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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250710T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250710T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20250619T172131Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250627T030853Z
UID:24347-1752139800-1752145200@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:From Google to 3 IPOs: Adam Sah on Startups\, Products & Staying Ahead
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nWhat does it take to build products that scale and companies that last—again and again? \nJoin 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. \nIn 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. \nWhether 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. \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nAdam Sah is a seasoned entrepreneur\, operator\, and investor with 9 exits\, 3 IPOs\, 25 patents and was an early senior technical lead at Google. \nCurrently\, 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. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/from-google-to-3-ipos-adam-sah-on-startups-products-staying-ahead/
LOCATION:Virtual | Hosted by Founders Network (San Francisco HQ) | Featuring Adam Sah\, New York City Chapter
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7_10-Adam-Sah-Eventbrite-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250625T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250625T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20250219T233654Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250426T004725Z
UID:24022-1750843800-1750849200@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Windward’s $270M Exit: Market Choice & Content Strategy Lessons
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nIn this session\, we’ll hear from the founder of Windward\, a pioneering maritime AI company that uses satellite technology to bring visibility to ocean shipping. From his background as a naval officer to co-founding Windward and achieving a $270M exit\, he’ll share key lessons learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey\, offering valuable insights into the challenges and strategies that shaped his success. \nHe’ll discuss how market choice is one of the most important decisions a founder can make\, often more impactful than assembling the perfect team. He’ll explain how surrounding yourself with positive\, motivated people is essential for company growth\, while negativity can hold back progress. \nAs a hands-on leader with a “fighting to win” mentality\, he combines strategic vision with meticulous attention to detail\, from reading sales reports daily to speaking directly with engineers and customers. Founder-led marketing was crucial to Windward’s growth\, with Ami personally engaging with stakeholders and driving a content strategy that resulted in 13 billion unique views and regular media coverage in outlets like the NYT and WSJ. \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nAmi Daniel is co-founder and CEO of Windward. In this capacity he has been featured extensively as an expert in shipping and AI at multiple conferences\, events\, op-eds and interviews including by The Economist\, FT\, WSJ\, Bloomberg and many others. He was recognised as one of the 40 most promising entrepreneurs in Israel twice by Israel’s leading economical newspapers – Globes and The Marker. Under his leadership Windward has been awarded multiple awards including as a finalist in the Boldness in Business Awards by the FT\, Red Herring\, The Hottest Startup in Israel by Wired and many others. Ami serves on the advisory board of “My Wave” NGO which empowers traumatized or misprinted youth by teaching them to surf. \nBefore founding Windward\, Ami has been one of Israel’s most impactful youth social entrepreneurs\, founding a community centre in Haifa when he was 16\, as well as another national scale social empowerment program. For these he was given multiple awards including the President’s Award and the Ramon Award (both the most distinguished for youth in Israel). \nAmi served as a naval officer (Lieutenant) in the Israeli Navy and he holds an LLB from Tel Aviv University. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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. \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/windwards-270m-exit-market-choice-content-strategy-lessons/
LOCATION:Virtual | Hosted by Founders Network (San Francisco HQ) | Featuring Ami Daniel\, London Chapter
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/6_25-Ami-Daniel-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250610T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250610T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20250211T012619Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250426T004809Z
UID:23994-1749547800-1749553200@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Lessons from a Proven CEO: Scaling\, Exits\, and Navigating AI Trends
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nWith over 30 years of leadership experience\, Patrick Dennis\, CEO of Avaya\, will share invaluable insights for tech founders navigating the complexities of leadership transitions and business scaling. Drawing on his extensive track record\, including his transformative role at Venafi\, where he led the company through a $1.5B acquisition by CyberArk\, as well as his tenure at ExtraHop and Aspect Communications (now Alvaria)\, Patrick will explore a critical question for many founders: when is it time to replace yourself as CEO? \nPatrick will explore how to recognize success-based problems as signals of growth and discuss how to address personal gaps without viewing them as failures. He’ll provide practical strategies for balancing the founder’s creative vision with the operational expertise needed for scaling\, and emphasize the mindset shift required to pivot from day-to-day management to high-level strategic leadership. \nIn addition\, Patrick will share insights on the current dynamics of the startup ecosystem. He’ll focus on the increasing need for cash preservation in today’s market\, particularly as capital becomes more expensive\, and explore the necessary strategic adjustments for companies with fewer than 100 employees. He will also discuss how AI advancements—especially in voice interfaces and communications—are opening new doors in previously untapped markets\, presenting opportunities that could significantly expand the software economy. \nDon’t miss this opportunity to hear from a seasoned CEO and gain actionable insights that can elevate both your leadership and your business. Join us and discover strategies to take your company to the next level! \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nPatrick Dennis is the CEO of Avaya\, a global leader in enterprise communications. With over three decades of experience in enterprise software\, SaaS\, cybersecurity\, and communications\, Patrick has held transformative leadership roles\, including CEO of Venafi\, where he drove the company’s sale to CyberArk for $1.5B. Previously\, he served as CEO at ExtraHop\, Aspect Communications (now Alvaria)\, and Guidance Software. Patrick has also held senior roles at EMC and Oracle. His leadership has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth at every company he’s led. He holds a B.S. in Information Technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology and is an active contributor to the Forbes Technology Council. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/lessons-from-a-proven-ceo-scaling-exits-and-navigating-ai-trends/
LOCATION:Virtual | Hosted by Founders Network (San Francisco HQ) | Featuring Patrick Dennis\, Denver Chapter
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/6_10-Patrick-Dennis-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250521T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250521T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20250211T004428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250426T004550Z
UID:23988-1747819800-1747825200@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:How Thejo Kote Built and Sold Two Startups for $440M
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nThejo Kote is a serial entrepreneur who has built and successfully exited two companies\, Automatic and Airbase\, for a combined total of $440M. His journey from an aspiring founder to a seasoned entrepreneur provides valuable insights into the complexities of scaling\, securing funding\, and building high-performing teams. In this session\, Thejo will discuss the key lessons he learned while navigating the challenges of growing a hardware startup with Automatic\, which was sold to SiriusXM for $115M\, and later transitioning to enterprise software with Airbase\, which was acquired by Paylocity for $325M. \nHe will share his experiences in developing a strategic approach to business growth\, balancing financial discipline with bold decision-making\, and shaping company culture to support long-term success. Thejo’s insights into fundraising\, market positioning\, and leadership will provide attendees with actionable strategies to tackle the common pitfalls faced by early-stage founders. From overcoming operational hurdles to embracing intellectual honesty and adaptability\, Thejo’s story serves as a playbook for entrepreneurs looking to build scalable and successful businesses. \nJoin us for an in-depth conversation where Thejo will offer practical advice\, candid reflections\, and strategic frameworks that can help founders at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey. \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nThejo Kote is the Founder and former CEO of Airbase\, a spend management platform designed for mid-market and enterprise companies. Prior to Airbase\, Thejo co-founded Automatic\, a connected car platform acquired by SiriusXM in 2017. \nHe also co-founded NextDrop\, where he served as co-founder and advisor from 2009 to 2016. Earlier in his career\, he was a senior engineer at Netcore Solutions and a software engineer at Infosys Technologies. \nThejo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University (2000-2004). He later pursued a Master’s degree at University of California\, Berkeley\, in the School of Information (2009-2011)\, which provided him with the technical and analytical skills that have been instrumental in his successful career in the tech industry. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/how-thejo-kote-built-and-sold-two-startups-for-440m/
LOCATION:Virtual | Hosted by Founders Network (San Francisco HQ)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/5_21-Thejo-Kote-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250506T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250506T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20250210T233938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250426T004306Z
UID:23982-1746523800-1746529200@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:From Theater to Tech: Jason Kassin’s Path to Raising $140M and Exiting
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nGain valuable insights from Jason Kassin\, a technology entrepreneur and pioneering entertainment executive. Jason will share his remarkable journey from theater and film to founding FilmTrack\, a leading SaaS platform for content rights management\, which he successfully scaled from startup to an acquisition by City National Bank. \nDiscover how Jason leveraged his creative background in storytelling and improvisation to pitch investors\, secure over $140 million in funding\, and navigate multiple acquisitions. He’ll also provide insights from his current role as an advisor\, angel investor\, and board member\, offering perspectives on scaling businesses\, fundraising\, and the evolving intersection of technology and entertainment. \nWhether you’re an early-stage founder or scaling your startup\, Jason’s expertise in execution\, strategic partnerships\, and investment will provide actionable takeaways to help you succeed on your entrepreneurial journey. \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nJason Kassin is a technology entrepreneur and entertainment industry executive with a deep understanding of the intersection between media and technology. As the founder and former CEO of FilmTrack\, Jason played a pivotal role in transforming how the entertainment industry manages content rights\, royalties\, and licensing agreements. \nBeyond his entrepreneurial journey\, Jason has held leadership roles in the financial sector\, helping City National Bank expand its entertainment finance division after FilmTrack’s acquisition. Today\, he is an active angel investor\, board member\, and advisor\, working with startups across various industries to refine their go-to-market strategies\, fundraising efforts\, and business models. \nIn addition to his work in technology and investment\, Jason has a background in screenwriting and film production\, with credits at DreamWorks\, Fox\, and NBC. He continues to explore storytelling through documentary filmmaking. Jason has sold scripts to major studios and co-produced the award-winning documentary It Ain’t Over\, which became one of Netflix’s most-streamed sports documentaries. \nHe serves on multiple advisory boards and remains passionate about fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in their growth journeys. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/from-theater-to-tech-jason-kassins-path-to-raising-140m-and-exiting/
LOCATION:Virtual | Hosted by Founders Network (San Francisco HQ) | Featuring Jason Kassin\, Los Angeles Chapter
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/5_6-Jason-Kassin-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250429T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250429T100000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20250418T171810Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250426T011016Z
UID:24238-1745917200-1745920800@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Travel Hacking for Founders: Maximize Growth\, Minimize Burn
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nAs a founder\, every dollar counts—and every connection matters. Whether you’re traveling to close your next customer\, meet investors face-to-face\, or build strategic partnerships\, smart travel can be a powerful growth lever.  \nJoin serial founder and travel hacking expert Tyler Dikman for a tactical session on how to make travel work for your startup—not against your burn rate. Tyler has built multiple startups\, flown over a million miles using points\, and mastered the art of traveling smarter to scale faster. \nKey Takeaways: \n\nThe top business credit cards for founders to earn points and unlock perks\nMust-have travel hacks and tools to save time\, money\, and energy\nHow in-person meetings can accelerate traction—and how to make them happen more often\n\nThis exclusive Founders Network session is built for busy founders who want to get in front of the right people—without overspending. Walk away with a practical travel strategy you can put to work immediately. \n  \nAbout the Speaker: \nTyler Dikman is a passionate serial entrepreneur focused on results\, efficiency\, and “under-promising and overdelivering”. Most recently\, Tyler served as the Vice President of Global Premium Products and Benefits for American Express after serving as founder & CEO of LoungeBuddy (acquired by AMEX in 2019). Tyler’s current focus is bringing his experience in building and growing businesses\, marketing\, public relations\, storytelling\, and leadership to early-stage entrepreneurs building high-growth businesses. Tyler is a frequent traveler\, having flown roughly 3 million miles\, and loves new experiences and learning about other cultures. Tyler is currently based in San Francisco. \n  \n \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/travel-hacking-for-founders-maximize-growth-minimize-burn/
LOCATION:Virtual | Hosted by Founders Network (San Francisco HQ)
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4_29-Tyler-Dikman-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250422T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250422T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20250409T182349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T183332Z
UID:24193-1745316000-1745319600@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:The Global Founder in a Fragmenting World
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nThe world is deglobalizing—but opportunity isn’t. \nAs trade wars\, tariffs\, and political tensions reshape the global landscape\, founders face a new challenge: How do you build an international company in a world that seems to be pulling apart?In this interactive roundtable\, we’ll explore how forward-thinking founders are navigating these global headwinds and why strategic geographic choices—like Singapore—can unlock access to fast-growing markets while mitigating geopolitical risks. \nYou’ll leave with: \n\nA deeper understanding of how the global startup map is shifting\nTactical ideas for building resilient\, cross-border teams\nA fresh perspective on where growth opportunities lie—even in a fractured world\n\nWe’ll be joined by Jared Koh\, who leads the Economic Development Board for Singapore and will share insights on how the city-state is helping startups scale across APAC in this new era. \n  \nAbout the Speaker: \nJared Koh joined the Singapore Economic Development Board in January 2018\, and currently serves as Regional Director\, Americas based in San Francisco. He is responsible for facilitating business partnerships and investment promotion activity for the tech sector across the US West Coast. \nPreviously\, Jared was part of Digital Industry Singapore (DISG)\, a joint office between EDB\, Enterprise Singapore (ESG)\, and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) that was in charged with attracting and fostering globally competitive technology companies to create new products and services from Singapore\, for Asia and beyond. Jared was also part of EDB’s Regional Partnerships team\, where he had helped to foster collaborations between Singapore and Southeast Asian government leaders and businesses to enable international companies to grow better in the region. Prior to joining EDB\, Jared had served as a diplomat under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore. \nJared received a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Distinction) in Psychology from the National University of Singapore in 2016. \n  \n \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/the-global-founder-in-a-fragmenting-world/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/4_22-Jared-Koh-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250415T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250415T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20250110T030208Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T235321Z
UID:23947-1744709400-1744714800@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:From Startup to Unicorn: Scaling Globally & Merging with Fierce Rivals
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nDiscover the journey of Davis Siksnans\, an entrepreneur who redefined what’s possible in Latvia’s startup ecosystem. As the founder of Printful\, Latvia’s first unicorn\, Davis turned a bold vision into a $300 million global powerhouse in the print-on-demand industry\, with over 2\,000 employees across 10 locations worldwide. \nIn this session\, Davis will dive deep into the strategies that propelled his company to the forefront of the market. He will share his approach to overcoming competitive challenges\, including his leadership in orchestrating the unprecedented merger between Printful and its fierce rival\, Printify. Attendees will gain insights into the operational excellence and cultural understanding that allowed Davis to scale Printful internationally while maintaining a strong foundation in Europe. \nThe session will also explore Davis’ unique perspective on navigating international expansion\, bridging diverse markets\, and fostering innovation in high-growth environments. Davis’ experience offers invaluable lessons for founders looking to scale their businesses globally\, manage competitive dynamics\, and lead through transformative growth. \nIf you’re a founder\, business leader\, or investor curious about the behind-the-scenes of building and scaling a unicorn\, this event will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable takeaways. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the inspiring figures in the European startup scene. \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nCEO of Mapon | Co-founder and Former CEO of Printful (Latvia’s First Unicorn) | Investor & Advisor \nDavis Siksnans co-founded Printful\, Latvia’s first unicorn\, and led the company to global success. He is currently the CEO of Mapon\, a fleet management SaaS company. As an investor\, Davis is active through Draugiem Capital and is a member of the BAD Ideas Fund and a Fund Fellow at Founders Syndicates. \nHis angel investments include Hyperjob\, RoomPriceGenie\, Respeecher\, and more. Davis has supported over 100 startups through Draugiem Group and is recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and awarded the Order of the Three Stars\, Latvia’s highest civilian honor. \nDavis shares his expertise on scaling businesses and international expansion through various media outlets and podcasts. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT\n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/from-startup-to-unicorn-scaling-globally-merging-with-fierce-rivals/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250403T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250403T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20241217T235029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T235311Z
UID:23931-1743672600-1743678000@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Achieving a $136M Exit: Key Lessons from Scaling a Security Tech Startup
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nDive into the journey of building and scaling a business to a $136M exit with Ravi Sandepudi\, co-founder of Effectiv\, a leading fraud detection software company recently acquired by SoCure. In this session\, Ravi will share the strategies and lessons behind achieving a $4.5M ARR with a lean team of 25\, offering actionable insights for founders at every stage of growth. \nLearn how to leverage domain expertise\, foster a thriving remote-first culture\, and navigate the challenges of fundraising and sales in a competitive market. Ravi will also discuss his transition from a technical role to a leadership position focused on business development and sales\, sharing practical advice for founders facing similar shifts. \nThis event will provide a unique opportunity to gain insights into building trusted teams\, creating products that stand out in competitive industries\, and preparing for strategic exits. Don’t miss this chance to hear firsthand from a founder who has successfully navigated the complex world of cybersecurity\, technology\, and business growth. \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nRavi Sandepudi is the Co-founder and CEO of Effectiv. Before starting Effectiv\, Ravi was the Director of Product Development at PayPal\, leading their efforts in building cutting-edge fraud protection services for thousands of merchants\, launching PayPal in China and developing their privacy infrastructure. Ravi joined PayPal via the acquisition of Simility\, a pioneer in fraud detection software\, where he was the first employee and led their offices in India and UK. Prior to Simility & PayPal\, he worked at Google in their Risk\, Trust & Safety organization building systems that detected fraud\, malware and abuse across products like Google Search\, Ads & Google Pay. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/achieving-a-136m-exit-key-lessons-from-scaling-a-security-tech-startup/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/4_3-Ravi-Sandepudi-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250318T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250318T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20241204T014349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T235301Z
UID:23917-1742290200-1742295600@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Ethical Dilemmas\, 7x Revenue Growth\, and a Successful Exit in 3D Printing
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nBuilding a startup is often glamorized\, but what happens when things don’t go as planned? Blake Teipel\, co-founder and former CEO of Essentium\, Inc.\, will pull back the curtain on the less talked-about aspects of entrepreneurship. Hear how he navigated difficult decisions and addressed ethical challenges when pivoting into defense technologies. \nBlake will also share how Essentium grew revenue 7x in one year\, built a thriving government business\, and ultimately achieved a successful exit to Nexa3D. This session will blend lessons in resilience\, strategic pivots\, and long-term thinking\, offering an honest look at the realities of startup leadership. Whether you’re preparing for growth or navigating challenges\, Blake’s story will leave you with invaluable insights on the importance of both ascent and descent in a founder’s journey. \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nBlake Teipel is the former CEO and co-founder of Essentium\, Inc.\, a leading 3D printing technology company. With over 15 years of experience in materials science and engineering\, he specialized in additive manufacturing. Blake led Essentium through key challenges\, including a failed IPO\, restructuring\, and ultimately a successful exit to Nexa3D. \nBlake holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Texas A&M University and has a background in mechanical engineering. His work spans across various industries\, including biomedical and manufacturing technology. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/ethical-dilemmas-7x-revenue-growth-and-a-successful-exit-in-3d-printing/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/3_18-Blake-Teipel-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250306T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250306T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20241204T013405Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T235252Z
UID:23914-1741253400-1741258800@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Raised $70M and Exited: Why Product-Market Fit Outweighs Early VC Pursuit
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nTom Coburn\, co-founder of Jebbit\, will share his entrepreneurial journey from dropping out of Boston College in 2013 to building Jebbit into the world’s first declared data platform. Jebbit helps marketing and sales teams capture critical consumer data directly from users\, bypassing unreliable third-party sources. With major clients such as Cathay Pacific Airways\, LifeLock\, and the New England Revolution\, Jebbit was recognized as one of CNBC’s Top 25 Most Promising Companies and earned accolades for its culture and innovation. \nTom will reflect on his journey raising $70M from Vista in 2020\, and eventually selling Jebbit to a Vista portfolio company in 2022. He’ll share pivotal lessons learned\, including the challenges of chasing VC funding and CMO buy-in over focusing on the end-user experience. After enduring a difficult period in 2019 that included layoffs and customer churn\, Tom shifted focus to product-market fit\, an approach he’ll adopt for his next startup. This event will provide valuable insights for founders and investors on scaling companies\, navigating growth challenges\, and the importance of aligning product strategy with user needs. \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nTom Coburn is the co-founder and CEO of Jebbit. He is also a General Partner at Soaring Startup Circle Venture Partners (SSC Venture Partners). Tom co-founded Jebbit while studying at Boston College\, dropping out to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions full-time. \nHe has been recognized with several prestigious honors\, including Forbes 30 Under 30\, the Upstart 100\, and as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist. Tom is passionate about mentoring and has co-founded two non-profit organizations. His work continues to inspire startups in the tech and venture space\, blending his expertise in marketing technology with a focus on helping emerging companies scale. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/raised-70m-and-exited-why-product-market-fit-outweighs-early-vc-pursuit/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250228T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250228T100000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20250109T002308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250212T201037Z
UID:23942-1740733200-1740736800@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Singapore’s Startup Ecosystem: Finding Your Launchpad with Jared Koh
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nJoin us for a webinar on the state of Singapore’s startup ecosystem with Jared Koh\, Regional Director of the Economic Development Board (EDB) Singapore. Discover the vibrant and supportive environment Singapore offers for entrepreneurs and startups. Jared will delve into the unique advantages\, government incentives\, and resources available to help founders launch and scale their businesses. \n\nIn addition\, we’ll present a comprehensive trend report on Singapore’s startup ecosystem\, covering: \n\nEmerging trends and opportunities\nKey sectors and industries experiencing growth\nInvestor activity and funding trends\nChallenges and future outlook\n\n  \nAbout the Speaker: \nJared Koh joined the Singapore Economic Development Board in January 2018\, and currently serves as Regional Director\, Americas based in San Francisco. He is responsible for facilitating business partnerships and investment promotion activity for the tech sector across the US West Coast. \nPreviously\, Jared was part of Digital Industry Singapore (DISG)\, a joint office between EDB\, Enterprise Singapore (ESG)\, and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) that was in charged with attracting and fostering globally competitive technology companies to create new products and services from Singapore\, for Asia and beyond. Jared was also part of EDB’s Regional Partnerships team\, where he had helped to foster collaborations between Singapore and Southeast Asian government leaders and businesses to enable international companies to grow better in the region. Prior to joining EDB\, Jared had served as a diplomat under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore. \nJared received a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Distinction) in Psychology from the National University of Singapore in 2016. \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \n  \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/singapores-startup-ecosystem-finding-your-launchpad-with-jared-koh/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Jared-Koh-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250227T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250227T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20250204T193108Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250206T195135Z
UID:23965-1740650400-1740654000@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:From Vision to Traction: Crafting a GTM Strategy That Works
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nYour vision sets you apart. But turning that vision into a clear\, effective go-to-market (GTM) strategy? That’s where many founders get stuck. \nInvestors need clarity. Customers expect relevance. Your team looks for direction. Without a solid GTM plan\, even the best ideas can lose momentum. \nTogether\, we’ll break down how to transform your vision into a focused\, actionable GTM strategy that drives real results\, without losing what makes your startup unique. \n  \nWhat we’ll cover:\nGTM Blueprint – Learn the key elements of a successful GTM strategy that keeps your vision at the core. \nReal-World Insights – See how other founders are tackling GTM challenges\, backed by data. \nVision-to-Value Framework – A simple tool to translate your vision into a compelling value proposition. \nTeam Alignment Tools – Ensure your entire team is on the same page\, from messaging to execution. \nStartups don’t fail for lack of vision\, they fail when that vision doesn’t translate into action. \nThis webinar will help you build a GTM strategy that keeps your vision at the center while driving real growth. \n  \nAbout the Speaker: \nGary S. Stein is a seasoned marketing leader with over two decades of experience helping startups and enterprises craft winning go-to-market strategies. With a background in global marketing\, product launches\, and brand positioning\, he has guided numerous tech companies in turning their vision into scalable growth. As a startup advisor and mentor\, Gary brings practical insights on how founders can navigate the challenges of navigating the complexities of bringing a product to market. \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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. \n  \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/from-vision-to-traction-crafting-a-gtm-strategy-that-works/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250218T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250218T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20250124T230325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T235217Z
UID:23959-1739871000-1739876400@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Hyperfocus in Action: Yoav Nathaniel’s Path to a $150M Acquisition
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nStep into an engaging conversation with Yoav Nathaniel\, Founder of Silk Security\, the innovative cybersecurity platform acquired by Armis Security for $150M. Yoav’s story is one of relentless focus\, adaptability\, and the pursuit of building solutions that matter. \nYoav’s career began with hands-on experience in the startup ecosystem\, where he wore many hats—engineer\, customer support leader\, and sales strategist. These roles not only helped him develop a deep understanding of building and scaling startups but also highlighted the critical importance of fostering a strong and inclusive company culture. \nDuring his tenure at Goldman Sachs as the Head of Cloud Security Engineering\, Yoav gained invaluable insights into the complexities of cybersecurity. He worked on future-forward use cases\, managing millions of security issues and creating automated workflows to solve problems at scale. This experience shaped his understanding of the challenges customers face and set the stage for Silk Security’s inception. \nIn this fireside chat\, Yoav will take us through his journey from early career challenges to co-founding Silk Security with a vision of solving complex security issues through collaboration\, transparency\, and innovation. He’ll share how culture and customer trust became pillars of Silk Security’s approach\, the lessons learned from raising $12.5M in funding during uncertain times\, and the pivotal moments that led to its acquisition by Armis Security. \nThis session is not just about cybersecurity or entrepreneurship—it’s a conversation about the power of hyperfocus\, resilience\, and the cultural values that underpin a successful venture. Whether you’re navigating the early stages of your startup\, scaling for growth\, or simply seeking inspiration\, Yoav’s story will provide valuable insights and practical takeaways. \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nYoav Nathaniel is a visionary entrepreneur and the Founder of Silk Security\, a platform designed to simplify and scale security remediation workflows for the most complex organizations. Prior to Silk\, Yoav’s career spanned transformative roles in both startups and enterprises. He began his journey at Avanan\, a pioneering cloud security company acquired by Check Point for $300M\, where he gained firsthand experience in building products from the ground up and pivoting strategies to meet customer needs. \nHis time at Goldman Sachs as the Head of Cloud Security Engineering provided a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities within large-scale cybersecurity. Here\, Yoav led innovative efforts to manage and automate the remediation of millions of security issues across diverse infrastructures\, a challenge that inspired Silk Security’s core mission. \nA strong advocate for transparency\, inclusivity\, and innovation\, Yoav has instilled these values into Silk’s culture\, creating an environment where collaboration thrives. From fostering trust with customers during crises like the collapse of SVB to hosting biannual innovation weeks to encourage fresh ideas\, Yoav’s leadership is a testament to the power of a clear vision and cohesive culture. \nThrough his journey\, Yoav exemplifies the belief that the right team\, focus\, and passion can transform challenges into opportunities and ideas into industry-changing solutions. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/hyperfocus-in-action-yoav-nathaniels-path-to-a-150m-acquisition/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2_18-Yoav-Nathaniel-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250206T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250206T103000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20241119T024027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250206T165848Z
UID:23898-1738832400-1738837800@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:From $500M Exits to Transforming Freight: The Journey of Zvi Schreiber
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nExplore the journey of Zvi Schreiber\, a British-Israeli entrepreneur reshaping the tech landscape as the Founder and CEO of Freightos\, the leading marketplace for the trillion-dollar international freight industry. He is driving transparency and efficiency in a traditionally opaque market. \nZvi founded Tradeum Inc.\, a B2B e-commerce pioneer\, achieving over $100 million in revenue and a $500 million exit. He led Unicorn Inc. to its acquisition by IBM and managed G.ho.st\, which was sold to Infinity Fund. As CEO of Lightech\, he facilitated its acquisition by General Electric (GE) Lighting in 2011. \nIn this session\, Zvi will share insights from his entrepreneurial journey\, discussing the challenges and strategies of building successful startups. He will emphasize resilience\, strategic thinking\, and the role of technology in transforming industries. \nDon’t miss this opportunity to learn from a visionary entrepreneur who continues to code part-time and inspire the next generation of founders. Join us for a compelling discussion on entrepreneurship and innovation! \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:00am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:10am PT\nZvi Schreiber is a distinguished tech entrepreneur. Born in London and raised in Israel\, he holds a PhD in computer science. \nHe founded Tradeum Inc.\, a B2B e-commerce pioneer\, and Unicorn Inc.\, which was acquired by IBM. Zvi also led G.ho.st\, sold to Infinity Fund\, and served as CEO of Lightech\, which was sold to General Electric (GE) Lighting in 2011. \nAs Founder and CEO of Freightos\, Zvi is transforming the international freight market through an innovative online marketplace that streamlines global shipping logistics. Freightos has raised significant funding and went public on Nasdaq (CRGO) in 2023. \nAn advocate for entrepreneurship and technology\, Zvi is a speaker and writer\, and he continues to code part-time to stay connected to the industry. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:00am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/from-500m-exits-to-transforming-freight-the-journey-of-zvi-schreiber/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250116T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250116T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20241109T000444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250110T025648Z
UID:23853-1737019800-1737025200@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Transitioning an EdTech Organization from Non-Profit to VC-Backed
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nDive into a discussion with Mallory Dwinal-Palisch\, an entrepreneur transforming education through innovative solutions. With a track record of founding three impactful organizations\, including two non-profits and a VC-backed edtech startup\, Mallory offers invaluable insights at the intersection of education\, venture capital\, and workforce development. \nIn this session\, she will share her journey with Craft Education\, acquired by Western Governors University\, and its mission to upskill 10 million people through apprenticeship degree pathways by 2035. Mallory will discuss aligning founder and investor goals\, managing venture capital nuances\, and the essential role of education in tackling labor and talent challenges. \nAs Executive Director at Craft Education within WGU\, Mallory will showcase how her work influences adult education and labor solutions. Whether you’re a founder\, involved in EdTech\, Future of Work\, Human Capital\, or passionate about education\, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn from her experiences and vision for the future. \nPrepare to engage with fellow founders eager to address challenges in education and talent development. \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nMallory Dwinal-Palisch is the founder of three organizations: Oxford Day Academy (charter high school\, 2017)\, Reach University (non-profit\, 2020)\, and Craft Education (VC-backed edtech startup\, 2020). \nCraft Education started as a groundbreaking tool for teacher training data and evolved into a robust platform for apprenticeship degree programs before exiting to Western Governors University (WGU). This transition transformed Craft into a free public data utility\, significantly enhancing access to educational resources. \nAs Executive Director at WGU\, the largest university in the U.S. with around 170\,000 students\, Mallory leverages open-source data tools and innovative educational models to tackle labor market challenges. Her mission is to upskill 10 million individuals through apprenticeship degree pathways by 2035. \nWith firsthand experience navigating the complexities of venture capital\, Mallory emphasizes the importance of founder-VC alignment and cap table management. She advises at General Catalyst\, promoting a thoughtful approach to venture funding as a specialized tool for specific needs. \nMallory’s dedication to education and entrepreneurial spirit inspire those around her\, establishing her as a prominent voice in edtech and workforce development. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/transitioning-an-edtech-organization-from-non-profit-to-vc-backed/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Mallory-Dwinal-Palisch-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250109T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250109T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20241018T034915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241107T093957Z
UID:23769-1736415000-1736420400@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Riding the Waves: How to Spot and Seize Market Opportunities
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nJoin us on January 9 for a keynote presentation featuring Henri Moissinac\, the co-founder and CEO of Tier Dott\, a leading European micro-mobility company. With a wealth of experience in tech startups in Silicon Valley and Europe among which as an early employee of eBay\, Facebook and Uber\, Henri will share some personal experiences with identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends. \nWe will discuss how timing\, strategy\, and execution can transform a promising idea into a thriving business. We will explore the concept of “orthogonal innovation”: strategies he witnessed for differentiating and innovating in crowded markets\, demonstrating how a unique approach can set your business apart and drive growth. \nWe will also discuss insights into the founder mindset\, learning from the founders he worked for and his own experience as a founder too: challenges and rewards of building a successful startup\, offering practical advice on managing stress\, persevering through adversity\, and maintaining a positive outlook. \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nHenri Moissinac is the co-founder and CEO at Dott\, which he created in August 2018 with the vision to become a leader in micro-mobility in Europe. As of January 2024\, Tier &Dott\, two leading European scooter- and bike-sharing services\, have merged together. \nPrior to founding Dott\, Henri was the Head of Business Europe at Ofo and previously led Mobile Business Development at Uber for EMEA. Henri spent 6 years with Facebook\, where he led mobile partnerships across the world and helped Facebook grow from just a few mobile users to almost a billion. \nPreviously\, he led eBay mobile and was co-founder and CTO of iBazar\, an e-commerce marketplace in Europe and South America\, acquired by eBay. \nHenri is a graduate of École Normale Supérieure and holds a Phd in Computer Science from Télécom ParisTech. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/riding-the-waves-how-to-spot-and-seize-market-opportunities/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/1_9-Henri-Moissinac-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241217T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241217T143000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20240516T172356Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240516T173214Z
UID:23375-1734442200-1734445800@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Virtual Meet and Greet
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nFrom MVP to market leader\, every stage of your tech startup journey presents unique obstacles. \nJoin our virtual meet and greet to discover how Founders Network can connect you with the resources\, guidance\, and community you need to thrive. \n  \nThis info session is perfect for you if: \n  \n\nYou’re a founder of a tech startup\nYou’re looking to accelerate your growth and avoid common pitfalls\nYou’re feeling isolated and need a support network\n\n\nAt this session\, you’ll learn: \n  \n\nHow Founders Network can help you overcome the challenges of being a tech founder\nThe benefits of membership\, including access to a network of 600+ experienced founders\nReal-life success stories from founders who have benefited from Founders Network\n\n  \nAgenda \n​Short presentation on Founders Network + a Q&A with an FN member. \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre you a full-time tech founder? Be our guest! We’re making our events available to tech founders everywhere. Enjoy a complimentary ticket to learn from fellow tech founders\, partners and investors. Already used your complimentary guest pass? Request an invite to see if you qualify for membership. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \n  \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/virtual-meet-and-greet-9/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fe24a057c49ea944eff956721d5a4400-WECG5s.tmp_.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241211T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241211T203000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20241114T234843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241120T003254Z
UID:23869-1733938200-1733949000@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:fnChicago Chapter Holiday Party
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nJoin us for the fnChicago Chapter Holiday Party! \nCelebrate another year of founders helping founders with fellow Founders Network members\, investors\, and partners at this year’s in-person holiday party! We’ve had an incredible year at Founders Network thanks to members like you. Socialize with your fellow entrepreneurs\, get inspired\, and toast to your achievements. \nProgram: \n\nMeet your chapter leadership team\nEnjoy hosted drinks and heavy appetizers\n\nVenue: Moe’s Cantina – River North \nAddress: 155 W Kinzie St\, Chicago\, IL 60654 \n  \nfnChicago Chapter Leadership Team\n\nMembership Chair: Andy Cwik\nGrowth Chair: Jason Jacobsohn\n\n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/fnchicago-chapter-holiday-party/
LOCATION:Moe’s Cantina – River North\, 155 West Kinzie Street\, Chicago\, IL\, 60654\, United States
CATEGORIES:Chapter Events,Chicago
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/fnChicago-Holiday-Party-EB-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241210T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241210T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20241118T234824Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241204T015056Z
UID:23893-1733823000-1733828400@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:From Fortune 500 to MarTech Startup: Raising $52M and Exiting to Webflow
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nJoin us for a fireside chat with Guy Yalif\, Co-founder and CEO of Intellimize\, an AI-driven platform that raised $52 million to transform website personalization.  \nGuy will discuss his entrepreneurial journey\, from transitioning from high-growth Fortune 500 companies like Twitter\, Yahoo\, and Microsoft to co-founding a successful startup. He’ll explore key aspects such as co-founder dynamics\, including the philosophy behind an equal equity split\, building a strong company culture\, and navigating platform shifts during Intellimize’s growth. With insights into raising funding\, scaling a startup\, and innovating in marketing technology\, this event is a must for entrepreneurs and investors in the AI and MarTech sectors. \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nGuy Yalif is the co-founder and CEO of Intellimize\, an AI-powered platform that personalizes website experiences in real-time to drive revenue\, customer acquisition\, and lead generation. Before founding Intellimize\, Guy held senior leadership roles at several major tech and media companies\, including Vice President of Global Marketing at BrightRoll\, Head of Global Product and Vertical Marketing at Twitter\, and roles at Yahoo\, Microsoft\, Boston Consulting Group\, and Tradeweave. He has extensive experience leading marketing and product strategies in high-growth environments. \nGuy graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University with a degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and was an Arjay Miller Scholar at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/from-fortune-500-to-martech-startup-raising-52m-and-exiting-to-webflow/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12_10-Guy-Yalif-Eventbrite-1.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241205T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241205T103000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20241101T051059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241101T051736Z
UID:23820-1733389200-1733394600@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Crossing Borders: Minna Technologies’ Acquisition by Mastercard
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nEngage with Joakim Sjöblom\, an accomplished entrepreneur with a diverse\, international journey. He launched his startup in Sweden\, achieving 300\,000 downloads—an impressive 3% adoption rate among the Swedish population—with his B2B2C application before expanding to the US market. \nHe will share pivotal moments\, including navigating corporate venture capital with Visa and selling his company\, Minna Technologies\, to Mastercard. Joakim’s journey includes a spontaneous pitch at a tech event that led to a crucial partnership with Swedbank\, which became the first enterprise customer. This endorsement opened doors to banks in Denmark\, Finland\, Belgium\, and the UK. \nJoakim will emphasize the importance of being “heads up” to seize transformative opportunities while managing the “heads down” work needed to build and scale a startup. He will provide practical advice on becoming fundable\, acquiring first customers\, and leveraging mentorship and networking for growth. His experiences demonstrate that engaging with networks can yield dividends throughout one’s career. \nDespite challenges\, including COVID-19’s impact on innovation budgets\, Joakim made the bold decision to move to Charlotte\, North Carolina. This pivot allowed him to penetrate the US market\, resulting in significant contracts and ultimately selling to Mastercard. \nBring your questions and connect with a community of like-minded founders ready to learn and grow together! \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:00am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:10am PT\nJoakim Sjöblom is a seasoned serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in building and scaling innovative companies. As the founder and CEO of Minna Technologies\, he has played a pivotal role in transforming subscription management within the fintech sector. Under his leadership\, Minna partnered with leading retail banks across Europe\, facilitating seamless digital experiences for millions of consumers. Joakim’s vision culminated in the successful acquisition of Minna by Mastercard\, marking a significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey. \nThroughout his career\, Joakim has founded three companies and raised over $30 million in venture funding. His accomplishments have earned him nominations for several prestigious awards\, including Young Innovation Leader of the Year by Arthur D. Little and a scholarship from Carl XVI Gustaf’s Foundation for Young Leadership. A recognized thought leader\, Joakim frequently shares insights on future digital banking trends\, particularly regarding consumer behavior and the digital expectations of the millennial generation. \nCurrently\, Joakim is exploring new ventures in stealth mode while leveraging his expertise to innovate in the defense industry. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:00am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/crossing-borders-minna-technologies-acquisition-by-mastercard/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/12_5-Joakim-Sjoblom-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241204T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241204T200000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20241106T005645Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241106T005645Z
UID:23837-1733333400-1733342400@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:fnMiami Chapter Holiday Party
DESCRIPTION:Join us for the fnMiami Chapter Holiday Party and socialize with your fellow entrepreneurs\,  get inspired\, and toast to your achievements!\n\n\nJoin us for the fnMiami Chapter Holiday Party! \nCelebrate another year of founders helping founders with fellow Founders Network members\, investors\, and partners at this year’s in-person holiday party! We’ve had an incredible year at Founders Network thanks to members like you. Socialize with your fellow entrepreneurs\, get inspired\, and toast to your achievements. \nProgram: \n\nMeet your chapter leadership team\nEnjoy hosted drinks and heavy appetizers\n\nVenue: LaPlayaMIA \nAddress: 150 NE 83rd St\, Miami\, FL 33138 \n \nfnMiami Chapter Leadership Team\n\nChapter Director: Anna Anisin\n\n \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/fnmiami-chapter-holiday-party/
LOCATION:LaPlayaMIA\, 150 Northeast 83rd Street\, Miami\, FL\, 33138\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/fac67273e4e6c9445a5474561e48272e-kNlRmX.tmp_.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241204T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241204T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20241031T103907Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241101T050614Z
UID:23815-1733304600-1733310000@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Amplifying Success: Guy Nirpaz on Creating Winning Strategies
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nJoin us for an insightful discussion with Guy Nirpaz\, founder of Totango and current CEO of Perspective AI\, who successfully raised $146 million to drive innovation in the Customer Success landscape. \nOver the past few years\, the conversation around Customer Success in SaaS and subscription businesses has evolved through three major shifts: from justifying its establishment as a separate function to defining its role within organizations and now to implementing best-in-class strategies. \nGuy will explore how to transition Customer Success organizations from a defensive strategy focused on reducing churn to an offensive approach that emphasizes growth and innovation. He will highlight the importance of creating unique customer experiences that anticipate needs and recognizing customer achievements to build a culture of success. \nThis event is perfect for founders\, leaders\, and anyone involved in Customer Success eager to redefine their approach and drive meaningful results. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from Guy Nirpaz on amplifying success in your organization! \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nGuy Nirpaz is the founder of Totango and the founder and current CEO of Perspective AI\, where he continues to innovate in Customer Success and revenue growth strategies. As a pioneer in the Customer Success field\, Guy has dedicated his career to advancing how organizations engage and grow their customer bases. During his leadership at Totango\, he guided the platform to become one of the most trusted providers in Customer Success\, helping global brands like SAP\, GitHub\, Schneider Electric\, Dynatrace\, and Aircall drive sustained revenue success. \nIn addition to his professional expertise\, Guy is the founder of the Customer Success Summit\, a premier event that connects leaders and experts across industries\, and he is a sought-after speaker in the Customer Success community. He is also the author of “Farm Don’t Hunt: The Definitive Guide to Customer Success\,” which offers valuable strategies for Customer Success leaders. \nOutside of his professional pursuits\, Guy moonlights as the lead guitarist in a rock band based out of his garage in Palo Alto. He also has a unique background\, having commanded a tank battalion and even grown oranges\, showcasing his diverse interests and experiences. With a deep commitment to improving customer relationships and fostering success\, Guy Nirpaz is a dynamic leader and an inspiring voice in the industry. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/amplifying-success-guy-nirpaz-on-creating-winning-strategies/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/12_4-Guy-Nirpaz-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241120T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241120T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20241003T024235Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241107T002555Z
UID:23734-1732095000-1732100400@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Fireside Chat with Demetri Karagas: Building a Healthcare Startup Giant
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nJoin us on November 20 for a virtual fireside chat with Demetri Karagas\, co-founder of Thirty Madison\, the healthcare company behind popular brands like Keeps\, Cove\, and Nurx. With extensive experience building and scaling successful startups\, Demetri will share insights on his journey\, the startup landscape\, and his strategies for navigating the changing market. \nAfter co-founding Thirty Madison in 2017\, Demetri led the company through a period of rapid growth\, fueled by the successful launch of Keeps in January 2018 and strategic venture capital funding. The company’s trajectory was further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic\, which created a surge in demand for telehealth services. \nTo capitalize on this momentum\, Thirty Madison raised a Series C in 2021\, enabling them to double down on growth and expand their product offerings. Through strategic acquisitions of Nurx in 2022 and Pill Club in 2023\, the company further solidified its position as a leading player in the healthcare market. \nIn the fireside chat on November 20\, Demetri will discuss his experiences raising venture capital\, acquiring competitors\, and adapting to the shifting startup ecosystem. He’ll also share his perspective on the current valuation trends and the importance of building a sustainable business model. \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nDemetri Karagas is the Co-founder and Chief Operations Office of Thirty Madison\, a leading virtual specialty-care company focused on serving patients with chronic conditions. He drives strategy and execution across Thirty Madison’s offerings\, with a focus on providing personalized\, high quality care at scale. Demetri has been building companies for over a decade\, selling his previous startup to Homejoy (acquired by Google). He attended New York University and currently lives in New York City. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/fireside-chat-with-demetri-karagas-building-a-healthcare-startup-giant/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/11_20-Demetri-Karagas-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241119T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241119T103000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20241030T113929Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241030T114503Z
UID:23810-1732008600-1732012200@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Storytelling Ideation and Story Mapping for Founders with Joanna Furlong
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nThe stories you and your leadership team share are critical to establishing credibility and authority in your industry. You should be confidently sharing stories\, reflections\, customer interactions\, and observations with the world—reinforcing your value\, again and again. After all\, people do business with people\, not logos. Whether LinkedIn\, a friendly podcast\, an interview\, or a keynote\, you likely have countless stories to share. It’s just a matter of uncovering them! \nJoin Joanna Furlong\, Founder\, Chief Strategist & Storyteller at ThoughtCollab\, for a fun exercise to brainstorm story angles/ideas and discuss the “scale” of a story – and how to go from granular to ‘big idea’ and back again. \nIn this workshop presented by the fnWomen Leadership Committee spearheaded by Amy Wister\, you will gain a better idea of thought leadership\, your target audience\, and how to connect and convert. \n  \nAbout the Speaker: \nJoanna Furlong is the CEO of ThoughtCollab and a former startup CMO. She works with executives\, founders\, CEOs\, authors\, and others to help them discover their voice—and reposition themselves not only for the changing world but for the changing leader within. She has 20+ years of experience driving brand cohesion\, sales enablement\, executive communications\, and content for businesses of all sizes\, across diverse industries. C-suite executives consistently rely on Joanna to be their thought partner and transform their ideas into compelling stories for all audiences and purposes\, from speeches to communications with boards\, venture capitalists\, and the media. \n  \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy: \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/storytelling-ideation-and-story-mapping-for-founders-with-joanna-furlong/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/11_19-Joanna-Furlong-Eventbrite.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241113T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241113T143000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20240516T172011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240722T231933Z
UID:23373-1731504600-1731508200@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Virtual Meet and Greet
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nFrom MVP to market leader\, every stage of your tech startup journey presents unique obstacles. \nJoin our virtual meet and greet to discover how Founders Network can connect you with the resources\, guidance\, and community you need to thrive. \n  \nThis info session is perfect for you if: \n  \n\nYou’re a founder of a tech startup\nYou’re looking to accelerate your growth and avoid common pitfalls\nYou’re feeling isolated and need a support network\n\n\nAt this session\, you’ll learn: \n  \n\nHow Founders Network can help you overcome the challenges of being a tech founder\nThe benefits of membership\, including access to a network of 600+ experienced founders\nReal-life success stories from founders who have benefited from Founders Network\n\n  \nAgenda \n​Short presentation on Founders Network + a Q&A with an FN member. \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre you a full-time tech founder? Be our guest! We’re making our events available to tech founders everywhere. Enjoy a complimentary ticket to learn from fellow tech founders\, partners and investors. Already used your complimentary guest pass? Request an invite to see if you qualify for membership. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \n  \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/virtual-meet-and-greet-8/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241113T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241113T110000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20240929T044230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240929T044502Z
UID:23693-1731490200-1731495600@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:Beyond the Bet: Chris Bevilacqua on Entrepreneurship and Innovation
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nDraftKings’ acquisition of simplebet.ai in August marked a significant milestone in the sports betting industry. This strategic move united two industry leaders\, combining DraftKings’ extensive platform with simplebet.ai’s innovative micro-betting technology. \nIn a fireside chat for Founders Network on November 13\, Chris Bevilacqua\, the founder and CEO of simplebet.ai\, will discuss the journey that led to this acquisition. \nIn his fireside chat\, Chris will discuss his remarkable career journey\, including his early days in sports media at NBC Sports and Major League Baseball\, his experience working at Nike\, and his founding of College Sports Television Network. \nChris will share valuable entrepreneurial insights\, such as the importance of persistence\, the art of the pivot\, and the role of timing and relationships in his success. \n  \nOpening Remarks @ 9:30am PT\nJoin 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. \n  \nKeynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT\nOver the past 30 years\, Chris Bevilacqua has established himself as a leader in the sports and media business\, including being at the forefront of two transformative eras in sports media history. Bevilacqua Helfant Ventures (BHV) represents a continuation and expansion of business he previously conducted as founder and CEO of Bevilacqua Media Company (BMC). \nRecognizing in the late 1990’s that following the Telecommunications Act of 1996 there was going to be an explosion of investment by media companies into new technology and distribution platforms (i.e.\, the birth of satellite TV\, digital cable and a robust internet)\, Bevilacqua believed that there were going to be enormous opportunities for content owners\, especially those with valuable under-exploited sports rights. So in the early 2000’s he set about founding and creating CSTV\, the first-ever 24-hour cable TV network dedicated to college and amateur sports. CSTV was then followed by the launch of Fox College Sports and ESPNU. \nHis vision and efforts for CSTV led to the acquisition of the digital media company OCSN (Official College Sports Network)\, which eventually became the industry-leading CSTV.com portal. After raising $100 million in private equity financing from blue chip investors during the period of 2002-2005\, CSTV was acquired by CBS Corporation in early 2006 for $325 million and is now known as the CBS Sports Network. \nAdditionally\, in 2006 as part of CSTV’s efforts\, Bevilacqua created the first-ever 24-hour collegiate conference sports network\, the MountainWest Sports Network\, which served as a model for the highly successful and subsequent Big Ten Network\, Pac-12 Networks and SEC Network. \nAlso\, during the early 2000’s Bevilacqua was an early investor and advisor to online ticketing company\, StubHub\, which was acquired by eBay in 2007 for $310 million. \nArmed with the experience of successfully creating\, developing and operating media businesses\, Bevilacqua was able to identify yet another forthcoming transformation in sports media. Towards the end of the first decade of the 2000’s\, with over $200 billion of infrastructure investments by cable\, satellite and telco companies and massive media industry consolidation well underway\, the subscription TV business had grown to a $150billion/year industry. With new platforms built out and consumer behavior demanding content anytime\, anyplace\, anywhere there was dynamic change and an increasingly competitive environment within the media ecosystem. With the dominant media incumbents focused on protecting the critical subscription TV business\, there were many genres of programming being distributed outside of the subscription TV business with the exception of one genre: sports. \nWith that in mind\, Bevilacqua focused on this transition and was able to bring his past experiences into the media advisory business. His efforts began in 2008 and culminated during an 18-month period in 2010-11 whereby he led a slew of critical sports properties into agreements that broke conventional wisdom. First\, the record breaking Texas Rangers deal with Fox Sports\, which at the time was the largest local rights TV deal in MLB history\, more than tripling what the Rangers were previously receiving and clearly setting a new benchmark for future agreements. Second\, came the San Diego Padres and their new RSN with Fox Sports\, which debuted in the spring of 2012. \nThirdly\, Bevilacqua was the architect of the Pac-12 Conference media strategy\, including the FOX/ESPN media rights agreements– the largest and most comprehensive in college sports history at that time. He also quarterbacked the groundbreaking Pac-12 Network (and its six regional sports networks and digital network) agreements with Comcast\, Time Warner\, Cox and Brighthouse. The Pac-12 achieved over a 500% increase in their media rights agreements\, launched their own media company which it controls 100% equity in\, and at the same time altered the landscape of collegiate athletics by igniting the re-alignment by other conferences over the last several years. \nPrior to BMC\, Bevilacqua served as Chairman and CEO of Creative Artists Agency (CAA) Sports Media Ventures\, an affiliate of CAA and Evolution Media Capital (EMC)\, where he served as a media rights advisor for several other sports and entertainment entities including the International Olympic Committee (IOC)\, the Tennis Channel\, the Big East Conference\, the Big 12 Conference\, Conference USA\, the National Hockey League\, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the ION Television Network. Earlier in his career\, Bevilacqua worked at Nike as the Director of Global Negotiations and League Affairs and also held key roles at Major League Baseball\, The Baseball Network and NBC Sports\, where he won a 1988 Emmy for his role in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. \nBevilacqua is a 1986 graduate of Penn State University where he was also an NCAA All-American wrestler. In 2012 he was elected into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater\, OK. Bevilacqua resides in Larchmont\, NY with his wife Kristen and their four children. \n  \nStage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/beyond-the-bet-chris-bevilacqua-on-entrepreneurship-and-innovation/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241105T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241105T103000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20240913T220448Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240916T211358Z
UID:23631-1730799000-1730802600@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:The Hidden Formula: Why Some Startups Soar and Others Fail with Mike Maples
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nAs a co-founding partner of Floodgate\, Mike Maples’ journey as an investor is filled with remarkable success stories\, including early bets on Twitter\, Twitch.tv\, Okta\, and Chegg. But it was a puzzling pattern in these successes that led Mike to challenge everything he thought he knew about startups. \nAccording to Mike’s research\, startups like Twitter\, Twitch\, and Lyft achieved remarkable success despite ignoring conventional “best practices\,” while other promising startups often failed despite following them. In fact\, more than 80% of Floodgate’s exit profits had come from pivots. This paradox spurred Mike to investigate what makes some startups outperform expectations\, even when they defy traditional startup wisdom. \nIn a webinar for Founders Network on November 5\, Mike will share his findings on why some startups soar while others fail\, providing insights on how to achieve success when launching a startup or creating a new product.He’ll discuss: \n\nThe power of inflections and how to leverage them\nThe importance of deep\, contrarian insights\nThe concept of founder-future fit\nThe role of movements and disagreeableness in entrepreneurship\n\n  \nAbout the Speaker: \nMike Maples is a co-founding Partner at Floodgate. He has been on the Forbes Midas List eight times in the last decade and was also named a “Rising Star” by FORTUNE and profiled by Harvard Business School for his lifetime contributions to entrepreneurship. \nBefore becoming a full-time investor\, Mike was involved as a founder and operating executive at back-to-back startup IPOs\, including Tivoli Systems (IPO TIVS\, acquired by IBM) and Motive (IPO MOTV\, acquired by Alcatel-Lucent.) \nSome of Mike’s investments include Twitter\, Twitch.tv\, Clover Health\, Okta\, Outreach\, Chegg\, Demandforce\, and Applied Intuition. \nMike is known for coining the term “Thunder Lizards\,” which is a metaphor derived from Godzilla that describes the tiny number of truly exceptional companies that are wildly disruptive capitalist mutations. Mike likes to think of himself as a hunter of the “atomic eggs” that beget these companies. \nMike is the author of the National Bestselling book Pattern Breakers and host of the Pattern Breakers podcast\, which shares startup lessons from the super performers. \n  \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy: \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/the-hidden-formula-why-some-startups-soar-and-others-fail-with-mike-maples/
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20241031T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20241031T120000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20240917T194742Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240917T195004Z
UID:23655-1730372400-1730376000@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:How to Get a Venture Capitalist’s Attention with Outward VC’s Sanchit Dhote
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nWhen it comes to raising venture capital\, cutting through the noise is half the battle for early-stage founders. \nSanchit Dhote of Outward VC pulls back the curtain on how investors think\, and shares tactics capturing investor interest\, setting the right targets\, and crafting your pitch with scale in mind. \nRegister for tips and tactics on: \n\nGetting into the Funnel\nUnderstanding Expectations\nSetting Your Targets\nPositioning for Scale\nClosing the Deal\n\n  \nAbout the Speaker: \nSanchit Dhote is a Principal at Outward VC\, a London based venture capital fund investing in early stage fintech and connected sectors. Sanchit is a founding team member at Outward and looks after the sourcing\, execution\, and subsequent management of early stage investments. Sanchit is active on the Board of a number of Outward portfolio companies and has over 10 years of experience investing in and supporting high growth technology businesses\, previously as a seed stage investor with Beacon Capital. \n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy: \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/how-to-get-a-venture-capitalists-attention-with-outward-vcs-sanchit-dhote/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://foundersnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/10_31-Sanchit-Dhote-Eventbrite.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241024T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241024T203000
DTSTAMP:20250711T054548
CREATED:20240930T195120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240930T200137Z
UID:23698-1729792800-1729801800@foundersnetwork.com
SUMMARY:fnNYC Chapter Presents: Visual Leadership Workshop with Todd Cherches
DESCRIPTION: \n\n\nJoin the fnNYC Chapter on October 24 for an exclusive IN-PERSON workshop on Visual Leadership. \nIn this interactive workshop\, led by Todd Cherches\, bestselling author and renowned speaker\, you’ll learn how to leverage the power of visual thinking to become a more effective leader. Based on his bestselling book\, VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life\, and inspired by his TEDx talk\, “The Power of Visual Thinking\,” this workshop is designed specifically for startup founders. \nAs a startup founder\, clear communication is essential. This workshop will equip you with the skills to: \n\nCraft compelling presentations and pitches.\nEffectively communicate your vision to your team and investors.\nBoost collaboration and problem-solving within your startup.\n\nVenue: Betaworks \nAddress: 29 Little W 12th St\, New York\, NY 10014 \n  \nfnNYC Chapter Leadership Team\n\nChapter Director: Doug Lessing\nGrowth Chair: Ford Seeman\nMembership Chair: Dave Renz\n\n  \nComplimentary Ticket:\nAre 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. \n  \nAbout Founders Network: \nFounded 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 \nConfidentiality Policy \nAll 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.
URL:https://foundersnetwork.com/function/fnnyc-chapter-presents-visual-leadership-workshop-with-todd-cherches/
LOCATION:Betaworks 29 Little West 12th Street New York\, NY 10014\, 29 Little West 12th Street\, New York\, NY\, 10014\, United States
CATEGORIES:Chapter Events,New York City
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END:VCALENDAR