at Pegasus Tech Ventures.

Penn's groundbreaking work decoding "microtrends" has helped leaders anticipate major market shifts by spotting small but powerful behavioral changes. This candid conversation will reveal signals founders can use to make smarter product, pricing, and go-to-market decisions.

"Bringing Mark to the HAE Startup World Cup Regional puts a spotlight on the practical side of trendspotting and how to turn signal into strategy," said Regina Ryan, President of Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs. "Founders will walk away with a sharper lens on where demand is moving and how to position for it."

"Great founders are great pattern recognizers," added Bill Reichert of Pegasus Tech Ventures. "Mark's insights translate directly into decisions that get you funded and keep you growing."

The HAE Startup World Cup Regional will showcase twelve Harvard alumni-founded startups, each competing for the chance to advance to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in Silicon Valley and vie for a $1 million investment prize from Pegasus Tech Ventures. For those unable to attend in person, a global livestream will make the event accessible worldwide.

Venue: The Martin Conference Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
Date: Thursday, September 12 (in-person & livestream available)
Audience: Founders, investors, alumni, and the global innovation community

Tickets: Available at https://hae-startupworldcup.eventbrite.com/(in-person & livestream options)

Members of the media may request credentials and interviews with Mark Penn, Bill Reichert, and finalist founders. Press & Interview Inquiries can contact Regina Ryan, President, [email protected]

Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs, an official Harvard University alumni organization, champions founders through 22 global chapters, accelerators, programs, and events. The Startup World Cup Regional marks a bold new chapter—showcasing alumni innovation and opening doors to global funding opportunities. Learn more at www.harvardae.org

The Startup World Cup is the #1 startup pitch competition in the world, hosted by Pegasus Tech Ventures. With 100+ regional pitch competitions in 60+ countries, the Startup World Cup provides a global platform for startups to showcase their innovations and secure funding.

Pegasus Tech Ventures is a global venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley with $2 billion in assets under management. Pegasus also offers a unique Venture Capital-as-a-Service (VCaaS) model for large, global corporations that wish to partner with cutting-edge technology startups. Pegasus is the organizer of the Startup World Cup and the investment partner of the HAE Accelerator.

Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. Mark Penn serves as Chairman and CEO. Learn more at stagwellglobal.com.

Media Contact:
Regina Ryan, President
Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs
[email protected]

SOURCE Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs