speaker photo

Tara Akhavan (She/her)

CEO, AI4Eyes Medical Technologies Inc.

An award-winning exited entrepreneur, recognized visionary in AI, product strategy, Innovation, startups and M&A. Tara holds a PhD in computer Science, has founded and sold Irystec and served as the VP of Software Division in FORVIA- a 33 billion Euros tier 1 in Automotive industry. Lived & worked in 4 countries and 4 industries.

Sessions

BDC Women in Technology BootCamp

Founder fables - Getting to the elusive exit

Startupfest

The Real Founder Stories: Unfiltered, Unscripted, Unforgettable

Join us for the raw, unvarnished truth as founders ditch the glossy pitch decks and share what building a startup actually looks like—complete with midnight meltdowns, spectacular faceplants, and awkward pivots that never made their press releases. While other events showcase airbrushed success stories, our panel serves up the startup confessions usually reserved for therapy sessions and late-night drinking. Bring your burning questions for our battle-tested entrepreneurs who promise no rehearsed narratives or humble-bragging—just honest conversation about what it really takes to build something from nothing. Because if they survived their worst moments (and they'll tell you exactly what those were), maybe you can too. See More.
Mentor Office Hours

Mergers & acquisition

Whether you're assembling the pieces of a greater solution, rolling up competitors, or getting acquired, most startups are part of a merger or acquisition. It's a process that's as intimidating as it is inevitable, and you can prepare for it. Learn more about M&A here! See More.
Mentor Office Hours

Partnerships & business development

Learn what makes partnerships work and fail, and why business development is the key to long-term, wide-reaching growth. See More.
Mentor Office Hours

Mergers & acquisition

Whether you're assembling the pieces of a greater solution, rolling up competitors, or getting acquired, most startups are part of a merger or acquisition. It's a process that's as intimidating as it is inevitable, and you can prepare for it. Learn more about M&A here! See More.