Panel: The State of Funding

As the global economic landscape undergoes rapid transformation, our Summit panel will explore the dynamic forces shaping the current state of funding.

With AI emerging as a dominant driver of momentum and nearly half of venture investment in 2024 flowing into AI-powered companies, the conversation will examine how digital infrastructure, automation, and next-generation technologies are redefining opportunities and risks for investors.

Panelists will discuss the recovery from recent market downturns, the impact of shifting valuations, and the influx of capital into sectors like clean energy, robotics, and fintech, while addressing the challenges posed by high interest rates, regulatory shifts, and global competition.

Attendees will gain insights into how innovation is fueling growth, where capital is flowing, and what strategies are essential for navigating an increasingly complex and opportunity-rich investment environment in 2025 and beyond.

PANEL:

Urvashi Bhatnagar, DPT, MBA
General Partner, The Good Science Fund
As the General Partner of The Good Science Fund, Urvashi (“Urvi”) Bhatnagar invests in Breakthrough Science. Urvi invests in early-stage innovators pioneering scientific breakthroughs that transform how humanity consumes resources. Urvi’s goal is advancing solutions that make life on this planet healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable. Read full profile…

Dr. Deborah Hemingway
Founder and Managing Partner, Ecphora Capital
Dr. Deborah Hemingway is the Founder and Managing Partner of Ecphora Capital, Maryland’s premiere medtech venture capital firm based in Baltimore, Maryland. Under her leadership, Ecphora Capital has deployed $18 million across 12 startups in the past two years, establishing itself as a key force in early-stage healthcare innovation. The firm holds strategic partnerships and first-look access to local premier medical research and advanced manufacturing institutions and is the first and only firm to attain the top tier of Maryland’s biotechnology investment incentive tax credit program.Read full profile…

Tien Wong
Chairman & CEO, Opus8, Inc.
Mr. Tien Wong is a tech investor, entrepreneur, and CEO. He is Chairman & CEO of Opus8, Inc., a private investment and advisory firm investing in exceptional life science and tech enabled services companies, as well as specializing in raising capital for promising tech companies and alternative investment fund managers. He is Founder of CONNECTpreneur, a global community of 25,000+ founders, investors, CEOs, and business leaders. CONNECTpreneur organizes the world’s largest monthly virtual investor pitch events as well as in-person Forums.Read full profile…

Dendy Young
Managing Partner, McLean Capital, LLC
Dendy is an entrepreneur and investor dedicated to building businesses that push the boundaries of technology. He is the co-founder of Saltenna, a company pioneering surface-wave communications—a breakthrough that enables secure, high-bandwidth wireless connectivity through water, metal, and other extreme environments. Read full profile…