/ About this event
Things have shifted dramatically in 2026. The Startup Playbook for the next decade will undoubtedly be different from the one that Silicon Valley founders have followed in the past. Join us for a special evening of founders and investors discussing what’s next.
Bret Waters, a three-time Silicon Valley founder and investor who now teaches entrepreneurship at Stanford, will share his read on what’s driving the shift, kicking off an evening of networking, discussions, food, and drink.
This event is for founders, investors, and operators from Silicon Valley and beyond, including international founders navigating the U.S. market.
The event is co-hosted by Annika Ahonala, founder of Sand Hill Marketing. A Bay Area–based marketing executive and strategic advisor, Annika works with companies on growth and helps international founders tap into the region’s networks and navigate the U.S. market.
The event will be held at the Nordic Innovation House (NIH) - a collaborative hub that helps Nordic entrepreneurs and other innovation stakeholders connect with one of the world’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, NIH serves as a bridge between the Nordic region and the U.S. and works to support organizations that want to explore, enter, or expand in the American market. NIH is a joint initiative between five Nordic countries and is created to strengthen the region’s collective influence, visibility, and access to resources in Silicon Valley. By combining Nordic collaboration with Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial spirit, Nordic Innovation House enables its members to expand their reach, build meaningful relationships, and grow in a global context. Discover more about our activities and how to connect: www.nordicinnovationhouse.com
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

