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- Upcoming Founder & VC Events Happening This Week
Upcoming Founder & VC Events Happening This Week
Mariane Bekker
March 30, 2025
Table of Contents
Hi,
This week, we announced our next Gigaparty and we sold out of pre-sale tickets. We have an early bird promotion going on and you can use this code today to get $10 off SUNDAYSPECIAL1. This time we’ll have a Alice in Wonderland Theme and top CEOs attending including the CEO of Perplexity!
Here are a few of our events happening this week:
💸 Fund Update: We are doing the fund modeling and are almost ready to share our pitch deck with all of you! We are looking for an investor to join us and be part of the team who has a good track record! If you’re interested, reply to this email. If you want to co-invest with us, apply here to be a limited partner » This is your chance to be part of something big — your support and involvement are key to our collective success. We’re all in this together!
If we’re not already connected, I’d love to hear from you—please follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram. Let’s connect!
Featured Events
Want us to sponsor an event or partner together? Contact us here
Wednesday, April 2 - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Most entrepreneurs are told to start at the beginning, but the smartest ones start at the end. This workshop will teach you the backward approach to success—a strategy used by top business leaders to visualize their end goal first and then reverse-engineer a clear, strategic path to achieve it. By planning with the outcome in mind, you can avoid common pitfalls, stay focused, and build a business that aligns with your long-term vision.
Thursday, April 3 - 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Join DigiCert and a select group of elite industry leaders from around the world at the Grand Bay Hotel in Redwood City for a special single-day event. Carefully chosen for their expertise and insights, this distinguished group of leaders will come together to address the most pressing challenges confronting organizations undergoing PKI modernization.
Thursday, April 3 - 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
📌 Join us for an inspiring evening at the Women & Nonbinary Founders' Demo Day, co-hosted by Women x AI and Germ! This exciting event, sponsored by Convex, will showcase innovations from 10 visionary founders, offering a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology and connect with fellow enthusiasts, investors, and industry leaders from AI and beyond.
Event sponsored by Convex: Convex is an open-source reactive database built for AI code generation. It lets AI write your queries as TypeScript code. Developers can ship faster and with fewer errors using Convex. Subscribe to their calendar »
Friday, April 4 - 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join us for the Founders Bay Virtual Workshop featuring Monica Isgut, PhD, as we explore the latest breakthroughs in longevity biotech, AI-driven drug discovery, and the future of healthcare innovation. With rapid advancements in machine learning, computational biology, and biotechnology, the way we approach aging and disease treatment is transforming faster than ever. This session will provide key insights into how AI is reshaping research and accelerating new therapeutic discoveries.
Friday, April 4 - 6:00 PM - 10:00 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. Grab a drink, share your journey, and connect with people who can help take your vision to the next level! 🍹
Saturday, April 5 - 7:30 PM
Join us at The Masonic on April 5, 2025, for a magical evening of outstanding musical performance and powerful storytelling, all benefiting UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals.
Enjoy an incredible lineup with Grammy Award-winning blues virtuoso, Gary Clark Jr.; singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Grace Potter; and supercharged Oakland band of siblings MeloDious.
Be inspired by internationally bestselling author of Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zevin; and celebrated scholar, writer, and researcher Cat Bohannon.
Accepting applications now through April 6
Take your software idea from 0 to 1 with strategy, design, and development from Portland-based digital product agency Twenty Ideas (aka "20i").
20ideation is a 6-month, selective, equity-free program combining 20's product strategy, design, and development expertise with unique networking and mentorship opportunities to kick innovators' product and business development into overdrive. For a fixed monthly program fee, 20's expert team delivers a ready-to-market product designed to unlock business growth, while participants retain full ownership of their cap table.
The Spring/Summer '25 cycle kicks off April 7 and closes with an investor-packed Demo Day event in early October.20i just extended the original 3/30 deadline to fill one more spot, so APPLY BY APRIL 6 for a chance to claim it.
Wednesday, April 23 - 12:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Free tix to 48th monthly Silicon Valley AI and Tech Investing Summit Palo Alto produced by Angel Launch. Meet 80 investors and 300 startups and tech professionals for networking lunch with investors, venture forum, huge buffet dinner and demo showcase. Three pitch sessions include : AI and General Tech; Climate tech and sustainability for SF Climate Week; and Healthcare/ Bio/Digital health. Startups can pay to pitch from the stage or host demo table.
Thursday, April 24 - 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure down the rabbit hole at the official afterparty for the AI Rabbit Hole 2025 conference—a night where reality bends, imagination thrives, and wonder awaits at every turn!
Follow the White Rabbit into FIVE FLOORS of futuristic Wonderland filled with 2,000+ founders, visionary VCs, AI engineers, and tech trailblazers, all converging for a night of innovation, curiosity, and creativity.
Exclusive discount (35%) code: MBlim35
Join us as we take AI INFRA SUMMIT to new heights, diving into the fast-evolving AI infrastructure landscape. From dirt up to APIs, we’ll explore the interconnected layers driving next-gen deployments. With a focus on ecosystem & optionality, top industry leaders will shape the future of AI infrastructure.
Whether you're an AI builder, enterprise leader, investor, or industry expert, this summit offers a full day of insights, collaboration, and networking—delivered in style.
We’re excited to support Human+Tech Week, with Nichol Bradford, June 16-20, and the opportunity to explore Human Potential in the Age of AI with you!
Early Bird Discounts are available now, and along with our 20% community discount code, tickets will never be cheaper.
Use code “mariane” for an additional 20% off all tickets.
https://lu.ma/humantech?coupon=mariane
Visit the event site for more information and the growing roster of speakers: https://humantechweek.com
🚀 Elevate Your Access with A Membership Tiers!
Price: $19/month $9/month Unlock a range of benefits to supercharge your networking and event participation:
| $99/month $49/month For those seeking the ultimate in networking and support, our VIP Access tier offers unparalleled benefits:
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Don’t miss out on these exciting new offerings! Upgrade your membership today and take your involvement to the next level.
Subscribe To Growth Access and get free tickets to: Founders Bay Virtual Workshop - Mastering the Perfect Pitch Deck, Founders Bay Virtual Workshop - Backward Approach to Entrepreneurial Success, Founders Bay Virtual Workshop - New Era: Latest Advances in Longevity Biotech, Drug Discovery, and AI
Subscribe To VIP Access, get all the workshops above for free and get free tickets to: Founders Bay Virtual Workshop - Mastering the Perfect Pitch Deck, Founders Bay Expert Office Hours: Digital Transformation & AI Strategies, Founders Bay Virtual Workshop - Backward Approach to Entrepreneurial Success, New Era: Latest Advances in Longevity Biotech, Drug Discovery, and AI, Common GTM Mistakes Made by Startups—and How to Avoid Them, Women in Sustainability: Networking, Innovation, Leadership, Impact, Solutions, Women in Sustainability: Networking, Innovation, Leadership, Impact, Solutions, Founders Bay Virtual Workshop: Securing the Unseen: AI, Cyber Threats & the Battle for Trust, Founders Bay Virtual Workshop - Fund & Management Co. Budgeting Strategies, Down the AI Rabbit Hole GigaParty
Upcoming Events
🗓️ Monday, Mar 31
👉 GDC 2025: AI Goblin Networking (11PM-12PM)
📍 Online
💬 Create your own AI Goblin to represent you at GDC and supercharge your networking! This unique event connects game industry professionals through AI matchmaking, leading up to an in-person coffee meetup on Friday.
👉 Afore Founders-in-Residence / Portfolio Spring Showcase (3PM-7PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Get an exclusive first look at Afore’s founders-in-residence and portfolio startups. While not all will be fundraising now, many may raise within six months. Connect with emerging founders and explore the latest innovations.
👉 AI Agents Unleashed: A Mixer for Silicon Valley Founders (5PM-7PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join General Catalyst & Nurix.AI for an evening of networking with founders, investors, and AI leaders scaling businesses through AI. Enjoy great conversations, snacks, and drinks in a relaxed setting.
👉 AI Agent Week - San Francisco (5:30PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 AI agents are already transforming industries. Join experts like Gabriela de Queiroz (Microsoft) and Andreas Sjostrom (Capgemini) to discuss real-world enterprise AI use cases and future innovations at this kickoff event for CrewAI’s Enterprise AI Agent Week.
👉 Floodgate x SVB Friends and Family: AI Show and Tell (6:30PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Floodgate and SVB bring their monthly Friends & Family Show and Tell to the city! Experience live AI demos, discover innovative projects, and engage with a community of builders, artists, and industry leaders sharing creative AI applications.
🗓️ Tuesday, Apr 1
👉 Founders Bay Expert Office Hours: Digital Transformation & AI Strategies (10AM-12PM) [HOSTED BY ME]
📍 Online
💬 Explore how AI-driven solutions can transform business operations, enhance customer experiences, and create a competitive edge. This session offers insights, case studies, and interactive discussions to help founders and executives navigate digital transformation.
👉 How AI is Transforming Small Businesses – Learn & Apply Today! (6PM-7PM)
📍 Online
💬 AI isn’t just for big corporations—it’s revolutionizing small businesses, too! Join this free webinar to discover how AI can automate tasks, enhance decision-making, and drive growth. Learn about budget-friendly AI solutions, real-world case studies, and practical tools to apply today.
👉 SZ 169: The Next Wave | The Unlimited Potential of Green Energy ft. Yves Behar & Shaun Lopez (5PM-9PM)
📍 Menlo Park
💬 A deep dive into the evolving relationship between design and renewable energy infrastructure. Join industry leaders to explore the future of sustainable energy and innovative solutions shaping the next wave of green technology.
👉 Builders Brew Cafe (5PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 A startup-focused meetup hosted by Stripe, Intercom, and Fidelity Private Shares. Network with fellow founders, enjoy free coffee and food, and participate in the new Open Pitch hour to share ideas and gain feedback from investors and peers.
👉 AI in Defense and Intelligence 2025 (5PM-7PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 An unclassified forum for professionals in private sector intelligence, defense startups, and government agencies. Discuss AI applications in cyber targeting, asset management, and intelligence analysis, with opportunities for collaboration on emerging AI agent platforms.
👉 Global AI Bootcamp @GitHub Office (5:30PM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join MS Reactor, Microsoft, and Neon at GitHub for an evening of AI exploration. Developers, data scientists, and enthusiasts will gather for insightful talks, networking, and hands-on discussions about the latest AI advancements.
👉 AI Agent Meetup SF (5:30PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 A meetup for AI agent developers, researchers, and enthusiasts to share insights, discuss advancements, and showcase projects. Whether you're building autonomous systems or integrating AI into real-world applications, connect with a growing community of innovators.
👉 jazz.tools Vibe Coding Micro-Hackathon (6PM-10PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Put jazz.tools to the test in this micro-hackathon where participants compete to build the smoothest, most vibe-worthy apps using LLM-powered coding. Show off your skills and help shape the future of AI-assisted development.
🗓️ Wednesday, Apr 2
👉 Founders Bay Virtual Workshop - Backward Approach to Entrepreneurial Success (11AM-12PM) [HOSTED BY ME]
📍 Online
💬 Instead of starting at the beginning, learn how top entrepreneurs succeed by working backward—visualizing the end goal first and reverse-engineering a path to get there. This workshop will help you avoid common pitfalls and build a business with a clear, long-term strategy.
👉 Tech Networking Event by Startup Valley (6PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Connect with tech and business professionals, AI experts, and investors. Pitch your startup, gain insights, and expand your network in the world of business, technology, and venture capital.
👉 SPC Poker Night with Rho (6PM-11PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join SPC and Rho for a night of poker, drinks, and networking. Enjoy a fun evening with fellow builders and tinkerers—dealers and tables provided!
👉 CTRL + ALT + CREATE | Silicon Valley (6PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Explore the intersection of entrepreneurship, technology, and creativity. Discuss the Imagination Economy, AI as a co-creator, and systems redesign in a setting with bold ideas, great food, and deep conversations.
👉 AI Dev Tools Night @ Salesforce Tower (6PM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Discover the latest in AI development tools with industry leaders from Salesforce, Sourcegraph, Mastra.ai, and Apify. Learn about AI agents, automation, and scalable AI solutions while enjoying food and networking.
👉 📚 Short Story Symposium (6:30PM-7:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Dive into thought-provoking short fiction with a focus on futurism, speculation, and social commentary. Discuss works by Ted Chiang, Ursula K. Le Guin, Greg Egan, and more in a relaxed yet stimulating environment.
👉 AI For Developers #24 (7PM-10PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Learn how to integrate machine learning models into scalable AI systems. Stay updated on AI trends, enhance your Generative AI skills, and network with fellow developers shaping the future of AI.
🗓️ Thursday, Apr 3
👉 Women & Nonbinary Founders' Demo Day – Startup Innovation & Networking (5:30PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join Women x AI and Germ for a night of innovation, networking, and live demos from 10 visionary founders. Connect with industry leaders, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs while exploring cutting-edge AI advancements.
👉 Unleashing Scale for SaaS Data Infrastructure with TiDB, EC2, and EKS (10AM-4PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Learn how to balance cost and performance in SaaS data infrastructure with PingCAP and AWS. Discover TiDB’s distributed SQL platform, designed for scalability, tenant-specific controls, and predictable performance.
👉 The Case for Humane Technology: Why Humane Tech Matters—and Why Now (10AM-11AM)
📍 Online
💬 This webinar explores the impact of inhumane design on attention, well-being, and society. Understand why humane technology is essential and what we can do to shift the digital landscape.
👉 Founders Bay Virtual Workshop - Digital Marketing Essentials For Founders (11AM-12PM) [HOSTED BY ME]
📍 Online
💬 Led by Wendy Louise Wilder, this workshop introduces the BASE3 Model, helping founders make data-driven marketing decisions. Learn audience segmentation, key metrics, and strategic insights for startup growth.
👉 Founders & Investors Social (2PM-5PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 Connect with investors, startup leaders, and fellow founders in a casual, engaging setting. Pitch your startup, expand your network, and explore investment opportunities within Silicon Valley’s startup ecosystem.
👉 AI x All Things Web (5PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join AI and web development enthusiasts at AWS GenAI Loft for lightning talks, networking, and discussions on the intersection of AI and UI. Drinks, snacks, and great conversations await!
👉 The Bay Area AI Langflow Meetup (6PM-9PM)
📍 Santa Clara
💬 Hosted by Langflow at DataStax, this event brings together AI developers, engineers, and enthusiasts for engaging talks, networking, and hands-on learning about Langflow and AI advancements.
👉 O1/EB1 US Visas AMA for AI Researchers, Founders, and Builders (6PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Navigating US work visas? Join an expert panel to learn how AI professionals can qualify for O-1 and EB-1 visas. Gain clarity on the process and get actionable insights from immigration experts.
👉 DigiCert Trust Summit Roadshow- San Francisco (8:30 AM - 6:00 PM)
📍 Redwood City
💬 A premier event bringing together industry leaders at the Grand Bay Hotel to discuss PKI modernization and its challenges. Gain insights from top experts on securing digital trust.
🗓️ Friday, Apr 4
👉 Silicon Valley Bootstrappers Breakfast (In Person) Downtown Campbell (7AM-8:30AM)
📍 Campbell
💬 Connect with fellow entrepreneurs over breakfast and discuss the challenges of bootstrapping a startup. Share insights, exchange ideas, and get valuable feedback in a supportive founder-focused setting.
👉 Founders Bay Virtual Workshop - New Era: Latest Advances in Longevity Biotech, Drug Discovery, and AI (11AM-12PM) [HOSTED BY ME]
📍 Online
💬 Explore cutting-edge breakthroughs in longevity biotech, AI-driven drug discovery, and healthcare innovation with Dr. Monica Isgut. Discover how AI is revolutionizing research and accelerating therapeutic advancements.
👉 Founders & VC Happy Hour @ Novela (6PM-10PM) [HOSTED BY ME]
📍 San Francisco
💬 Unwind and network with startup founders, VCs, and innovators over drinks at Novela. No formal agenda—just meaningful conversations, valuable connections, and a relaxed atmosphere to spark your next big opportunity.
🗓️ Saturday, Apr 5
👉 Digital Twins + Agent Coordination Hackathon - (Replicate Office) (10AM-6PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join a private hackathon with the team behind freysa.ai and dive into the future of AI agents. Hackers will explore how digital twins can authentically represent individuals and how agents can collaborate on shared objectives.
🗓️ Sunday, Apr 6
👉 Founder Flow Running Club (10AM-12PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Start your Sunday with a refreshing 2.6-mile jog through Golden Gate Park, followed by coffee and conversations with fellow builders. No pressure on pace—just bring good vibes and get ready for great chats! Groups will be organized by speed to keep things fun and inclusive.
🗓️ April 6 to April 13 - Upcoming Events
Shaping Your Brand: Identity, Story, Impact
Your brand is more than just a logo—it’s the story, personality, and promise that connect you with your audience.
Whether you're launching your first startup or scaling your next unicorn, one thing remains constant: your brand is your first impression—and often your most enduring one. In a recent session, I unpacked what makes a powerful brand identity and why it should be treated as a strategic asset, not an afterthought.
🎯 Brand Identity = Strategy + Emotion + Consistency
Here’s the reality: investors and customers alike are bombarded with brands every day. What cuts through the noise? A clear, consistent, emotionally resonant identity. And that begins with nailing five core components:
1. Logo
Your logo should be more than “cool.” It must be:
Unique (not something from a stock template),
Memorable (for you and your audience),
Versatile (looks great everywhere—from pitch decks to billboards),
Scalable (works on both a 16px favicon and a 50-ft tradeshow screen).
→ Wordmark, Lettermark, Icon, Emblem, or Combination? Choose the right structure for your brand's context and future growth.
2. Color Palette
Color creates mood and drives emotional response. Use it intentionally.
🔴 Red = Energy, Passion
🔵 Blue = Trust, Professionalism
⚫️ Black = Power
🟢 Green = Growth, Sustainability
🟡 Yellow = Optimism (but careful—it’s hard to read!)
🟠 Orange = Playful, Enthusiastic
🟦 Teal = Elegance, Exclusivity
→ Pro tip: define both primary and secondary palettes—and ensure accessibility.
3. Typography
Fonts speak louder than you think. They reflect tone and trustworthiness—before you say a single word.
Serif: Classic, Trustworthy
Sans Serif: Modern, Clean
Script: Elegant, Artistic
Display: Bold, Attention-grabbing
→ Stick to 1–2 typefaces and test how they render in decks, PDFs, web, and mobile. Consistency builds brand equity.
4. Imagery & Graphics
Visual storytelling is essential:
Photography: Realism or stylized? Stock or original? AI or shoot?
Icons: Clarify navigation and simplify complexity.
Illustration: Adds character and uniqueness (but can be hard to scale—AI is changing that).
→ Define your brand’s visual tone and ensure alignment with your values.
5. Your Design System
A design system is your brand’s sandbox. It ensures your startup’s identity shows up the same way—everywhere.
It’s not just for in-house designers. Vendors, partners, freelancers, investors—everyone needs to work within the same system. Don’t wait until you’re scaling to build one.
🧠 Common Mistakes Founders Make
Inconsistency across channels
Lack of scalable assets
Overuse of generic stock
Complicated design choices
Undisciplined execution
Don’t let these stall your brand momentum.
💡 Founder To-Dos
Audit your brand assets—what’s working, what’s missing?
Build (or refine) your brand guidelines—logo usage, colors, fonts, and visuals.
Apply with discipline—every touchpoint, every platform.
In a world where founders are constantly pitching, hiring, and scaling, your brand identity should be working just as hard as you are. Let it speak volumes—before you even say a word.
Email: [email protected] if you need help with your branding
Mariane Bekker, 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.
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