Events from September 6, 2018 – January 31, 2019 – Founders Network

From Google to 3 IPOs: Adam Sah on Startups, Products & Staying Ahead

Paul Anda — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:30:00 +0000

What does it take to build products that scale and companies that last—again and again?

Join Adam Sah, a serial founder and early Google engineer, for an inside look at how he’s turned ideas into impact over a 30-year career spanning engineering, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Adam’s journey includes being on the ground floor at Google, where he wrote the first Chrome extensions and helped shape core products, and going on to launch and lead multiple startups, including three that went public. Along the way, he’s accumulated 25 U.S. patents and built teams that thrive under pressure.

In this session, Adam will share hard-won lessons on what truly drives product-market fit, how to navigate the founder journey through cycles and pivots, and why his long view of company-building has helped him consistently stay ahead of the curve. He’ll also speak candidly about mistakes, reinventions, and how to make success sustainable.

Whether you’re at your first startup or your fifth, this conversation will give you a rare lens into the mindset and mechanics of a founder who’s done it all—and is still building.

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Fattom, Member Success Manager at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

Adam Sah is a seasoned entrepreneur, operator, and investor with 9 exits, 3 IPOs, 25 patents and was an early senior technical lead at Google.

Currently, he is the Founder and Managing Director of Zero Capital, a pre-seed fund reflecting the zero-to-one focus and the aspiration to add value beyond capital. The firm operates with authenticity, transparency, and a focus on positive reputation, seeking inspiration and joy as deeper goals and signals of high function. Adam invests in a variety of technology sectors, and half of his recent investments involve AI. He earned his graduate degree from UC Berkeley and is currently based in New York City, where he’s co-chair of the NYC chapter of the Google Alumni. Adam is also longtime faculty at Alchemist Accelerator, the leading program for B2B startups.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

Complimentary Ticket:

Are you a full-time tech founder? Be our guest! We’re making our events available to tech founders everywhere. Enjoy a complimentary ticket to come learn from fellow tech founders, partners and investors. Already used your complimentary guest pass? Request an invite to see if you qualify for membership.

About Founders Network:

Founded in 2011, Founders Network offers lifelong peer mentorship to over 600 tech startup founders globally. Our platform, programs and high-touch service facilitate authentic experience sharing, warm introductions and long-term professional relationships. Additional benefits include over $500k in startup discounts and promotion to 2,000 newsletter readers. Members are located in San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto, London and other tech hubs. Each month our Membership Committee admits a new cohort of full-time tech founders who are nominated by an existing member. Learn more about us here

Confidentiality Policy

All information shared within Founders Network is strictly confidential. We are built on a foundation of trust, and the community takes confidentiality seriously. Investors, members, and staff all share experiences and opinions off the record. In this roundtable forum, we continue to model our fnValues of Reciprocity, Humility, Authenticity and Inclusivity. Read more about our Privacy Policy here.

Lessons from FinTech Veteran William Nass: Scaling, Exiting & Investing

Paul Anda — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Join us for an exclusive session with William Nass, co-founder of a FinTech company that pioneered automated loan underwriting for financial institutions.

After successfully navigating multiple technology pivots and building a SaaS platform, William sold his company to Meridian link, a portfolio company of Thoma Bravo, in 2020 for over $100M after 32 years in operation. In this session, he’ll share key insights on scaling a company in a rapidly changing sector, the importance of market timing, and lessons learned throughout his journey.

William will also delve into his new role as a mentor and investor, offering guidance for early-stage companies. He’ll share the importance of mentorship, how to approach private investing, and the strategies that have worked for him when advising and supporting revenue-generating startups.

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Wagner, Head of Member Success at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

William Nass is a FinTech veteran with over 30 years of experience in building and scaling companies. He co-founded a pioneering FinTech company in 1982, successfully adapting to technological shifts and ultimately developing a SaaS platform that automated loan underwriting for financial institutions. After 32+ years of operation, William sold the company to Meridian link, a portfolio company of Thoma Bravo, for over $100M in 2020.

In addition to his entrepreneurial success, William is deeply involved in mentoring and private investing. He has contributed to initiatives such as SCORE, VMT, and FAU Tech Runway, providing invaluable guidance to early-stage startups. His current focus is advising and investing in revenue-generating companies, helping them navigate growth challenges and scale effectively.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

Complimentary Ticket:

About Founders Network:

Confidentiality Policy

The Human Touch in Tech: Cynthia Benjamin on Scaling Together Senior Health

Paul Anda — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Cynthia Benjamin, CEO and Co-Founder of Together Senior Health, takes us through her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from the founding of her innovative healthcare startup to its acquisition by Linus Health.

With a career that spans health, tech, and nonprofit sectors, Cynthia will share the key insights that guided her as she built a company dedicated to helping Alzheimer’s and dementia patients live healthier, more independent lives at home.

In this fireside chat, Cynthia will explore the critical role of strong co-founder relationships, the delicate balance between cutting-edge technology and the human touch, and the challenges and rewards of securing both grant and private funding. She’ll also reflect on the MVP development process, team-building strategies, and navigating the complexities of healthcare innovation.

Throughout the discussion, Cynthia will emphasize the value of diverse career experiences in shaping an entrepreneurial mindset and offer key lessons on the power of continuous learning, perseverance, and intuition in building a successful business.

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Wagner, Head of Member Success at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

Cynthia Benjamin has a long and varied career, beginning in 1985 as a Product Design Engineer at IDEO Product Development. In 1989, she founded and became President of Samson-McCann, Inc. She later joined Strategic Decisions Group in 1998 as a Senior Engagement Manager, leading strategy and management consulting teams. In 2006, Cynthia took on the role of Director of Innovation at IMS Health, where she helped create a Big Data and Health IT growth platform. She also served as an Innovation Lab Principal and Global Process Lead, as well as a Principal in Strategy and Portfolio Analytics Consulting.

In 2014, she joined Thrive Foundation as Director of Design and Innovation, leading the foundation’s tool and resource development initiatives. Cynthia began consulting independently in 2016, focusing on Strategy, Innovation, and Impact. She became the CEO and Co-Founder of Together Senior Health in 2017, a leading digital therapeutic and community platform for individuals with Alzheimer’s or cognitive decline. Cynthia also teaches at Stanford University’s d.school, where she provides design and forecasting frameworks to innovators.

Cynthia holds an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business, a MS in Mechanical Engineering/Product Design from Stanford University, and a BS in Product Design Engineering from Stanford. She also participated in Semester at Sea, Institute for Shipboard Education.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

Complimentary Ticket:

About Founders Network:

Confidentiality Policy

From Military Tech to AI Exit: Co-Founders, Strategy & Growth

Paul Anda — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Liran Hason’s career blends technical innovation with entrepreneurial strategy, resulting in a successful startup exit and valuable lessons for aspiring founders. Having begun his coding journey at age 10, Liran served in one of Israel’s elite military tech units, where he honed his technical and leadership skills. After gaining business experience at Adallom (acquired by Microsoft), he transitioned to venture capital, investing in early-stage companies with Aleph Ventures.

In 2019, Liran co-founded Aporia, a cutting-edge AI observability platform that raised $30M and achieved a successful exit when it was acquired by Coralogix in December 2024.

During this session, Liran will share actionable insights from his journey, focusing on early-stage challenges, the art of fundraising, and the emotional and strategic realities of startup life. Attendees will gain a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in the startup world, from building strong co-founder relationships to balancing customer-focused problem-solving with investor-focused vision-setting.

This session will feature a mix of recorded insights and off-the-record anecdotes, making it a unique opportunity to learn directly from a founder who has successfully navigated the path from idea to acquisition.

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Wagner, Head of Member Success at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

Liran Hason is a tech entrepreneur and leader with expertise spanning military technology, venture capital, and AI innovation. At the core of his success is his ability to combine a deep technical background with a keen business acumen, honed through roles in both startup and investment ecosystems.

Liran’s entrepreneurial journey began in Israel’s military tech unit, where he refined his skills before moving into business at Adallom (acquired by Microsoft) and later in venture capital with Aleph Ventures. In 2019, he co-founded Aporia, a leading AI observability platform, which raised $30M and was successfully acquired by Coralogix in 2024. Known for his work ethic and collaborative mindset, Liran has built companies that solve real-world problems while maintaining a long-term strategic vision. He is now sharing his expertise to inspire the next generation of founders and innovators.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

Complimentary Ticket:

About Founders Network:

Confidentiality Policy

Beyond the Idea: Elad Ben Meir on Building a Thriving Startup

Paul Anda — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 16:30:00 +0000

What separates startups that thrive from those that fail? According to Elad Ben Meir, success isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about the relationships, strategy, and discipline that fuel long-term growth. With over 15 years of experience leading high-growth companies and executing successful turnarounds, Elad has transformed struggling businesses into thriving market leaders.

His approach underscores the importance of strong founder relationships, comparing them to a marriage that requires continuous communication, trust, and alignment. Without this foundation, even the most innovative startups can struggle. He also emphasizes the need for transparency at every level—founders, management, and investors—ensuring alignment and a shared vision for success.

Elad cautions against the dangers of overspending in pursuit of rapid growth. He advocates for a balanced approach, making calculated investments that drive scale while maintaining financial discipline. He will also share his insights on choosing the right investors, warning that big-name backers aren’t always the best fit if their vision, culture, or expectations don’t align with a startup’s long-term goals.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from Elad Ben Meir’s extensive experience in scaling high-growth startups and leading successful turnarounds. Whether you’re just starting out or navigating the complexities of growth, his expertise in founder relationships, communication, financial discipline, and investor alignment is invaluable.

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Wagner, Head of Member Success at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

Elad Ben-Meir is a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO, and turnaround specialist with a proven track record in scaling startups, executing successful exits, and revitalizing struggling businesses. As the CEO of SCADAfence, he brings over 15 years of leadership experience in high-growth environments, financial turnarounds, and market repositioning. Previously, he served as VP of Marketing and Strategic Accounts at CyberInt and VP of Marketing and Products at indeni.

Elad is known for leading companies through crisis situations, securing strategic partnerships, and driving disciplined execution that leads to sustainable success. A strong advocate for financial discipline and founder-investor alignment, he regularly advises startups on raising capital, scaling responsibly, and avoiding common growth pitfalls. He holds a BA in Computer Science & Economics from Tel Aviv College and is a sought-after speaker in the cybersecurity and IT sectors.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

Complimentary Ticket:

About Founders Network:

Confidentiality Policy

fnWLC Presents: All Things Fundraising with Kristen Craft

Paul Anda — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Fundraising is one of the most pivotal — and often daunting — parts of the founder journey. Whether you’re navigating your first pre-seed round or preparing for a Series A, understanding how to align with investor expectations is critical.

Join Kristen Craft, VP of Partnerships at Fidelity Private Shares, for a tactical, founder-first session on how to approach fundraising with confidence and clarity.

In this workshop, you’ll learn:

The latest fundraising trends by stage, from pre-seed to Series B
What investors expect at each stage — and how to meet (or exceed) that bar
The metrics that matter most and how to present your progress persuasively
How to build the right investor relationships before you’re even raising
How to get your cap table and data room investor-ready

Expect an honest, practical conversation designed for founders who want to take control of their fundraising process. Walk away with real-world frameworks, investor insight, and next steps tailored to your stage.

This event is hosted by the fnWomen’s Leadership Committee, whose mission is to empower and elevate women entrepreneurs. Together, we’re building a community rooted in support, collaboration, and shared success.

Facilitated by:

Amy T. Wister, Chair of the Women’s Leadership Committee

About the Speaker:

Kristen Craft brings deep startup roots to her role as VP of Partnerships at Fidelity Private Shares. In this role, she’s building out Fidelity’s startup engagement platform, supporting founders and investors with equity management tools, fundraising strategy, and go-to-market best practices. Prior to Fidelity, Kristen was a founder herself, and then a longtime startup operator. She enjoyed working on strategic partnerships and digital marketing, predominantly in B2B SaaS companies. A Boston-area native, Kristen holds a B.A. from Brown University, an M.Ed. from Harvard University, and an MBA from MIT Sloan. She’s particularly passionate about building community, creating connections, and supporting diverse founders.

Complimentary Ticket:

About Founders Network:

Confidentiality Policy

Smart Scaling: Lessons on Customer Discovery & CEO Involvement

Paul Anda — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:30:00 +0000

In this session, Vincent Martinez, co-founder of Nanoleq, a Swiss-based smart textiles company specializing in stretchable electronics for health monitoring, will share invaluable lessons from his entrepreneurial journey.

In November 2024, Nanoleq was acquired by Myant Corp., a Canadian leader in advanced materials for healthcare. This strategic acquisition aims to integrate Nanoleq’s advanced sensor technologies into Myant’s expanding portfolio of medical devices, enhancing Myant’s mission to pioneer the future of connected health.

Vincent will dive into the pivotal lessons that drove Nanoleq’s success: how early customer feedback shapes product-market fit, why CEOs need to be directly involved in sales, and the dangers of scaling too early. Whether you’re building a B2B or B2C product, Vincent’s insights into knowing your market, finding the right use case, and carefully scaling before achieving product-market fit can help avoid costly missteps and set your startup up for sustainable growth.

This session will be a must for founders and CEOs looking to scale with precision and build products that truly meet market needs. Don’t miss out on these game-changing insights from a successful founder who has lived through both the challenges and triumphs of growing a startup.

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Wagner, Head of Member Success at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

Vincent Martinez is the co-founder of Nanoleq (acquired by Myant), a pioneering smart textiles company that developed stretchable electronics for health monitoring. Born in France and based in Zurich for the past 12 years, Vincent holds a material engineering degree from UTT (France) and a PhD in micro-technologies from ETH Zurich. Throughout his career, Vincent has demonstrated a passion for advancing our understanding of the human body through technology. His optimism and curiosity have driven his work, as he strives to build meaningful products that contribute to a better knowledge of ourselves.

Since founding Nanoleq, Vincent has been responsible for the company’s vision, overall strategy, management, fundraising, and business development. Under his leadership, Nanoleq pivoted from a B2B focus on manufacturing sensors for textiles to launching the Oxa Life product—a B2C wearable for breathing and ECG monitoring. Nanoleq’s acquisition by Myant six months ago marked a new phase, where Vincent’s strategic vision helped accelerate user growth and recurring revenue.

In addition to his entrepreneurial accomplishments, Vincent has been recognized with multiple awards, including the ETH Pioneer Fellowship (2016) and the De Vigier Award (2018). He leads a dedicated team committed to improving health through the next generation of monitoring textiles.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

Complimentary Ticket:

About Founders Network:

Confidentiality Policy