Making an Impact: Philly Startup Leaders

Started in 2007, Philly Startup Leaders is among the youngest and most dynamic organizations devoted to strengthening entrepreneurial networks in Greater Philadelphia. With a primary focus on technology and connecting startups with information, inspiration and a community of peers, Philly Startup Leaders holds events such as the annual Entrepreneur Expo and Founder Factory, which brings together hundreds of area entrepreneurs and investors, and manages an active listserv with a following of 2,000.

Although it remains completely grassroots and volunteer-based with free membership, PSL has become a major partner in fostering entrepreneurship with existing economic development organizations and the City of Philadelphia. In 2012, it launched PSL Labs as a partnership with PACT and the Main Line Chamber of Commerce to connect startups with later-stage tech companies for advice and counseling and was instrumental in the launch of the new StartupPHL initiative. What started out as a small informal network of unproven entrepreneurs has grown into one of the major nodes of the region’s entrepreneur community with proven serial entrepreneurs now in leadership roles.