Building a business isn't a straight line. It's a series of pivots, near-misses, breakthrough moments, and decisions made in the face of uncertainty. This panel brings together founders who've lived it: the early days of bootstrapping an idea into existence, the white-knuckle moments of securing funding, the growing pains of building the right team, and the unglamorous work of making a name for yourself in a crowded market.

You'll hear unvarnished stories about what it really takes to go from concept to scale; the mentors who showed up at the right time, the expensive lessons learned the hard way, and the non-negotiable hires (like accountants and lawyers) that saved them from costly mistakes. These aren't highlight reels. These are the balconies and basements, the wins and the setbacks, from founders who are still figuring it out as they grow.

If you're in the early stages of your own journey or contemplating what's next, this is your chance to learn from people who've been exactly where you are, and made it through.