Entrepreneurs from Drone, Robotics, and Medical Technologies Industries to Converge in Pasadena This Saturday

Calling all technophiles in Pasadena to come to experience new forms of reality, enhanced with cutting-edge virtual reality gear this Saturday with ‘Tea, Tech and Tequila.’ 

Attendees can engage with virtual reality, metaverse ecosystems, augmented reality, mixed reality, and a marketplace of local vendors all while enjoying curated tequila and bespoke tea tastings during the event. 

‘Tea, Tech and Tequila’ marks the end of ConnectWeek 2022 in Pasadena.

Presented by The Funding Boutique (TFB), the event is billed as a unique virtual collaboration space where participants connect and engage, enjoy a showcase of emerging tech inclusive of women and people of color, and explore the XR Observatory, one of the main features of the event which is a mixed-reality, creative space.

“Attendees can look forward to hanging out with entrepreneurs in drone, robotics, and medical technologies as well as professionals and community members,” Zenobia E. Millet, founder and fintech funding specialist at TFB, said. “They’ll get to engage in augmented reality with the art of a gifted femtech, VR experiences, and a marketplace of local vendors.”

As part of the event, the Funding Boutique has invited Neighbors Empowering Youth (NEY), an Altadena-based non-profit that provides free or low-cost computers, equipment and training to low-income youth and youth-serving organizations, along with the high school robotics team, FIRST Robotics Team 2404, to share their life-changing stories and future plans. 

The organizers will also recognize Cassie Betts with a Champion of Change Pioneer Award.

“Cassie is a #TechDiva with a stellar history as a disruptor and exemplifies innovation in technology, science, art and design, and entrepreneurship – the focus of Innovate Pasadena’s Connect Week,” the organizers said. 

The Funding Boutique (TFB)

TFB provides access to working capital to those who don’t typically qualify for legacy bank or Small Business Administration (SBA) sources, especially in the pre-revenue and early stages of their business. 

“The Funding Boutique is not an online application 20-second ‘yes’ or ‘no’ approval company,” Millet said. “My team and I focus on helping those who don’t fit in the traditional bank financing box but the business has ‘good bones,’ solid business fundamentals, and what I call ‘founder fire.’ So we take the time to listen to the founder’s story (their why), review their data, check for market fit, find a funding match, and advocate for them when needed. Oftentimes, ‘homework’ is given (tax and legal filings updated, marketing plans clarified, solidify financial projections) to increase funding success.”

The organization assists with Unsecured Lines of Credit and Term Loans, Purchase Order Funding, Invoice, A/R and Inventory Financing, Equipment Financing/Leasing, Commercial Real Estate, Technology Projects Financing, Asset?based Financing, and Web3 Financing.

The Funding Boutique also offers introductions to equity angel and venture capital (VC) investors for qualified pre-series and early-stage companies.

Other services include strategic planning consultations, business plan and pitch deck development, business resource referrals, business mentoring, and corporate board availability.

During previous ‘Tea Tech and Tequila’ events, TFB’s founders have often personally met with potential investors without the pressure of pitch events or competitions.

Millet said the event is open to all who are curious about current and emerging technologies.

“Attendees can talk to innovators and founders directly who in turn can accumulate direct feedback from the attendees and gain customer prospects,” she continued. “For sponsors, intimate conversations about their brand to a new engaged audience are opportunities to expand reach and build new relationships.”

Millet said she will provide a complimentary ticket “if there are adventurous seniors or veterans who would like to attend.” 

Tea, Tech and Tequila is on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m.

To RSVP for the event, visit https://www.connectpasadena.com/event/tea-tech-tequila.