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- Happy Holidays + Personal Invite
Happy Holidays + Personal Invite
Mariane Bekker
December 27, 2024
I hope that you had a great Christmas week!
I’d like to also personally invite you to our upcoming NYE Celebration and our upcoming events in January. It’s the perfect time to come together, start the new year, and connect with other amazing founders and investors. Scroll below to view all of our events! If you’d like to attend the NYE celebration for free, you can join our VIP membership for 70% off!
Holiday Special!
🎉 As a thank-you for being part of our community, I’m offering you a full month of Growth or VIP Access for 70% off ($5 or $29) today only! This gives you access to all of our workshops and events (VIP) for FREE during the month!!
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 details, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of you….
2024: A Year of Rediscovery and Gratitude ❤️
Reinvention doesn’t always mean starting over; it means uncovering the person you’ve been all along.
Looking back at 2024 I’m grateful for this year — not just for what this year brought, but for how it helped me rediscover who I am and what truly matters.
This was the first year in a long time where I felt okay on most days. And “okay” might sound simple, but for me, it was monumental. After years of change and challenges, I started piecing my old self back together piece by piece.
I discovered new joys (turns out I love sushi and weightlifting!), and I went to my first music festival — thank you, Jeni! I discovered that music has the power to unite thousands of people, regardless of their backgrounds or stories, in a shared moment of joy. I fell in love with music, dancing, and the energy of being surrounded by people simply living in the moment.
This year also taught me the power of relationships. I realized that making space for the right people in your life — people who lift you up, who see your worth — is everything. I let go of relationships that no longer served me, and in doing so, I made room for incredible new friends and a supportive community that continues to lift me higher than I thought possible.
On the professional side, my non-profit Women Founders Bay grew to support over 500 female-founded startups, a milestone that reflects the power of diversity and collaboration. I also hosted over 100 events, meeting extraordinary founders and investors who are shaping the future. Those were more than events, they were moments in time where dreams were shared, pitches were perfected, and possibilities who seemed “impossible” suddenly felt within reach.
At home, I found joy in the quiet victories. My youngest started preschool, and my oldest earned his first A in math. Those moments reminded me of what truly matters: the love we share, the small milestones we celebrate, and the people we hold close
And then there’s you — this community of 32,000 readers who inspire me every day. Your support and stories have been a constant reminder that we’re all in this together, navigating change, growth, and everything in between.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s this: It’s never too late. It’s never too late to rediscover yourself, to let go of what no longer serves you, or to embrace the things that light you up. Reinvention doesn’t mean starting over; it means uncovering the person you’ve been all along.
With love and gratitude,
Mariane
Founders Bay Upcoming Events
Christmas Special: One Day Only!
🎉 As a thank-you for being part of our community, I’m offering you 2 months of Growth and VIP Access for 70% off ($5 or $29)! This gives you access to all of our workshops and events for FREE!
Dec 31 - 8PM - 2AM
Masquerade Ball 2024: An Exclusive New Year’s Eve Gala 🎭🎉
Prepare for a night of intrigue and opulence as Vently, 611 Events, RISE Collective, & Founders Bay host the most extraordinary celebration to close out 2024. 🎆
Jan 3 - 11AM - 12PM
Are you looking to attract more customers online? In this interactive workshop, we’ll break down the essentials of SEO so you can get your startup found and grow fast—no technical skills required.
What you'll learn:
How to optimize your website for search engines.
Key SEO strategies tailored for early-stage startups.
Quick wins to boost visibility and drive traffic.
Walk away with actionable tips to kickstart your 2024 growth. Don’t miss out—secure your spot today!
Jan 7 - 1PM - 4PM
Need quick legal guidance to navigate your startup journey?
Sign up and you’ll be assigned a 15-minute 1:1 session with Arohi Kashyap, a seasoned attorney specializing in Startup Law, Technology Law, Data Privacy, and Cross-Border Transactions.
What to Expect:
Clarify key legal issues impacting your startup (e.g., incorporation, fundraising, IP protection, contracts).
Ask questions on emerging legal challenges around AI, data privacy, and technology law.
Jan 8 - 2PM - 3PM
Ready to bring your AI idea to life? Join us for this hands-on workshop, where we’ll walk you through the essential steps to build a Generative AI Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Whether you’re an early-stage founder or a product manager, you’ll learn how to define your use case, choose the right tools, and launch a functional prototype.
Jan 9 - 12PM - 1PM
Understanding Valuations, Equity, Financial Projections, and Choosing the Right Investment Path
Raising capital is one of the most critical—and complex—challenges founders face. This workshop is designed to give you a solid understanding of the financial essentials that drive successful fundraising, helping you make informed decisions to grow your startup strategically.
Jan 9 - 6PM - 9PM
Justworks is hosting an exclusive dinner for Seed and Series A founders & VC at a beautiful Cow-hollow mansion, co-hosted by Mariane Bekker from Founders Bay, Rabadi Real Estate.
We want to bring together some of the brightest minds in the startup ecosystem, fostering valuable conversations and potential partnerships.
What to Expect:
Networking: Connect with other funded founders & investors and share insights.
Innovative Discussions: Learn about best practices for scaling your startup
Great Food: Enjoy a delicious Mediterranean dinner while engaging with like-minded innovators.
Whether you're a founder determined to grow your business or a VC looking to connect with emerging talent, this evening is designed to spark meaningful discussions and strengthen the Bay Area’s entrepreneurial community.
Jan 9 - 12PM - 1PM
Raising capital is one of the most critical—and complex—challenges founders face. This workshop is designed to give you a solid understanding of the financial essentials that drive successful fundraising, helping you make informed decisions to grow your startup strategically.
In this interactive session, you will learn:
Demystifying Startup Valuations: How investors assess your company’s value, key metrics to focus on, and how to justify your valuation confidently.
Understanding Equity and Ownership: Learn how equity works, from cap tables to dilution, and strategies for maintaining control as you scale.
Financial Projections that Resonate: Build realistic financial forecasts to demonstrate your company’s growth potential and attract the right investors.
Choosing the Right Funding Strategy: Compare funding options—bootstrapping, angel investors, venture capital, and alternative methods—and learn which path aligns best with your goals.
Jan 10 - 9:30AM-11:30AM
We’re hosting an exclusive breakfast at a stunning venue in Cow Hollow, co-hosted by Mariane Bekker from Founders Bay, Rabadi Real Estate, and TheAgentic.
This event is designed for top technology and product leaders to explore how AI can drive enterprise innovation and growth in 2025. Over a curated breakfast, engage in meaningful discussions, gain actionable insights, and network with fellow executives shaping the future of enterprise
Jan 12 - 5PM - 8PM
This event brings together leading voices from the world of AI, venture capital, and technology to explore the latest investment trends, breakthrough technologies, and the transformative role of women in shaping the future of AI.
What to Expect:
Keynote Insights: Hear from investors as they share their vision for the future, providing unique perspectives on the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges in the AI investment landscape.
Jan 14 - 5PM - 9PM
Join us for a special event during JPM Week to explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming healthcare. From smarter diagnostics to personalized treatments, learn how AI is improving patient care and driving new medical advancements.
This event brings together industry leaders and innovators to share insights on the future of healthcare powered by AI. Don’t miss the chance to connect, learn, and be part of the conversation.
Jan 16 - 2PM - 3PM
With insights from his experience backing groundbreaking Agentic and Vertical AI startups, George will provide you with the exact strategies and frameworks that top VCs look for when evaluating early-stage AI companies.
What You’ll Learn:
Crack the VC Code: What top AI-focused VCs are really looking for in early-stage startups.
Perfect Your Pitch: Proven techniques to structure and deliver a pitch that resonates.
Position for Funding Success: How to align your startup’s story with market trends and VC priorities.
Insights from the AI Frontlines: Key opportunities in Agentic and Vertical AI that are capturing investor attention in 2025.
Jan 17 - 6PM - 11PM
🎉 Join Us for the Engineering Leadership Soiree at Tesla! 🚗✨
Network and celebrate with the brightest minds in the industry at an unforgettable soirée filled with innovation, meaningful connections, and world-class entertainment. Here’s what awaits you:
🍹 Open Bar – Indulge in craft cocktails, premium drinks, and festive refreshments to set the perfect mood.
🎶 Live Music – Enjoy top-notch music from world renowned DJs
🚘 Exclusive Tesla Test Drives – Experience the thrill of cutting-edge innovation as you take the Cybertruck, Model Y, and Model 3 for an exhilarating spin.
🍴 Gourmet Bites – Savor a curated selection of delectable bites and treats, crafted to delight your taste buds..
Jan 10 - 9:30AM-11:30AM
We’re hosting an exclusive breakfast at a stunning venue in Cow Hollow, co-hosted by Mariane Bekker from Founders Bay, Rabadi Real Estate, and TheAgentic.
This event is designed for top technology and product leaders to explore how AI can drive enterprise innovation and growth in 2025. Over a curated breakfast, engage in meaningful discussions, gain actionable insights, and network with fellow executives shaping the future of enterprise
Jan 22 - 5PM - 8PM
AI Agents are revolutionizing the way enterprises operate, unlocking new levels of productivity, efficiency, and innovation. But what does this mean for founders, investors, and operators shaping the future of business?
Join us for an engaging session where we’ll explore:
How AI Agents are being deployed to transform enterprise workflows.
The opportunities and challenges in adopting AI within organizations.
What founders and investors need to know to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape.
This is a must-attend event for founders, VCs, and operators in the Bay Area looking to understand how AI Agents are shaping the next generation of enterprise solutions
Jan 23- 10:30AM - 11:30AM
We’re hosting an exclusive dinner for Women AI founders at a beautiful Cow-hollow mansion, co-hosted by Mariane Bekker, CEO of Women Founders Bay, Rabadi Real Estate, and TheAgentic.
This event brings together leading voices from the world of AI, venture capital, and technology to explore the latest investment trends, breakthrough technologies, and the transformative role of women in shaping the future of AI.
Jan 21 - 2PM - 3PM
This workshop aims to show how implementing a structured, AI-driven GTM strategy with Criya can significantly reduce manual workloads, enhance lead engagement, and streamline marketing operations.
Introduction to AI in GTM Campaigns
Unveiling the 5-Step AI GTM Campaign Calendar
Deep Dive: 'Campaigns in a Box'
Live Demo of Campaigns in a Box with Criya AI
Music and dancing helped me heal, so we’re bringing it to the tech industry!!! We are throwing the biggest founder/VC event that the tech world has ever seen!
A celebration of innovation and progress spanning 25 years—past, present, and future.
Managing Partner, Founders bay
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.