Founderology Forum

Founderology Growth Summit: The breakthrough experience Founders must attend

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September 25, 2025 by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

The Founderology Growth Summit, Feb 2-4 in Austin, is a breakthrough experience designed for Founders who are looking to scale. Every moment, from the first conversation to the final celebration, is crafted with one purpose: to accelerate the growth of visionary Founders and their businesses.

Cherryh Cansler, publisher of FastCasual.com and a partner of the Founderology Growth Summit, says it best: "This is where Founders find their people and community for growth."

This unique, one-of-a-kind experience is created by Founders, for Founders. Every speaker has built something from the ground up. Every journey is a real-world case study of resilience, risk and reward. Every tool is practical, proven and ready to be put into play the moment you leave. This is not about general ideas or theory. This is about real-life, proven action. The Founderology Growth Summit is where breakthrough happens.

Hard-won lessons from Founders who built billion-dollar brands

Founders sharing the inside track for success, competitive advantages and shaving months and years off of having to learn by yourself. The lessons are hard-won, earned in the trenches of startup chaos, expansion challenges and global scale. Here is a highlight of a few Founders featured at the Founderology Growth Summit:

Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan and Jim Bitticks of Dave's Hot Chicken share how a $900 investment in a parking-lot pop-up became a billion-dollar brand. Their story is real, inspiring and packed with lessons every Founder can apply to scale faster and smarter.
Pinky Cole and Derrick Hayes, the powerhouse Founders behind Slutty Vegan and Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, open up about their strategies for how to turn purpose into power. And how their lessons in culture, vision and relentless execution create movements.
Danielle Mohan, Founder of Topsail Steamer, reveals what it takes to take a kitchen-table idea onto "Shark Tank" — and then beyond. She shares the journey of trailblazing a new segment and driving momentum to make it a national brand.
Evonne and Don Varady, Founders of Clean Eatz, discuss their creative strategies to go from living in the closet of their first location to building a national brand with more than 100 thriving locations.

These are not highlight-reel presentations. These are authentic roadmaps, full of pivots, pressure and perseverance. They remind every Founder in the room: You are not alone, and you are capable of more than you imagine.

Tools that accelerate growth

The Founderology Growth Summit is about equipping Founders with the tools to scale. One of the most powerful is the Founders Advisors - Investor Growth Assessment — a diagnostic tool valued at more than $499 every Founder will receive as part of their registration.

This Investor-Grade Assessment shows how your business is valued by investors and identifies the exact levers you can pull to increase your valuation. Whether you're preparing for funding, a major expansion or building generational wealth, this assessment gives you clarity on where you stand and a roadmap for where to go.

Additionally, a special workshop will be provided to take a deep dive into each Founder's specific results. Founders will leave with the hard data and insights investors use to measure success. That is one of the most powerful tools for unlocking acceleration.

Your network increases your net worth

When Founders come together, businesses grow faster, teams get stronger and possibilities expand.

For 2 1/2 days, you are engaged with visionary Founders who share your drive, your challenges and your commitment to growth. The relationships you build here go beyond networking — they become your community, your sounding board and, in many cases, your future partners.

The Founderology Growth Summit is where isolation turns into collaboration, ideas become action and unity creates acceleration.

The Founderology Growth Summit takes place in Austin, Texas — a city built for innovators. Our host venue, the legendary El Arroyo, is known for its energy, creativity and community. Here, conversations flow as naturally as the margaritas. Sessions unfold in a setting where every Founder is seen, heard and supported.

Visionary founders award: Celebration, recognition and legacy

The Founderology Growth Summit also marks the launch of the first annual Visionary Founders Awards — an annual recognition of the visionaries who are building brands, shaping industries and creating impact far beyond their businesses. For the first time, Founders are being honored for their success, leadership, innovation and contribution to community.

It is time for Founders to be celebrated and it's happening at the Founderology Growth Summit!

This is where breakthrough happens

The Founderology Growth Summit is where clarity meets courage, where strategy meets action and where Founders unlock the tools, lessons and connections that take them from vision to scale.

📍 Austin, Texas | Feb. 2-4, 2026

🎟️ Register now at FounderologySummit.com

Every session. Every lesson. Every connection.

Built for Founders. Powered by Founders.

OperationsClean Eatz Dave's Hot Chicken

About Kathleen Wood

Kathleen Wood is the Founder of Kathleen Wood Partners (KWP), an innovative and award-winning growth strategy firm dedicated to propelling Founder-led businesses to new levels of success. Kathleen and her team work with Founders in scaling and accelerating their visions into actionable results through strategic growth solutions, operational excellence, competitive sales strategies, and transformative leadership development. The KWP expertise includes range of Founder-led businesses in the restaurant, hospitality, technology, and manufacturing industries.

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