[SF]
[LA]
Startup seed and pre-seed funding through grants
Hawthorne
·
Ekvacio Venture Services
Are you fundraising for your startup or venture, but interested in holding on to your equity? If your response to the following three questions is "Yes", this event* is for you!
Are you a present or prospective co-founder or employee of a US-based startup?
Is your company considered a small business with 500 or fewer employees?
Do you have at least one of the following: (1) Initial prototype or promising data; (2) Customers or documented customer discovery/market study; (3) Initial funding from any source ?
Did you know that major companies such as Qualcomm and Amgen got started with the help of SBA (SBIR / STTR) grant funding? Grants are an excellent way to get seed- and pre-seed funding for projects deemed too risky by other investors.
To be sure: the effort seems daunting, and startups or small businesses often spend the equivalent of one full-time position or more just on writing grants, only to be rejected due to erroneous interpretation of opaque instructions, or “unwritten rules” of the agencies.
Preparation is therefore key! We will provide an overview of grant options available to startups and ventures, and how to position yourself, your startup, and your team for fundability.
We will cover:
1) SBA: Zero Equity and up to $3 Million for Standard Projects - SBIR/STTR overview across the agencies and alternatives
2) Eligibility: prerequisites for the venture and the proposal/project team
3) Example 1: National Science Foundation grants: from deep tech to AI topics and everything in between.
4) Example 2: National Institutes of Health: from dental health to oncology, clinical trials optional!
5) What is truly important in my proposal, depending on the agency?
6) Political risks and evolving grant roadmaps: what does the rapidly changing federal funding landscape mean for me?
7) Alternatives to SBA grants and international opportunities through joint ventures
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.
[SF]
[LA]
Startup Grind LA Launch & Happy Hour
The launch of the Startup Grind LA Chapter, supported by TriNet, AWS & Vanta.
Come join us for a drink and connect with founders, investors and operators as we re-launch the LA chapter in style!
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.
Syndicate AI, Hustle Fund, Hollo AI
[SF]
[LA]
IMPACT & INNOVATION | FUTURE OF VENTURE
Santa Monica
·
Syndicate AI, Hustle Fund, Hollo AI
Join Silicon Valley Bank for the premier impact-focused event of LA Tech Week. The Impact & Innovation Showcase is a celebration of the founders building the future, today. In an ecosystem dominated by discussions on AI and Deep Tech, we are spotlighting the entrepreneurs who are harnessing these powerful technologies to generate both exceptional returns and meaningful, scalable change.
Presented by:
Hollo AI | Hollo.ai
Syndicate | www.joinsyndicate.co
Hustle Fund | www.hustlefund.vc
Latitude Ventures | www.latitudeventures.vc
Manos Accelerator | www.manosaccelerator.com
This exclusive evening at Creator Space LA will bring together the most forward-thinking founders, mission-aligned VCs, and ecosystem builders. The event will feature a high-stakes pitch competition with 20 curated startups tackling critical challenges in areas like climate tech, health equity, ethical AI, and economic inclusion, all competing for the Impact Innovator Award. The night will also include a thought-provoking panel discussion with leaders who have successfully navigated the path of scaling with soul.
This event is proudly sponsored by Hollo.AI, Manos Accelerator, and Syndicate. Come connect with the change-makers defining the future of venture.
The Double Bottom Line: Where Purpose-Driven Innovation Meets Venture Scale
Showcasing startups that are not only commercially viable but also fundamentally committed to solving significant social and environmental challenges. It speaks directly to a sophisticated audience of investors and founders by acknowledging the necessity of a strong financial return (the "bottom line") while elevating the importance of measurable impact (the "double bottom line"). The theme positions the event at the cutting edge of modern venture capital, where the most resilient and valuable companies are increasingly those with a clear purpose.
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.
[SF]
[LA]
{MiniMax x Nakid x SkyPortal}: TECH/MOTION/MUSIC/ART
🌌 Hailuo LA Immersive Gala | A Night of Tech, Motion, Music & Art
Hosted by MiniMax (Hailuo.video) in collaboration with NAKID Magazine, ESCAPE.ai, Machine Cinema, and Sky Portal X Gallery (Gregg Fleishman x Future Eyes), this visionary showcase brings together world-class creators, musicians, architecture and motion artists to celebrate the fusion of human artistry and next-gen AI expression — through sound, light, and movement like never before.
✨ What to Expect:
🎥 Featuring 30 + global video/motion artists' works
🎶 Live music by BIGGER THAN US and a special music video premiere from AyseDeniz curated and created by Machine Cinema
🗣️ Live speakers, onsite demos, and interactive AI showcases powered by @MiniMax(Hailuo.video)
🎬 ESCAPE Theater Livestream — connecting the event to a global virtual audience
🎨 360° immersive projection and real-time generative visuals
Event Rundown:
8:00 – 8:20 PM | Ambient Start
8:20 – 9:10 PM | Intro & Talk sessions
- MiniMax(Hailuo.video) demo by Dustin Hollywood
- Venice Film Festival “Tzigane” highlight reel
- John Gaeta (ESCAPE.ai CEO) live-stream connection & discussion（Oscar-winning visual effects innovator best known for creating “bullet time” in The Matrix)
- AyseDeniz brief talk with AI music video premiere by Machine Cinema
9:10 – 11:50 PM | Immersive Showcase Flow
- Projection & installations from 30+ global motion artists & musicians
- Interactive MiniMax(Hailuo.video) demo stations by Machine Cinema
- Live Music & DJ: BOSA x Marieme presents: Bigger Than Us
- Architecture & Design — Light projections on 3D-printed structures by Designer Gregg Fleishman, who will be onsite to discuss his work and AI’s role in design.
10:30 – 11:50 PM | Immersive Finale
11:50 – Midnight | Party Time
Artist Submissions:
We’re curating a series of AI-driven and artist-made visual pieces to be projection-mapped throughout the gallery space during the {FREQUENCIES} event. This is a call for abstract, non-narrative visual art films that explore movement, emotion, and aesthetic form through digital or AI mediums.
Each selected piece will be presented in rotation on large-scale projectors as part of the full immersive visual experience.
🌹Please submit here: https://nakid.io/hailuo-minimax-x-nakid-x-future-eyes-presents-sky-portal-x-frequency-event-los-angeles-october-18th/
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.
[SF]
[LA]
AI-Native Product Development
Join us for a technical discussion on leading-edge AI product development techniques with founders and CTO's of some of LA's most ambitious AI startups.
🎙️Featured Speakers:
Greg Schoeninger, CEO & Founder, Oxen AI
Oxen.ai is a developer platform for fine-tuning and evaluating models on your own data.
Alec Zopf, Chief AI & Automation Officer & Cofounder, Wellth
Wellth is a digital health company that improves adherence in chronic disease populations by using the science of behavioral economics.
Shaun Cooley, CEO & Founder, Mapped
Mapped is an AI-powered independent data layer for commercial and industrial IoT.
The afternoon will include a happy hour (drinks and apps) followed by our panel of experts.
Mercato Partners is an established growth equity firm with $1B+ AUM, investing in high-growth companies like Lambda, MNTN, and Attain.
Thank you to our friends at SVB for sponsoring!
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.
[SF]
[LA]
Make Your Tech Work Harder for Growth
Sawubona, Shefa Yoga Venice
[SF]
[LA]
Rooftop Wellness + Fitness Mixer
Venice Beach
·
Sawubona, Shefa Yoga Venice
Unwind at the end of LA Tech Week with a relaxing yoga session led by Shefa Yoga Venice, at Sawubona followed by a lively mixer with DJ Vegas Tagus! 🥂 Connect with fellow tech enthusiasts, enjoy drinks, and get a sneak peek at Sawubona's (sawubona.com) new expansion. There are three ticket options available on eventbrite:
1. Yoga + Drink Ticket $20
2. Just Yoga $15
3. Just Mixer - Free (Entry not allowed until 2:30pm)
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1835450043489?aff=oddtdtcreator
We have 10 mats and 10 blankets available on a first come first serve basis.
Agenda:
1:00-1:30 Community Building
1:30-2:15 Yoga Session
2:15-5pm Mixer with DJ + Cash Bar
Don't miss out on this perfect blend of wellness and networking! ✨
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.
InStudio Ventures, HYROX, Fitstop
[SF]
[LA]
Hyrox & InStudio Ventures Present: Sweat & Network at Fitstop
Santa Monica
·
InStudio Ventures, HYROX, Fitstop
[SF]
[LA]
Tech Week Happy Hour Social @ Wearies
🍸 LA Tech Week: Happy Hour @ Wearies 🍸
Kick back, connect, and raise a glass with LA’s tech community! On Tuesday, October 14th at 5:30PM, join us at Weary Livers Bar in Santa Monica for a relaxed evening of drinks, conversations, and new connections.
🍹 Happy Hour Specials until 7PM – handcrafted cocktails, local beers, and plenty of fuel for good conversation.
🤝 Meet Founders, Builders & Investors – the perfect low-key way to expand your network during Tech Week.
✨ Unique Atmosphere – Wearies’ gothic-Victorian vibe meets LA Tech energy for a night you won’t forget.
No pitches, no pressure – just good drinks, good people, and a chance to connect outside the conference hustle.
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.
Product Advisory Collective (PAC), Swift Insights
[SF]
[LA]
Perform at your Peak
Playa Vista
·
Product Advisory Collective (PAC), Swift Insights
10.12.2025 UPDATE
APPROVED GUESTS have received - or will soon receive - an email with parking and venue information.
REGISTRATION CLOSED. Event is at capacity.
----
Positive Intelligence Quotient (PQ) measures “mental fitness,” which is your ability to respond to challenges with clarity and strength. It is about activating your inner sage through curiosity, empathy, and creativity while quieting your inner saboteurs such as self-doubt, perfectionism, over-control, or avoidance. Tech professionals will explore how Positive Intelligence impacts peak performance, resilience, and relationships at work.
WHY IT MATTERS
With many shifts in the world, the economy, and the workplace, markets adjust, strategies pivot, teams reorganize, and AI accelerates possibilities and the unknown.
🎯 Many leaders are left asking the same question: How do I and my team stay focused and perform on what truly matters?
✨ In high-pressure environments, performance is not just about effort: it is about energy. Leaders who strengthen their mental fitness not only deliver stronger results but also sustain their own well-being and build higher-performing teams.
📈 Research on PQ shows that improving mental fitness can increase:
· team performance by 30%
· sales performance by 40%
INTERACTIVE DISCUSSION
In a facilitated conversation, attendees will:
· Identify their dominant saboteurs and sage patterns
· Share insights on how these patterns play out in daily leadership
· Learn practical strategies to build resilience, strengthen decision-making, and lead teams with greater presence and impact
Speakers and facilitators will include:
· Shirley Braun, Ph.D., Managing Partner at Swift Insights
· Mary Beth Snodgrass, Managing Director at the Product Advisory Collective (PAC)
PRE-WORK BEFORE EVENT (10 mins)
Attendees are encouraged to take the PQ Assessment (http://positiveintelligence.com/), created by Shirzad Chamine, a Stanford-educated, widely-recognized executive coach (watch TedTalk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zdJ1ubvoXs). Completing this before the session will maximize value gained.
SESSION AGENDA (75 minutes)
1. Introduction (5 min): Why mental fitness matters in high-pressure environments
2. Intelligent Leadership Primer (10 min): Overview of the ten saboteurs, their traits, and how they show up at work and Q&A with audience.
3. Group Breakout Discussion (20 min): Attendees join groups based on the top saboteurs identified by the assessment for in-depth discussions.
4. Facilitated Discussion (15 min): Group representatives share highlights of discussions. Facilitator highlights overlapping patterns and differences.
5. Increase Resilience and Wisdom Practice (10 min): Facilitator guides individuals on how they can redirect from saboteur to sage in the moment.
6. Wrap-Up (5 min)
🍻🍽️ During and after the event, there will be snacks and drinks available for purchase at an on-site bar. More details coming soon.
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.
Entrepreneurship Launchpad
[SF]
[LA]
Tech Entrepreneurs TNG
Pasadena
·
Entrepreneurship Launchpad
With technology advancing faster than ever, we believe the next generation will be the ones to make the biggest impact in the world.
At Tech Entrepreneurs TNG, you’ll learn what it takes to become a tech entrepreneur—from the skills to focus on now, to the mindset that will help you create lasting, positive impact in the world.
Jeff Su, a visionary software architect and entrepreneur who has built tech from small startups to major companies from the ground up, will share his journey and insights. Following his talk, you’ll dive into a fun, hands-on workshop designed to spark your creativity and entrepreneurial thinking. There will be Amazon gift card prizes in multiple categories, so bring your friends, learn & create together, and win some money!
NO coding experience is required—this workshop is designed to start you on your journey regardless of your background. Open to all high schoolers and audacious middle schoolers.
[SF]
[LA]
LOST iN Sunset Sail: Navigating the Tides of the Creator Economy & Media
Set sail on an evening yacht cruise around the beautiful marina with LOST iN, where time slows, the wine flows, and conversation thrives.
Join creators, media professionals, and innovators for an intimate discussion on the future of the creator economy, exploring trends like AI-driven content, niche communities, and evolving platform strategies.
Enjoy gourmet catering and fine wine while networking with like-minded visionaries in an inspiring, picturesque setting.
DATE: Saturday, October 18
TIME: 5 - 8:30 pm, arrive promptly
ARRIVE: Marina Del Rey (details to come)
BOAT: Magic Hour yacht
HOST: Jon Skogmo, LOST iN Founder
ATTIRE: Smart-casual; no shoes on board.
Evenings may be cool, so bring a light jacket.
Please RSVP to get on our waitlist and potentially be released a ticket – if a ticket is released, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
Space is extremely limited.
LOST iN is a global lifestyle and travel media brand that creates curated city guides, digital content, and immersive experiences.
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.
[SF]
[LA]
Sunday Tech Wine Down
🍷 Sunday Tech Wine Down
📍 Wearies Santa Monica
🗓 Sunday, October 19th | ⏰ 6:00 PM
Unplug, unwind, and connect with the community. The Sunday Tech Wine Down is your chance to close out the week with great conversations, great company, and a glass (or two) of wine.
Set in the cozy, moody atmosphere of Wearies Santa Monica, this evening brings together founders, engineers, creatives, and tech professionals for a relaxed mixer that’s more about authentic connection than business cards. Whether you’re swapping startup stories, talking trends, or just making new friends, the vibe is easy, social, and the perfect reset before the week ahead.
✨ What to Expect:
A casual, laid-back networking mixer for the tech community
Wine specials and craft cocktails available all evening
A stylish space designed for mingling and conversation
Because not every tech event has to feel like a pitch—sometimes, it’s about kicking back and enjoying the moment.
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.
[SF]
[LA]
TechFix: Cocktails & Creator Chats
[SF]
[LA]
Cars, Coffee & Vertical Software - Long Beach
Cars, Coffee & Vertical Software
An LA Tech Week gathering in Long Beach
Join us for a relaxed morning with founders, operators, and investors building the next generation of vertical software. Set in the heart of Long Beach, this meetup is designed to bring together the local startup community for thoughtful conversations—over good coffee and an informal setting.
We’ll gather early, enjoy some cars on display (for those who want to roll in with something special), and connect around the shared experience of building software that serves real industries—whether it's construction, logistics, manufacturing, or mobility.
This isn’t a panel or a pitch event—just a space to meet others working in and around vertical SaaS, swap lessons, and strengthen the Long Beach tech ecosystem.
Who should attend:
✅ Founders building vertical or industry-specific software
✅ Operators scaling SaaS products in applied domains
✅ Investors focused on early-stage software companies
✅ Local tech talent interested in joining vertical SaaS startups
Whether you're new to Long Beach or have been quietly building here for years, we’d love to meet you.
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.
%201.svg)
