Inc. Small Business Week Series | The New Value Equation: From Founder–Investor Alignment to Transforming SMB Benefits
Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

More Than the Money: Unlocking the True Value of Founder and Investor Relationships with Kevin O’Leary and Chalkless
The best investors do more than write checks. They also open doors. In this conversation, Shark Tank investor and venture capitalist Kevin O’Leary and Chalkless founders, Greg Pope and James Pidhurney, unpack what the real value of investor advisement looks like and how the right relationship can accelerate growth in unexpected ways. Together, they’ll explore what founders should look for beyond capital, how to think about value‑add support, and how to approach ownership and governance when investment comes with influence.

The Retirement Revolution: How SMBs Are Rethinking Benefits
Presented by Human Interest
The retirement landscape is under pressure: 56 million Americans lack access to a workplace plan, while growing businesses often view benefits as costly and cumbersome. This gap in savings access could drive a $1.3 trillion economic burden over the next 20 years. While banking and trading have become more accessible through automation, legacy retirement providers remain outdated, relying on manual, inefficient processes. Human Interest is reimagining retirement plans through technology – making 401(k)s simple, affordable, and efficient for SMBs and franchise operators. This panel brings together forward-thinking employers to explore how transparency, automation, and smart fee structures are reinventing the industry, helping reduce turnover, attract talent, and strengthen long-term financial security. 

Kevin O’Leary James Pidhurney Greg Pope Pamela J. Brown Rakesh Mahajan