DREAMORE, GROW MORE: LA Tech Week is finally upon us!

Table of Contents

• 🌍 Connect More

• 📚 Learn More

• 💬 Share More

• 😂 Gigglemore

• 🤝 Support More'

_{🌍 Connect More}

The number of events on the LA Tech Week calendar is staggering. It can be tough to choose. Below I will share the list of everything on the Dreamore crew’s calendars. See you IRL?

Other Local Events;  is your event missing? Shoot us a message!

Looking for the perfect event space for your investor dinner, panel presentation, or holiday celebration? Offshore Santa Monica is now open for business! Contact Byron for a tour/pricing.

📚 Learn More

It’s been “quite a year” for startups given a relatively large portion of funds not yet fully deployed. Overall investment is down 8% from last year, but still a lot of compelling startups getting funded. Hang in there, founders and fundraisers! 2025 is gonna be OK.

💬 Share More

Building a Sustainable Future: Steven Howell’s Journey with Whatrr

Can you introduce your business? I’m solving the plastic bottle problem with Whatrr. We use biodegradable bottles that disappear about 100 times faster than traditional plastic. It’s a simple solution to a massive pollution issue.

What inspired you to start Whatrr? Spending time in nature, in places like Yosemite, inspired me. Seeing the beauty of the mountains and rivers, while knowing plastic pollution is destroying these places, made me want to act. My grandfather, who spent 30 years publishing eco-related books, also had a huge influence on me. It’s in my blood.

What did you do before starting Whatrr? I’ve always worked on eco-focused startups. I co-founded Crop Swap, delivering regenerative produce boxes in Los Angeles during COVID, and started an eco café in Mexico. I’ve always stayed true to my passion for sustainability, and Whatrr is the next step in that journey.

What advice would you give someone starting a purpose-driven business? Find what truly excites you. If you can feel it, you’re on the right path. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—people want to help you. I’ve made surprising connections just by asking, like getting my bottles onto Hollywood production sets and partnering with billion-dollar companies like Rivian.

What key traits do you believe are essential for a startup founder? Sales skills are critical. As a founder, you’re the face and voice of your brand, and you need to sell your vision to the world. Branding is equally important. It’s not just about logos or colors, but having a consistent story and personality for your company. For me, it’s about solving the plastic bottle problem—staying focused on that mission.

Have you raised investment money, or are you planning to? I’ve bootstrapped the business so far, which has allowed me to take more risks. Now, I’m planning a raise to take Whatrr national. I’m looking for investors who believe in the mission, not just the money. It’s important to align with people who share your values.

Looking back, is there anything you’d do differently? No regrets, but if I were to start over, I’d read Forging an Ironclad Brand by Lindsay Pedersen. That book has been transformative for me in terms of building Whatrr. It’s definitely something I wish I had from the beginning

😂 Giggle More

Being in the midst of “spooky season” and the impending pitches of LA Tech Week have put this in my head on repeat.

Make sure your pitches to the VC’s next week don’t go like this…..💀💀💀

 🤝 Support More

Your Dream Team,

Annemarie, Lydia and Davina

dreamore.io