/ About this event
You might think your life gets easier once you close the round. The truth: you've cleared one filter and walked straight into a harder one.
If you want to know what you’re in for – and how to avoid getting screwed – you need to listen to Jim Goodman. Now an angel investor and mentor, he’s been through two IPOs and several exits, including selling one of the world's top apps to a family office.
Join Jim and Grow Through Story founder/CEO Kirin Kalia for a brutally honest fireside chat that covers what actually happens after the round closes: what your investors need that you don't, the exit math you agreed to without meaning to, the documents that decide your outcome years before anyone talks about an exit, and what's still in your control.
Bring the questions you can't ask your board because we’ll have plenty of time for Q&A. We'll cushion the blow with hearty pizzas plus healthy beverages to fuel the rest of your Friday!
Grow Through Story’s Funded Founder Lunch series helps you address your knowledge gaps and build your relationships with key people in the Southern California ecosystem. Each lunch features a conversation with a serial founder, expert or investor who has been there/done that and can drop the insights you need plus answer your questions.
That way, fundraising should be less frustrating and a little easier :)
→ Space is limited to ensure quality conversations and connections, so don't wait to RSVP.
This event is a part of #LATechWeek—a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem. Learn more at www.tech-week.com.
***ABOUT YOUR SPEAKER*** Jim Goodman is a technologist, entrepreneur, and advisor with over three decades of experience building companies, leading teams, and turning ideas into products — from founding Ticketmaster Online to running a software consultancy and mentoring founders today. A career that has stretched from Los Angeles to Hong Kong, from startups and early-stage accelerators to Fortune 500 boardrooms, always at the intersection of technology, strategy, and getting things done — and occasionally writing about it. Connect with Jim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimgoodman/
***ABOUT YOUR HOST*** Grow Through Story Founder/CEO Kirin Kalia is a startup veteran and communications expert with 25+ years of experience across journalism, marketing and events. Known as the "founder whisperer" for her ability to shape their message and boost their confidence for every type of high-stakes moment, startups Kirin has worked with have gone on to collectively raise well over $200M from investors including a16z, Intel Capital, Mayo Clinic, Visa Ventures, Stripe and more.
She has coached 1000+ founders to pitch investors and innovation leaders at companies including Visa, P&G Ventures, Verizon, Estée Lauder and Molson Coors. Her clients include the 2026 HumanX conference, the University of Chicago Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship deep-tech programs and individual founders across industries globally.
Kirin is a two-time All-Star Mentor for Techstars and received their prestigious Give First Award in 2026. She also teaches the Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs Pitch Deck Masterclass and the capstone MBA course for Oneday.
Learn how to pitch investors and customers from her founder-focused podcast series, Message Worth Millions (available on Apple & Spotify), and follow Kirin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirinkalia/
This event is a part of #LATechWeek—a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem. Learn more at www.tech-week.com.
