Pitch an Investorin Your Halloween Costume

The signature Friday night brings founders and investors together on the Georgetown waterfront for live startup and business pitches, an investor roundtable, high-value networking, and an elevated Halloween costume twist. Pitch your company, product, service, startup, or idea—or join the room to discover what ambitious builders are creating.

Keynote Speaker

Mekhla Na'vi Jordan

Ms. Universe Globe 2025 · Cybersecurity Consultant · Casting Director, Konnex Talent

Mekhla Jordan is an internationally recognized pageant titleholder, luxury model, Human Rights Ambassador, cybersecurity consultant, and entrepreneur. As Ms. Universe Globe 2025, she embodies elegance, confidence, and purpose, inspiring women to lead with grace and authenticity. Beyond the runway, she is a passionate advocate for human rights, women's empowerment, education, disability inclusion, and financial freedom.

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Keynote Speaker

Ja'el Thomas

Co-Founder, Eminent Estates · Co-Founder, Wanzer Family Office

Entrepreneur and real estate leader helping high earners turn paychecks into passive portfolios through income-producing real estate. With $25M+ in assets and 25+ deals closed, Ja'el focuses on assisted living, master lease portfolios, and creative finance across MD, VA, DC, GA, and TX. Half of the Eminent Estates mother-daughter duo.

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Keynote Speaker

Stacey Thomas

Co-Founder, Eminent Estates · Founder, ST Investments VIP

Entrepreneur, real estate investor, and private money lending expert with $25M+ in assets under management. Regional Leader in Pace Morby's nationwide Subto community and a trusted connector between capital and opportunity across commercial, residential, and multi-family real estate. Half of the Eminent Estates mother-daughter duo.

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Keynote Speaker

Remy Saad

Host Partner · General Manager, Decades DC

Remy Saad is a seasoned hospitality and business leader with nearly 20 years of experience driving operational excellence, revenue growth, and high-performing teams. As General Manager of Decades in Washington, DC, he is recognized for creating exceptional guest experiences and leading successful, fast-paced operations.

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Entrepreneurs, founders, and creators arrive as Angels. Investors, angels, VCs, and capital connectors arrive as Demons. This stylish, high-energy Halloween mixer blends startup networking, social energy, nightlife, and genuine connection in a sophisticated setting.

Keynote Speaker

Stacey Thomas

Co-Founder, Eminent Estates · Founder, ST Investments VIP

Entrepreneur, real estate investor, and private money lending expert with $25M+ in assets under management. Regional Leader in Pace Morby's nationwide Subto community and a trusted connector between capital and opportunity across commercial, residential, and multi-family real estate. Half of the Eminent Estates mother-daughter duo.

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Keynote Speaker

Caleb Fleming Thornton

Founder, Seed2Table

Caleb Fleming Thornton is a serial entrepreneur and startup ecosystem builder dedicated to connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and innovative ideas. Through Seed2Table he creates opportunities that help founders collaborate, secure investment, and scale.

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Keynote Speaker

Tony Holland

Founder & CEO, Global Premier Benefits · Managing Partner, Integrity Marketing Group · Baltimore Orioles Minority Owner

Tony Holland is an entrepreneur, executive, and philanthropist. After overcoming childhood poverty, abuse, and homelessness, he pivoted from a pre-medicine path at Johns Hopkins into insurance — co-founding Holland Insurance Group in 2000 and Global Premier Benefits in 2009. He scaled the company into a nationwide Medicare solutions provider across 30+ states before its acquisition by Integrity in 2022. Holland also owns three AI companies and two private equity partnerships, and in 2025 joined the minority ownership group of the Baltimore Orioles. Guided by faith and mentorship, he lives in Maryland with his wife, Kathy, and their three children, coaching youth championship football and supporting philanthropic initiatives.

Global Premier BenefitsIntegrity Marketing Group

Close Halloween Investor Weekend with founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and summit guests over dinner in Tysons Corner. Continue the strongest conversations, deepen new relationships, and leave the weekend with a clear next connection.

Keynote Speaker

Auran Shereef

Host · Founder of Konnex · 7× Tech Entrepreneur

Auran Shereef is a seven-time technology entrepreneur, investor, and founder of multiple companies — including Konnex, the networking platform powering this weekend. He hosts the closing ceremony and leads the room through the final wealth, investor, and founder conversations of the weekend.

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Keynote Speaker

Lee E. Smith Jr.

Co-Founder, Rhythm Investor & ASIRE Partners

Known as "Lee El Gringuito," Lee is an entertainment entrepreneur, investor, and connector who has built a global network where entertainment, entrepreneurship, and investment move as one. Over 30+ years he has produced $80M+ in live events across 800+ cities.

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