[SF]
[LA]
The Tech Diversity Paradox; A Light Her Way Coffee
Despite years of pledges, diversity in tech hasn’t kept pace. The gap is real, but so is the opportunity. Companies with diverse leadership & boards outperform, innovate faster, and make stronger decisions.
Join us for a candid coffee chat during SF Tech Week on how leaders, communities, and companies can turn this moment into momentum. We’ll chat and share actionable strategies, and explore how to build pathways that expand access and accelerate impact.
This isn’t about blame — it’s about agency, partnership, and the business case for change.
But first, coffee!
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.
Connect with us on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightherway
American South Asian Network
[SF]
[LA]
Investor–Founder Connect: Immigrant Edition
Downtown (SF)
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American South Asian Network
Where immigrant founders and investors meet, learn, and explore opportunities together.
We’ll kick off with candid perspectives from immigrants and immigrant–focused investors on what makes a pitch stand out, the funding landscape in 2025, and how diaspora founders can leverage cross-border opportunities.
Meet the panelists:
- Anand C - Investor: Celesta Capital, General Catalyst, 90+ seed checks, 8 Unicorns. Founder: Crescendo AI, HiOctave AI. Builder: Meta, Airtel, Five9
- Andrea B - co-founder, CEO Aspire - finance stack for global founders, serving 50,000 clients globally, backed by Sequoia, Lightspeed, Y Combinator, and PayPal. Y-Combinator and Rocket Internet Alum.
- Satish P - co-founder, CEO Polymorph - exited to Walmart.
co-founder, CEO - MightyAI
We’ll wrap with structured networking designed to connect you directly with the people who can move your business forward.
For founders raising their first round, investors scouting the next breakout, and anyone eager to explore the investor–founder dynamic, this is the place to connect.
American South Asian Network (ASAN) is the fastest growing community of young South Asians in the US!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asan.fyi
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asanfyi/
WhatsApp community: https://bit.ly/asan-wa
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]
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]
International Founders
Calling all international Founders to come meet fellow founders travelling to LA. Get your week started off with the right connections and community to help carry you through tech week.
More to come 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.
[SF]
[LA]
Pitches & Punchlines
A pitch competition like no other! Founders will be read to filth as they pitch their ideas, investors will dig deep to judge, and each founder will get pro feedback from other founder peers! We'll end the night with arcade games and networking.
The Format:
Four-minute startup pitches blended with comedic roasts and coaching to improve everybody's game.
The Scene:
The Detour arcade bar, where downtown meets The Castro, with craft cocktails, elevated bar food, giant screens, and arcade games for post-pitch networking. This is a no-host bar.
The Crowd:
Everybody's in! Founders, investors, and operators who know the best businesses come from authentic perspectives.
Produced by StartOut, the national organization connecting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs with resources, community, and capital.
Want to pitch? Want to partner on this event? Please drop a line in the questionnaire.
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.
ASTN, Thruline Networks, Future Bars
[SF]
[LA]
SportsTech MeetUp-Athletes, Investors, & Founders
SOMA
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ASTN, Thruline Networks, Future Bars
ASTN is a SportsTech platform designed to optimize the wealth creation opportunity for all types of athletes. [www.astn.ai]
This system offers education, revenue-generating opportunities, and investment opportunities to participants in the community.
This session builds on our Wealth conversation by creating space for athletes, founders, and investors to connect directly. Athletes and participants in the community will have the chance to sit down one-on-one with the ASTN founders, industry experts, and investors to ask questions and explore ways to collaborate. At the same time, we’re bringing USF community leaders into the mix to spark new partnerships and open doors for future opportunities across the sports innovation ecosystem.
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.
Bestia AI, Objection Proof AI
[SF]
[LA]
Real Estate + AI Fireside Chat
Santa Monica
·
Bestia AI, Objection Proof AI
Real Estate + AI Fireside Chat #LATechWeek
Friday, October 17th, 2025
Location: Blankspaces, 929 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA
AI-Powered Real Estate Summit with Steve Trang
An exclusive gathering uniting traditional real estate investors with AI-native infrastructure. Join Steve Trang for his signature fireside chat exploring strategic partnership announcements between Objection Proof AI and Bestia.ai, and intimate discussions on next-generation AI systems transforming real estate operations—from lead generation to deal execution at scale.
=====================================
FIRESIDE CHAT GUEST:
MAIN GUEST HONOREE: Dan Pena - The Trillion Dollar Man
Direct from his castle in Scotland, legendary high-performance business coach Dan Pena—called "The Trillion Dollar Man" because his mentees have collectively created over $1 trillion in equity value—joins us on October 17th as our guest of honor to receive the Icon Award, presented by Mike Dusi, cofounder/CEO of Bestia and one of Dan's own mentees of two decades. Mike credits Dan's mentorship as instrumental in his success as a real estate investor, making this presentation a full-circle moment.
Dan Pena will discuss the greatest transformation of wealth the world has ever seen. AI is rewriting the rules of real estate fortunes—are you going to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity, or sit on your couch binge-watching Netflix and chilling? Dan brings his unfiltered perspective on what it takes to dominate in this new AI-driven economy.
EVENT SCHEDULE
3:00pm – 4:00pm | Pre-Event Reception
Arrive at 3:30pm for the pre-event reception—your exclusive chance to meet Dan Pena, the Trillion Dollar Man, before the event begins at 4:00pm sharp.
Meet Dan Pena, "The Trillion Dollar Man"
4:00pm – 4:10pm | Icon Award Presentation
Mike Dusi honors his mentor with a personal tribute and presents the Icon Award to Dan Pena
4:10pm – 4:55pm | Dan Pena Keynote Presentation
Moderated by Mike Dusi
Direct from his castle in Scotland, legendary high-performance business coach Dan Pena—called "The Trillion Dollar Man" because his mentees have collectively created over $1 trillion in equity value—receives the Icon Award and shares his insights on high-performance business strategy.
4:55pm – 5:10pm | Audience Q&A
5:10pm – 5:25pm | Break
5:25pm – 6:25pm | Steve Trang's Fireside Chat: The State of AI in Real Estate
The Surprising Reason Most AI Projects Fail – And How to Avoid It
80% of AI projects fail—twice the rate of regular tech projects. This panel shows you why. Steve Trang (fix-and-flip operator to AI startup builder) interviews operators who cracked the code: they understood the problem first, then applied AI.
Most fail because they jump to solutions before decomposing workflows and identifying actual friction. Watch the 20% who succeed reveal what they did differently—and why most "AI solutions" are just expensive theater.
Panel:
Steve Trang (Moderator) - Fix-and-flip operator to sales coach to AI startup builder:
- Mike Dusi - 3x'd deals using AI across short sale, wholesale, retail, and premium
- Matthew Hintz - Building the Robinhood for Real Estate
- Vak Sambath & Mike Dusi - The Real Estate App Economy architects
Includes 15-min Audience Q&A
6:10pm – 6:25pm | Saturday Preview
Mike Dusi & Vak Sambath tease Saturday's main event at BLANKSPACES Venice—the largest Real Estate AI event during LA Tech Week.
6:25pm – 7:00pm | Networking
Connect with Dan Pena, the speakers, and fellow real estate operators and investors.
7:00pm | Event Concludes
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.
This is Day 1 of our Summit. Join us for Day 2 on Saturday, October 18th at BLANKSPACES Venice: https://bit.ly/la-techweek-real-estate-ai
[SF]
[LA]
Immersive Breathwork Experience
Slow down and reconnect with yourself through this virtual immeresive breathwork experience to help you release stress, clear your mind, and reconnect with your body. Designed with founders and creatives in mind, this session will help you unlock new insights and reconnection with your vision.
Whether you’re new to breathwork or have practiced before, all you need is a quiet space, a comfortable place to lie down, and an open mind.
What to expect:
A grounding introduction and intention setting
Guided breathwork practice
Time for integration and reflection
This virtual session is open to all levels and is a wonderful way to recharge from the comfort of your 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]
De-Escalation & Business Safety
Building a business requires risk taking — but you should never risk safety. Join us for a rare, practical conversation on security in the workplace and beyond.
Our featured speaker is David Weiner, District Chief of Police and LA Sheriff’s Advisory member, internationally recognized as a de-escalation specialist. David will share proven strategies that work in real life, answer your toughest safety questions, and guide us through the realities of handling high-stress situations.
Interactive Component:
A few brave attendees will test themselves on the MILO system — the same scenario-based training platform used by police forces nationwide. You’ll experience firsthand what it’s like to make split-second decisions under pressure.
Why Attend:
Learn practical de-escalation tactics that can protect your team and your business.
Engage directly with a nationally respected safety expert.
Experience MILO, the training system trusted by law enforcement.
Network with founders, investors, and operators who care about building responsibly.
Format:
Fireside talk + Q&A
Live MILO simulation demo with audience participation
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]
Legendary Ventures (Venture Hour)
[SF]
[LA]
Founders Run & Coffee
USC Information Sciences Institute
[SF]
[LA]
Astrobee Returns to Flight
Marina del Rey
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USC Information Sciences Institute
Event Title: Astrobee Returns to Flight: Re-igniting Robotic Research and Innovation on the ISS
With Arkisys at the helm and USC and universities across the country on deck, Astrobee takes flight again – bringing fresh momentum to robotics, science and innovation for next generation of ISAM aboard the International Space Station.
More information can be found at https://www.arkisys.com/astrobee
See all USC ISI Tech Week events: https://linktr.ee/usc_isi
Location: USC, Information Sciences Institute
Address: 4676 Admiralty Way Marina Del Rey Ca 90292
Check in at Reception: 10th Floor
Recommended Marina Del Rey Lots, $6 per day/vehicle:
Lot 4 : 13500 Mindanao Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LPdBxT6rZvJxvjpf7
Visitor parking at USC, ISI, $25 per day/vehicle
Address: 4676 Admiralty Way Marina del Rey Ca 90292
Questions? Email us at events@isi.edu
#LATechWeek
This event is a part of #LATechWeek - a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem
https://www.tech-week.com
[SF]
[LA]
The Gear Down: Sauna + Ice + Workshop
***A Men's Only Event***
[See Friday's schedule for our Women's only session]
Performance demands that we understand our gears and fully tune in. It’s not about staying in one mode—it’s about knowing when and how to shift.
This experience combines contrast therapy with a deep-dive workshop tailored for men. It's not about testing how long you can stay in an ice bath, so leave your ego at the door.
Expect a transformative blend of challenge, reflection, and growth that will fuel both your business and personal journey.
Led by Megan Dolce, Co-Founder and Head Coach of Ripe, a human leadership development company based in LA. Megan is known for her work with professional athletes, VCs, founders, leaders, and teams from Fortune 100 companies.
RIPE: https://www.get-ripe.com/
Likeminded: https://www.likemindedstudios.com/
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]
Why Most Startups Don’t Scale: The 15 GTM Mistakes Nobody Talks About
You’ve nailed the product.
You’ve raised the round.
The team is running full speed.
But the results don’t add up.
Pipeline’s soft.
Conversion’s flat.
Revenue’s unpredictable.
Is it the messaging? The team? The motion?
Or is something more foundational—and systemic—getting in your way?
This isn’t a hype session.
It’s a teardown of the 15 GTM problems that stop great companies from scaling.
Each one’s based on real data, real leadership stories from Silicon Valley, and real pain.
Join Lydia Flocchini and Tim Hillison—Certified GTM Partners, 3x CMOs, and rare GTM operators and engineers. They cut through noise and show what actually works when growth is on the line.
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]
Workshop: Build AI Agents with BeeAI
Join this hands-on workshop designed for developers interested in building AI agents. You'll build a production ready agent using BeeAI's framework, walking away with a tangible example you can adapt for your own use cases. Learn to implement the components that make BeeAI's agents production-ready: control over agent behavior, built-in caching, memory optimization, resource management, and real-time monitoring with OpenTelemetry.
Speakers include:
- Mark Sturdevant, Developer Advocate, IBM
- Sandi Besen, Developer Advocate, IBM
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.
IBM may take group photos or perform live streaming during the event for promotional purposes.
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