Strategies for Early-Stage Growth

Join us for a free lunch panel discussion featuring expert speakers on product strategy and growth scaling — the midday session of our dual Product Jam + Growth Jam workshops. While the full-day workshops are limited to 10 accepted companies, this panel discussion is open to all Charlotte founders. Learn from practitioners who've built and scaled tech companies, ask questions, and network over lunch.

Strategies for Early-Stage Growth

Three leaders who've built products, brands, and companies share what actually works when you're building from scratch. From finding your first real traction to knowing when to pour fuel on growth, this panel cuts through the noise with hard-won lessons for founders at every stage.

Panelists

• Colin Thornton - Cofounder, Torta Studios

• Liz Brigham - Executive Director, The Hurt Hub @ Davidson

• Chris Jaynes - Chief Solutions Officer, PetScreening

• Moderated by Drew Burdick - Founder, StealthX

Key Discussion Topics

• Finding traction

• Transition from building product to driving revenue

• Speed vs. polish

• Growth channels to invest in

• The hire (or decision) that changes everything

• Best advice & worst advice?

Who Should Attend

This session is designed for Charlotte-area founders at any stage who want practical insights on product positioning or growth scaling. Whether you're:

• Building your MVP and defining your competitive position

• Launched with early traction and ready to scale

• Exploring how AI tools can accelerate your work

You'll leave with actionable takeaways you can implement immediately.

Doors open at 12:00 PM

Panel begins at 12:30 PM

Event ends at 1:15 PM

About Founder Jams

This panel is part of our dual Founder Jams happening on July 16th, a full-day, AI-powered workshop for tech-forward founders. Product Jam helps founders define competitive positioning and strategy. Growth Jam helps founders systematically scale customer acquisition.