Get to Know Christina Anthony and Pocket Sun, Champions of The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale 2024
Image Credit: Fuoco Photography
As The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale Champions, Christina Anthony and Pocket Sun will be leading insightful conversations with the Finalists. They’ll share their wisdom capital with each of the inspiring entrepreneurs once they’ve shared their pitches, and provide guidance that will help them reach their next milestones.
Ahead of The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale, we chatted with Christina and Pocket to learn what led to their passion for uplifting women entrepreneurs, see what they’re most excited for on April 25, and learn what milestones they’re celebrating.
Read this to learn more about the Finalists and what they hope the audience takes away from their pitches on April 25.
Christina Anthony, Founder and Chair Emeritus of The Forum and Vice President, Director, and Portfolio Manager at Odlum Brown
What inspired you to uplift women entrepreneurs through the founding of The Forum? Why is it important for you to continuously champion them through events and initiatives like The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch?
Being a woman in finance, I have seen firsthand the disparity in capital provided for women who are seen as “less serious” or “less capable” with their business ventures. Not only as a champion of women, but also as a business-minded person, I see this difference as a shame— for investors, male and female, and for our economy worldwide.
I could see for myself how organizationally-minded and community-minded the women I met were, how strong their businesses were and how viable they could be with the right capital infusion—yet they were being overlooked.
After listening to them and hearing their plans, I saw the opportunity as an investor and I knew that with some additional mentorship, education, connection, and community, that gap could be filled and these businesses could thrive over time.
I have been so inspired over the years by the stories and motivations of what drives these entrepreneurs to keep going—despite all of the challenges they have faced—and so the writing was on the wall that I just had to be help however I could with their journeys. They are driving forward every day to build better lives for their families and their broader communities, and it can be a win-win situation when investors fund their ventures.
The Forum fills a gap that should have been filled organically. One day, I hope The Forum isn’t needed to fill this gender gap, and is a place for women entrepreneurs to simply celebrate their successes—where education can continue, and where great ideas can be acknowledged and pursued.
What are you most excited for on April 25?
The pitches! Always the pitches.
I love the way that the entrepreneurs tell their stories and what they choose to convey to the audience—it says so much about who they are and what they think is most important about themselves and their businesses.
I love to hear what drummed up the idea, who their support teams are, and where they see it all going. I know this night is a big connector for these entrepreneurs and I love watching the community rally together around them.
Are there any recent milestones you’re celebrating (or looking forward to celebrating)?
People often joke that I have five babies, my four kids and The Forum. Well, The Forum is off and thriving and I couldn’t be more proud, and the same goes for my daughter Victoria, who left for UCLA to study business this year.
It’s a huge milestone and time of transition for our family. I am so happy for her but I miss her so much. Our house is now one of all males and me!
Pocket Sun, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of SoGal Ventures
Why is it important to you to support women entrepreneurs through your involvement in events and initiatives like The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch?
As the first women-led, next gen venture capital firm, SoGal Ventures has been driving a movement and a global community from day one. We've been committed to pushing forward by collaborating with great partners like The Forum.
The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale provides a platform to showcase the incredible talent and potential of women-led startups, and we’re proud to support initiatives like it.
I love seeing women's ideas shine and resonate, and I'm always looking for the next big thing.
Learn more about Pocket and how she’s breaking barriers in venture capital.
What are you most excited for on April 25?
This will be my first time joining the celebrations for The Odlum Brown Forum Pitch Finale!
I'm excited to witness the passion and creativity of the entrepreneurs presenting their ideas, and to connect with women investors.
Are there any recent milestones you’re celebrating?
We're thrilled to celebrate the upcoming final close of our second fund on May 10!