Thu, Aug 27, 2:30 PM CDT – Thu, Aug 27, 3:30 PM CDT

Regulatory Hacking: How Startups Navigate Government

Startups operating in complex sectors can’t afford to ignore Washington - they need to engage it strategically. In this hands-on workshop, Evan Burfield, author of Regulatory Hacking: A Playbook for Startups and Managing Partner at Capital Atlas, will walk founders through the fundamentals of navigating government. The session includes a live Power Mapping exercise to help participants identify and understand the full landscape of people and institutions they need to know, decision-makers, influencers, allies, gatekeepers, and potential blockers. Founders will leave with tactical frameworks to align their startup milestones with public sector timelines and build the relationships and narratives that create real traction in D.C. and beyond. About Capital Atlas: Capital Atlas is a strategy firm built for founders working at the intersection of innovation and government. From first fundraise to global scale, Capital Atlas helps startups navigate public sector ecosystems by aligning company milestones with government decision points. Through quarterly strategy workshops, stakeholder engagement, and curated fly-ins, the firm equips startups with the tools, relationships, and situational awareness needed to succeed. Capital Atlas is led by a team of former policymakers, advisors, and operators who know how to turn government from a barrier into a strategic advantage for frontier technology companies. Please note: Adding this session to your agenda does not guarantee admission. Admission will be granted on a first-come, first serve basis until room capacity is reached.