Cofounder & CEO, Makelab
Christina Perla is an experienced entrepreneur, strategic operator, and industry leader in additive manufacturing. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Makelab, she has built a thriving digital manufacturing company specializing in high-quality prototyping and low-volume production. Under her leadership, Makelab has expanded operations to become bi-coastal, optimized digital workflows, and strengthened partnerships with leading brands in robotics, aerospace, medical devices, and industrial design.
With a background in industrial design, Christina brings a unique perspective to manufacturing, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of product development cycles. She is passionate about scaling businesses, driving operational efficiency, and fostering innovation. Her leadership extends beyond Makelab—she is actively engaged in industry discussions, partnerships, and thought leadership to advance the adoption of digital fabrication technologies.
Christina offers a forward-thinking approach, financial acumen, and operational expertise to support strategic growth, governance, and long-term success. She is committed to fostering collaboration, driving impact, and ensuring sustainable value for stakeholders.
What to Expect in Years 1-5
In this session, we will explore the critical elements involved in the initial 1-5 years of launching your own business. Regardless of the industry, sector, or target audience, there are foundational business principles that remain constant. The learning curve during this period can be steep, demanding a swift start and a continuous effort to stay on course.
Christina, who, alongside her co-founder, orchestrated the establishment and growth of MakeLab. Through a reflective narrative, Christina will shed light on the challenging yet enlightening journey they undertook, dissecting the precise factors that contributed to their success. An examination of lessons learned and key insights will be thoughtfully presented, providing invaluable guidance for those navigating similar paths.
This session serves as a valuable repository of advice for individuals embarking on similar journeys. Drawing from a wealth of experience, we will distill essential insights that empower you to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities as you navigate the unique adventure of entrepreneurship.
During this session, the audience will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key points essential for the initial 1-5 years of launching and growing their own business.
Key takeaways include:
Overall, this session promises to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with a comprehensive toolkit of knowledge, strategies, and inspiration to confidently embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys and build successful businesses.
