Looking Back: Our Inaugural Founders Exchange

Back in March, the JMU Founders Network (JFN), now known as the Madison Founders Network, hit a major milestone as we hosted our inaugural Founders Exchange in Arlington, VA, and the evening exceeded expectations.

The turnout was outstanding, the energy was exceptional, and most importantly, the event achieved exactly what we set out to create: a meaningful opportunity for accomplished JMU alumni founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and university leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships across the broader JMU entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The evening wouldn't have been possible without our Golden Founders, whose early generosity brought this vision to life and set the tone for the kind of founder-led commitment we hoped would define the network as it grew, a commitment that carries forward into what is now the Madison Founders Network.

We're equally grateful to fellow JMU alum Scott Parker, owner of Bronson Bierhall, for serving as our local host and providing outstanding hospitality throughout the evening.

A sincere thank you to the entire GCFE team for their support, the dedicated JFN committee led by Braun Jones, Lane Major, and Jason Murphy for his instrumental leadership and collaboration, Leigh Anne Losh, and everyone working behind the scenes to make the night a