[SF]
[LA]
Hack Comedy: An AI Comedy Show
[SF]
[LA]
OpenRouter - Learnings from processing 50 Trillion Tokens
Join us with Alex Atallah to dive into the real world challenges of tool calling, moderation, pricing shifts, and workload management, plus what we’re seeing in model selection, closed vs. open model adoption, and global usage patterns. Whether you’re scaling AI infra or optimizing inference costs, this session will unpack insights from running inference at massive scale.
This event is a part of #SFTechWeek—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
Katalyst Space Technologies
[SF]
[LA]
National Security, Space Robotics, AI, and the Race for the High Ground
Mission
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Katalyst Space Technologies
Space is no longer just the high ground. It is central to national security. Every conflict and decision on Earth now depends on what happens in orbit. While rivals like China press forward, America’s legacy systems are still slow to adapt.
A new chapter is opening. Robotic spacecraft, guided by artificial intelligence, are beginning to track, maneuver, and respond in real time. These autonomous systems are changing how nations think about deterrence, defense, and decision-making.
Join us for a happy hour mixer, bringing together voices from defense, venture capital, and space startups. Katalyst’s founder, Ghonhee Lee, will open with a brief presentation before the evening continues with deeper discussion around the theme.
This event is a part of #SFTechWeek, a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem. Learn more at www.tech-week.com.
[SF]
[LA]
OpenDrives' Astraeus Product Launch Celebration: Bringing the Cloud Back Down to Earth
Capacity is limited. All sign ups are subject to review for approval. RSVPs are required for entry.
No presentations. Just food, fun, games, live entertainment, and a whole lot of networking!
You are invited to attend our exclusive, fun-filled product launch event to celebrate the introduction of Astraeus, OpenDrives' new cloud-native data services platform.
Astraeus will change the way you look at infrastructure and at data storage. Don't just store your data. Use your data. It redefines terms like hybrid, cloud, on-premises, and data services.
See what your future can look like when you finally have a platform that combines cloud-like experience with the benefits of on-premises that works with your workflows, not against you.
Let your data go and let your work just flow with Astraeus, your new data home!
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 in Africa Panel - Landscape, Opportunities & Challenges
Learn from founders on the ground in African countries what the AI landscape looks like. What are the opportunities & challenges? What is AI currently being used for in terms of both business success and social impact?
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]
Investing in Music’s Future Through Advocacy & Innovation
Investing in Music’s Future Through Advocacy & Innovation
Join us for a transformative event during LA Tech Week 2025, hosted by Sagos Distro, BMO, A16z, a and Solid Gold Global in partnership with leading organizations including The Recording Academy, BMI, National Music Publishers’ Association and Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
This hybrid gathering now delves deeper into the intersections of music, film, real estate, and collectibles, championing creativity while advocating for fair compensation, intellectual property (IP) enforcement, and equitable tech access. Attendees will explore music and film IP as an alternative asset class, including strategies for wealth generation through fractional ownership, merchandise with high resale value, and innovative real estate opportunities tied to cultural venues.
Event Details:
Title: Investing in Music’s Future Through Advocacy & Innovation
Format: Keynote address, interactive panel discussion, Q&A session, and networking reception
Audience: Targeted at family offices/private equity firms, venture capitalists (VCs), tech/media executives, investors, policymakers, legal professionals, advocacy groups, media/PR companies, politicians (including representatives from the Senator’s office), and industry leaders from organizations like The Recording Academy (Grammys), and More.
Purpose: To foster innovation and advocacy, highlighting investment opportunities in music and film IP while discussing legislative efforts to unlock new revenue for creators. This event positions music catalogs as a stable alternative asset class akin to real estate, offering insights into high-yield strategies, collectible merchandise, venue ownership, and ecosystem fractionalization amid evolving tech landscapes.
The event will emphasize practical, actionable insights, drawing on real-world examples from catalog investments, emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, and ongoing advocacy for policies that could transform the industry. New additions include discussions on lucrative merchandise (e.g., collectible cars and items with resale value), real estate opportunities in music/film venues, and strategic “loopholes” like tax incentives for securing and leasing large buildings through cultural assets.
The event will emphasize practical, actionable insights, drawing on real-world examples from catalog investments, emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, and ongoing advocacy for policies that could transform the industry. Expect thought-provoking discussions on how financial and legal stakeholders can push and lobby for reforms, potentially unlocking over $400 billion in royalties for catalog holders through bills like AMFA.
The event will emphasize practical, actionable insights, drawing on real-world examples from catalog investments, emerging technologies like AI and blockchain, and ongoing advocacy for policies that could transform the industry. Expect thought-provoking discussions on how financial and legal stakeholders can push and lobby for reforms, potentially unlocking over $400 billion in royalties
Detailed Topics and Themes
The agenda revolves around music and film IP as an alternative asset class, focusing on strategies to invest, monetize, and increase revenue from catalogs. Key sub-themes include:
Catalog Investments as Capital Storage and Revenue Generators: Explore how music and film catalogs serve as resilient assets, providing steady income through royalties and acting as hedges against market volatility. Discussions will cover valuation methods, portfolio diversification, and case studies of high-profile acquisitions (e.g., by private equity firms).
Reselling Catalogs for Capital Gains: Insights into buying, enhancing, and flipping catalogs for profit, including market timing, due diligence, and tax implications. Panelists will share success stories from recent deals and predict future trends in catalog trading.
Sync Licensing for Film, TV, Gaming, and Commercials: Dive into the lucrative world of synchronization rights, where music enhances visual media. Topics include negotiating deals, leveraging platforms for discovery, and maximizing earnings in a streaming-dominated era.
Royalty-Backed Securities and Fractional Ownership via Blockchain: Examine innovative financing models, such as securitizing royalties into investment products and enabling fractional ownership through blockchain for democratized access. This includes AI-driven tools for predicting revenue streams and reducing barriers for smaller investors.
AI-Driven Content Creation and Monetization: How artificial intelligence is revolutionizing music production, from generative tools to personalized licensing. Attendees will learn about ethical considerations, IP protection in AI eras, and new monetization avenues like virtual concerts and metaverse integrations.
Emerging Trends in Merchandising, Brand Extensions, and Democratized Access Through Securitization and Financing: Broader explorations of extending IP value through merchandise, brand partnerships, and financial instruments. Emphasis on securitization for liquidity and trends in global markets, ensuring equitable access for underrepresented creators.
A central focus will be the American Music Fairness Act (AMFA), a bipartisan bill reintroduced in the 119th Congress (2025-2026) as H.R. 861 on January 31, 2025. 0 Sponsored by Rep. Darrell Issa and others, AMFA aims to establish a performance right for sound recordings on terrestrial (AM/FM) radio in the U.S., ensuring artists, performers, producers, and music creators receive fair compensation when their music is broadcast—addressing a long-standing gap where radio stations use music without paying performers.
As of August 2025, the bill remains in the introductory stage, referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, with active lobbying from artists, unions like the American Federation of Musicians, and organizations like the Recording Academy.
Discussions will cover how financial and legal interest groups—representing catalog holders, labels, and investors—are lobbying Congress to pass AMFA, potentially unlocking over $400 billion in royalties by “unrigging” the system and aligning U.S. policies with global standards. 8 This could create massive value for IP portfolios, with insights from advocates on strategies to influence policymakers.
Event Lineup
• Keynote Address – “Music and Film Ecosystems: From Catalogs to Collectibles and Real Estate”
this keynote will outline the economic potential of music and film catalogs as real estate alternatives, including fractional ownership for wealth building and lucrative merchandise like collectible cars/items.
The speaker will introduce AMFA as a catalyst for industry growth, highlighting lobbying efforts to be pushed by financial groups to secure fair royalties.
• Panel Discussion – “Advocacy, Innovation, and Wealth Generation: Unlocking Value in Music, Film, Real Estate, and Collectibles”
Moderated by a legal expert from Perkins Coie LLP or the California Copyright Conference, this interactive panel features 4-5 panelists from diverse backgrounds:
• A family office investor & Sagos Distro on catalog investments, reselling for gains, and fractional ownership in ecosystems.
• A policymaker or advocate (discussing AMFA’s status, lobbying strategies by interest groups, and its potential to unlock $400 billion in royalties.
• An industry executive on sync licensing, royalty-backed securities, AI monetization, and merchandise/collectibles with resale value (e.g., film cars, music memorabilia).
• A real estate specialist on owning venues/theaters/retail buildings, tax incentives/loopholes via art/music (e.g., historic credits for cultural spaces), and leasing to corporations.   
The panel will explore real-world case studies, challenges in IP enforcement, equitable tech access, and audience polls for engagement.
• Q&A Session
Open floor for questions from the audience, allowing deeper dives into topics like AMFA lobbying tactics, investment risks in catalogs/venues, resale strategies for collectibles, and future-proofing revenue streams through ecosystem ownership. Panelists will address queries on how attendees can get involved in advocacy or pursue specific opportunities.
• Networking Reception
Conclude with a catered reception. Attendees can connect one-on-one with speakers, investors, and peers to discuss partnerships, investments, and collaborations. Virtual participants join via breakout rooms.
This 3-hour event is designed for maximum engagement, blending expert insights with interactive elements. The timeline ensures a smooth flow from inspiration to action, culminating in networking to build lasting connections.
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.
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[LA]
From Seed to Scale: Growing Your Customer Base
Want the inside scoop on how newly funded businesses can expand their reach and grow their customer base? David Herrmann, President of performance agency Herrmann Digital, joins Rick Lucas, Snapchat's Head of Performance GTM for a fireside chat. Happy hour to follow!
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.
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[LA]
Adapt or Be Automated: Managing Change in an AI World
This panel will dive deep into how stakeholders in the tech ecosystem - including enterprises, startups and investors - manage change during AI-Driven transformations, balancing innovation, risk, scale, and impact. As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the technology landscape, businesses from global enterprises to agile startups are compelled to adapt at an unprecedented pace. However, successful transformation goes beyond merely adopting new tools; it involves managing change across all levels: people, processes, culture, and risk.
In this dynamic panel, we bring together leaders from the enterprise, venture capital, and startup communities to unpack how each is navigating the intricate challenges of AI-driven change. From boardroom strategies and funding bets to ground-level innovation and ethical implementation, this conversation will reveal the tensions, tradeoffs, and opportunities shaping AI adoption today.
Hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided. Location will be sent the week prior to all approved attendees!
Panelists:
Natalie Han, PhD -
VP and Chief Product Officer, GenAI @ Business AI at SAP
Lauri Moore - Partner @ Bessemer Venture Partners
Shirshanka Das - Co-founder/CTO @ DataHub
Alistair Barr - Tech Anchor @ Business Insider
Moderator: Domi Caputo - Strategic AI Partnerships at SAP
This event is a part of #SFTechWeek—a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem. Learn more at www.tech-week.com.
[SF]
[LA]
I've Raised $25M+ And I'm Not AI
Panel & Networking
AI is an important tool but it doesn't have to be the main attraction. Meet extraordinary entrepreneurs who are solving big problems with innovative solutions, #noFOMO. Network with entrepreneurs and the investors who write the checks. (AI entrepreneurs welcome, too!)
Panelists:
Tamar Elkeles, Omar Ali, Amy King and Lauren Gropper
Astia is the global pioneer investing in innovative companies that include women leaders within the sectors of Health, Climate and Prosperity.
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.
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Engineering Leaders × LLMs | Dinner by Optimal AI
You’re invited to an intimate, three-course dinner on Wednesday, October 8 at 6:00 PM, hosted at the Financial District in SF.
Optimal AI is bringing together a small group of engineering leaders across San Francisco to explore how LLMs are changing the way teams build, secure, and scale software. From AI-powered code reviews to security automation, this will be an off-the-record conversation around what’s working, what’s hype, and what’s next.
Expect perspectives from leaders at fast growing startups and Fortune 500 co's, as we trade notes on:
- Where LLMs are truly saving time (and where they aren't)
- Security risks that are often overlooked
- What internal tools and processes teams are building around AI
- What PR review and debugging might look like in 6 months
Optimal AI is the team behind Optibot, a multi-agent system designed to act as your engineering team's fastest, most consistent code reviewer—automating reviews with deep context and surfacing security issues early across repos. Customers include MongoDB, Prometric and Mpulse.
📍 Location to be shared with approved guests
🍽️ Three-course dinner included
Please let us know if you have any dietary preferences or restrictions by emailing Myra@getoptimal.ai.
This event is a part of #SFTechWeek—a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem. Learn more at www.tech-week.com.
Gaudi, Sigma Squared, V11, Gossip Group
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[LA]
The Decacorn Foundry: Industrial AI Hacka-Summit
Stanford
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Gaudi, Sigma Squared, V11, Gossip Group
The Decacorn Foundry: Industrial AI Hacka-Summit is an alcohol-free, hybrid hackathon + summit in San Francisco bringing together students, recent alumni, and researchers to prototype AI-native tools for the built world.
In a single day, participants will tackle challenges in computational design, spatial intelligence, world modeling, and robotics, alongside panels, fireside chats, and demos with leading founders, researchers, and investors. Remote participation ensures global voices are included.
This event is designed as the launchpad for a new Industrial AI movement, catalyzing the next wave of decacorns shaping infrastructure, manufacturing, construction, and the future of the physical world.
This event is a part of #SFTechWeek—a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem. Learn more at www.tech-week.com.
Braav Security, Santa Monica Striking
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[LA]
The Founder’s Fight Club
Santa Monica
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Braav Security, Santa Monica Striking
Not Another Cocktail Mixer.
Because tech is hard.
Because getting knocked down is part of the game.
Because some of the smartest founders in LA are throwing elbows before they write code.
Join us for something different at Tech Week LA.
We're teaming up with Santa Monica Striking to bring you up close to a raw, electric experience:
🥊 Live sparring — see real fighters, real intensity, inches from the action.
🎤 Founder fire — two local entrepreneurs share why Muay Thai is their edge in business and life.
💥 Movement & mindset — learn a few striking basics, move your body, and shake off your 4th panel of the day.
🤝 Real connections — no small talk. Compliment someone’s cross, make a new friend.
Who’s it for?
Everyone. Newbies, veterans, just-curious types — we’ll make it work for you. No experience necessary.
Let the other events keep their name tags and warm canapés.
This one hits different.
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.
Protiviti, Robert Half, DLA Piper, NYSE
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[LA]
Navigating Capital Markets and IPO Readiness
FiDi (SF)
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Protiviti, Robert Half, DLA Piper, NYSE
Hosted by: Protiviti, Robert Half, DLA Piper, and NYSE
Going public is one of the most transformative—and challenging—moments in a company’s journey. In today’s volatile capital markets, timing, preparation, and execution are everything.
Speakers:
Nicolle Brady – Managing Director at Protiviti
Tom Vo – CEO and Founder at Nutex Health
Curtis Mo – Partner at DLA Piper
Sue Xu - Managing Partner at Amino Capital
• How today’s market conditions are shaping IPO and SPAC activity
• The real-world steps to prepare for going public
• Financial, operational, and cultural shifts for long-term success
• SEC, SOX, and governance requirements—what you need to know
• Lessons learned from recent market entrants
Whether you’re an executive, investor, or advisor, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to help you navigate the public company journey with confidence.
This event is a part of #SFTechWeek—a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem. Learn more at www.tech-week.com.
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Deals & Drinks: Runway Growth Capital’s VC Happy Hour
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