Hi Friends,

I wanted to personally invite you to a few events & workshops this week and next:

🎙️ Also! I recorded a podcast in Nashville where I dive into Why Humanoids and AI Will Change Everything — and share a personal vision of where I see myself in 10 years (hint: it might involve DJing in Ibiza 😄).

Listen to the full episode here: Youtube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts

If we’re not already connected, I’d love to hear from you—please follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram. Let’s connect!

But before I share more about these events… I want to tell you what’s been on my heart this week.

I've been working nonstop this year — between speaking at conferences, hosting events, scaling our community to 90,000+ founders and VCs, parenting, and throwing multiple Gigaparty — I hit a wall.

Burnout is real. Even when you love what you do. Especially then.

So this July… I’m slowing down.
Not quitting. Not disconnecting entirely. Just breathing.

Last week, I went camping with my kids — no Wi-Fi, just stars, campfire stories, and messy s’mores.
This week: Hawaii.
Next week: Bali.

I’m calling it my personal founder sabbatical — a soft reset so I can return clearer, stronger, and more aligned with the kind of impact I want to create.

Because rest is strategy.
And joy? Joy is fuel.

As founders, VCs, builders — we often forget that. We treat rest like a reward instead of a requirement. But if we want to build something lasting, we need to take care of the person doing the building.

So I’m asking you:

What’s one thing you’re doing this summer that brings you joy?
Travel? Time with your kids? A book? A new playlist? Long walks with no destination?

Hit reply — I’d love to feature a few joyful summer plans in next week’s newsletter.

We don’t just grow through the grind.
We grow through the pause.

Here’s to rest, reflection, and a summer of small joys.
See you soon — fully recharged.

Mariane

Want us to sponsor an event or partner together? Contact us here

Wednesday, July 2 - 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM​

​Join us for a laid-back evening of networking, drinks, and great conversations! Whether you're a startup founder looking for funding, a VC seeking the next big idea, or just someone passionate about innovation, this event is for you.

Tuesday, July 8 - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

​Join us for a hands-on virtual workshop where we’ll show you how to fully optimize your AI development stack so you can build smarter and faster. Whether you're working solo or leading a team, you’ll learn the tools, systems, and shortcuts top founders are using to speed up development without burning out.

Wednesday, July 9 - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

​Join us for a workshop designed to help early-stage founders avoid common pitfalls and learn how to navigate the challenges of building a startup. This session will focus on the top five mistakes founders often make and provide practical solutions to overcome them. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this workshop will give you valuable insights to ensure your startup’s success.

Thursday, July 10 - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

​The relationship we have to our business can bring up a lot of the same patterns as our romantic relationships - and how we handle it all determines our success. Dr. Jessica is both a tech founder herself and a relationship coach. Here, we will look at the unconscious patterns that play out in your relationships. Stop sabotaging your success and use a simple, time-tested framework to reveal your relational blind spots and walk yourself back to a centered, grounded, wise self.

Tuesday, July 10 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Technological innovation—particularly in robotics—is transforming industries at an unprecedented rate. Staying ahead of these changes isn't just advantageous; it's critical for your future relevance and success.

​At the FUTURECRAFT 2035 Robotics Showcase, we're making cutting-edge strategic foresight accessible to everyone. Strategic foresight is a structured approach to exploring future scenarios, identifying emerging trends, and preparing proactively for disruption.

Tuesday, July 22 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

​​Founders Bay Expert Office Hours: 2-Hour Block Legal Advice is a chance for startup founders to get direct legal guidance from an experienced professional. Led by Jessica North (Jorrie), Partner at Perkins Coie LLP, this session is perfect for founders seeking clarity on legal matters. Jessica specializes in advising emerging companies, venture capital funds, and private equity investors, making her a valuable resource for startups at any stage.

Subscribe to a VIP Access Membership and attend for free

Friday, August 8 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM​

​​We’re hosting an exclusive breakfast at FOCUS Innovation Studio, co-hosted by Mariane Bekker and Kristopher Floyd from Founders Bay.

​​This event is designed for top investors founders to explore how AI can drive B2B innovation and growth. Over a curated breakfast, engage in meaningful discussions, gain actionable insights, and network with fellow founders & executives shaping the future of B2B AI.

Hi! I'm Mariane Bekker, an investor and a tech executive with over a decade of experience building high-performing engineering teams at leading startups such as New Relic and Mindbody. I've led engineering through 5 acquisitions and 1 IPO. 

I’m the founder of Founders bay and Women Founders bay, connecting founders with expert guidance, events and funding opportunities in the Bay Area.