MoviePass Founder Stacy Spikes Headlines $100K Startup Competition at LA Tech Summit

"Power Forward" connects high-growth startups in $847B sports, entertainment and real estate tech markets with active investors

LOS ANGELES, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Equity Angels — an entrepreneurial support organization dedicated to fostering fair access to opportunity — announced Power Forward, a tech investment summit launched in partnership with Twenty Five Ventures and Distinct Concierge. This inaugural event brings together high-potential startups and active investors in the rapidly expanding sports, entertainment and real estate technology markets.

Stacy Spikes, founder of MoviePass and bestselling author of "Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider," will headline the July 14 event at the Fairmont Century Plaza. The summit features a $100,000 funding competition where selected startups compete for a Special Purpose Vehicle funded by Twenty Five Ventures and other participating investors.

The event addresses a significant market opportunity: while sports tech, entertainment tech, and proptech represent an $847 billion combined market, less than 2% of venture funding reaches founders from underrepresented backgrounds in these high-growth categories.

"The numbers are clear — these markets hold massive untapped potential. Power Forward gives us direct access to founders building the next wave of companies in areas where we're already investing," stated Maximillian Diez, General Partner at Twenty Five Ventures.

Unlike traditional networking events, Power Forward operates as an interactive investment summit. Startup applicants undergo a rigorous selection process and pitch directly to a curated group of active investors and strategic partners. Companies already confirmed include PairGap, Reeku, Convierge, Chambr, Goby Homes, ARKI, Free Agent, Sengo, Rely, Kahlab, Breadcrumb and Wauvea.

Participating companies represent three key categories:

• Sports Technology: Analytics platforms, fan engagement tools and athlete performance systems
• Entertainment Technology: Content creation platforms, distribution networks and audience monetization tools
• Real Estate Technology: Accessibility solutions, financing platforms, enhanced user experience and property management innovations

"This isn't about checking boxes. It's about identifying the best investment opportunities in high growth markets. Through Power Forward, we're creating a vital ecosystem where incredible innovation from founders who traditionally haven't had access to capital are seen," remarked Katherine Winston and Kenya Burrell-VanWormer, Co-Founders and Managing Partners of Equity Angels, in a joint statement.

Beyond Spikes' keynote on building resilient companies in competitive markets, the summit features industry leaders including:

• Patrick Lee, Co-Founder of Rotten Tomatoes and Fanverse
• Thai Randolph, Co-Founder of HARTBEAT and Interim CEO of Rock the Bells
• Craig D'Cruze, COO of Inverted Ventures
• Simon Chen, CEO of Arrival Home Loans
• c. Craig Patterson, Award-Winning Filmmaker
• Ted Schilowitz, Technology Futurist

Panel discussions will cover the $84 trillion wealth transfer reshaping investment patterns, the impact of AI on content creation and monetization, new approaches to homeownership accessibility and emerging opportunities in women's sports.

Event Details

What: Power Forward Summit
When: July 14, 2025
Where: Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles
Format: Investor roundtables, main stage presentations, $100K funding competition

The summit is invitation-only for investors and startups. Ecosystem partners may register at www.equity-angels.com/power-forward.

SOURCE Equity Angels