PHX FWD to Host Founder Panel on Raising Capital in Today’s Market

Raising capital has become significantly more challenging for startups in recent years. Investors are more selective, timelines are longer, and expectations are higher than they were just a few years ago.

To explore what fundraising looks like in today’s environment, PHX FWD is hosting a community event titled “Raising Capital in the Current Environment: Founder Stories from the Front Line.” The event will take place April 6 from 5:30–7:30 PM at 100 Mill in Tempe, bringing together founders, operators, and investors from across the Phoenix startup ecosystem.

The panel will feature three Arizona founders currently building and raising in today’s market.

Rob Nicoletti, Founder & CEO of HALO, is an entrepreneur and leadership strategist with decades of experience helping organizations scale. HALO is developing an AI-powered operating platform designed to help companies align strategy, data, and execution.

Jamie Baxter, Co-Founder & CEO of diner, previously co-founded Qwick, one of Arizona’s fastest-growing hospitality workforce platforms. His new venture, diner, is building a platform that helps diners discover restaurants and share feedback while earning rewards.

Kaled Alhanafi, Co-Founder & CEO of Basata, leads a healthcare technology company focused on automating administrative workflows using AI to reduce paperwork and improve operational efficiency for medical providers.

The conversation will cover how the fundraising landscape has evolved, what investors are looking for today, and lessons founders are learning while raising capital in this market.

The event is supported by PHX Ventures, Morgan Stanley, Osborn Maledon, KBF Advisory, and Deloitte.

Register now on Luma 👉 https://luma.com/ztd8axfm