Allen Lau: Turning a Scientist into an Entrepreneur Masterclass

Join Allen Lau, Co-founder of Two Small Fish Ventures and Wattpad, for a masterclass that explores the unique journey from building world-class technology to creating a high-growth startup. Drawing on his experience leading Wattpad from its early days to a global AI-powered storytelling platform acquired for $660M USD, Allen will break down the essential skills and mindset shifts scientists, engineers, and technical founders need to thrive as entrepreneurs. ​This session will cover: ​How to leverage technical expertise to identify market opportunities ​Lessons learned from scaling a startup through multiple phases of growth ​Balancing innovation with business fundamentals to achieve traction and revenue ​Building strong teams, developing leadership skills, and navigating the challenges of being a founding CEO ​Who Should Attend: This session is ideal for early-stage technical startup founders who strive to create transformative technology, as well as scientists, engineers, and technologists interested in transitioning into entrepreneurship. This masterclass is also ideal for aspiring founders who want to understand how to scale from idea to impact and operators in deep tech or AI-driven startups looking to build their leadership and business acumen. ​What You'll Gain: ​A better understanding of what investors look for in early-stage deals ​Practical frameworks and tips to improve your pitch ​Real-time feedback and connections during the networking session ​Agenda: ​3:30 – 4:00 PM: Attendees arrive and attendance check-in ​4:00 – 5:00 PM: Masterclass Lecture ​5:00 – 6:00 PM: Founder + Two Small Fishes Ventures networking