Aloha Friends from beautiful Hawaii,

Here are a few of our events happening next week. If you subscribe as a Founders Bay Member you get access to all the events below for free. We have a summer special that gives you half off:

BECOME A FOUNDERS BAY MEMBER AND ACCESS ALL THE ABOVE FOR FREE

Not a Founders Bay Member yet? You’re missing out on:

✓ Private Whatsapp Founder & VC Channel
✓ Free Access to All Our Workshops and Recordings
✓ Monthly Investor Breakfasts and Dinners
✓ Weekly Expert Office Hours including with Mariane Bekker, Kristopher Floyd, Legal and CTO

👉 Join Founders Bay today and unlock all-access.

🤖 Exclusive SPV: Early-Stage AI Robotics Aligned with Our Frontier Fund

As most of you know, we're forming a frontier tech venture fund to capture the massive opportunities in AI, robotics, and automation. Ahead of this, we've identified a breakout early-stage robotics startup that perfectly aligns with our thesis. The company has outstanding early traction, an extremely strong core team, and a clear pathway to rapidly scale in a high-growth robotics market.

As our frontier fund finalizes formation, qualified investors in our community can access this unique opportunity through an exclusive SPV.

🚀 Explore the Future of Robotics & AI
Join us at Frontier Tower for Futurecraft 2035 Robotics Showcase, where visionary founders, investors, and industry leaders converge to experience cutting-edge robotics demos and explore bold future scenarios.

🤖 Help Shape the Future—Scenario Hackers Wanted!
We're assembling top robotics and AI minds to map bold futures and surface game-changing opportunities at our exclusive Futurecraft 2035 Scenario Hackathon. Ready to craft tomorrow’s world today?

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

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

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.

Tuesday, July 8 - 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

​The current dominant capital stack for entrepreneurship is not optimized nor designed for positive impact, wellbeing, human flourishing, or even human survival.

​What could a revised, updated approach to financing entrepreneurship and new initiatives look like that's built on values and is designed to help guide us towards the future that we dream of living in?

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.

Tuesday, July 10 - 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM

You’ve been tapped as one of SF's top robotics experts to code the future—no GitHub required. Spend an afternoon inside Frontier Tower mapping six bold 2035 worlds, surfacing the hottest investable signals for the next three years, and unveiling them live that same evening.

Tuesday, July 10 - 7:00 PM - 11:00 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.

Friday, July 25 - 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM​

Join us for an insightful evening at the AI Talk Series: AI in Healthcare Panel & Networking, where we explore the cutting edge of artificial intelligence in medicine. From early diagnostics to personalized treatment plans, AI is reshaping how care is delivered—and this panel brings together leaders at the forefront of that transformation. The event is co-hosted by Mariane Bekker and Kristopher Floyd from Founders Bay, who are passionate about driving thoughtful conversations around innovation and impact.

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.

Wednesday, August 20 - 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

​​​We're kicking off the STEP Conference with a fun and relaxed opening party hosted by Founders Bay. Join fellow founders, investors, and tech leaders for an evening of good conversation, music, and energy as we celebrate the start of an exciting week. 🎶💬

August 20 until August 21 - 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Join us for cutting-edge talks, networking, and exclusive savings.

We’re excited to announce our partnership with Step San Francisco 2025 - where the world’s most ambitious founders, investors, and tech leaders come together in the heart of Silicon Valley.

This is your invitation to join us on 20-21 August for a two-day high-energy tech festival spotlighting the latest in AI, deep tech, GenAI, and global scaling. Expect inspiring talks, hands-on sessions, and unbeatable networking opportunities.

We’re thrilled to offer you an exclusive 20% discount on tickets! Just use the code FOUNDERSBAY at checkout.

🚀 Elevate Your Access with A Membership Tiers!

Price: $19/month

Unlock a range of benefits to supercharge your networking and event participation:

  • Early Event Previews: Get the scoop on events happening 2 weeks ahead.

  • Discounted Conference Tickets: Enjoy significant savings on top conferences.

  • Free Workshops: Receive free access Founders Bay workshops.

  • Premium Content: Stay informed with our exclusive newsletter content tailored for founders and VCs.

  • Community Access: Join Founders Bay exclusive Founder & VC Circle.

$49/month

For those seeking the ultimate in networking and support, our VIP Access tier offers unparalleled benefits:

  • Early Event Previews: Get the scoop on events happening 2 weeks ahead.

  • Free Conference Tickets: Get complimentary tickets to key conferences and events.

  • Monthly 1x1 Office Hours: Benefit from a complimentary personalized monthly session with Mariane Bekker and legal experts.

  • Free Workshops: Receive free access Founders Bay workshops.

  • Personal Branding Session: Enjoy a complimentary strategy session to enhance your personal brand.

Don’t miss out on these exciting new offerings! Upgrade your membership today and take your involvement to the next level.

Upcoming Events

🗓️ Monday, July 7

👉 ML Collective Palo Alto Social (5PM-7PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 Kick off with a keynote by Tom Griffiths on “Bayes in the age of Intelligent machine,” followed by a casual roundtable on projects, challenges, and tips. A chill, social meetup for ML folks to connect, share, and learn over refreshments.

🗓️ Tuesday, July 8

👉 FC SF • Founders Run & Coffee! (7AM-9AM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Start your day with a refreshing morning run alongside founders, creatives, and operators. Stick around after for coffee and community connection across the startup world.

👉 Business Writing 1 Day Training in San Francisco, CA (9AM-5PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Sharpen your communication skills with expert-led, in-person instruction on effective business writing. Ideal for professionals looking to elevate their clarity, tone, and impact in the workplace.

👉 Get unstuck & take inspired action in your soul business - San Francisco (10AM-11:30AM)
📍 Online
💬 Learn how to break free from limiting patterns and take empowered action in your purpose-driven business. This session blends mindset shifts with embodiment practices to help you move forward with clarity and ease.

👉 Founders Bay Virtual Workshop - Max Out Your AI Dev Stack, Build 5x Faster (11AM-12PM) [HOSTED BY ME]
📍 Online
💬 Discover how to supercharge your AI development stack to build faster, smarter, and more efficiently. Perfect for early-stage founders and devs looking to streamline workflows and scale without burnout.

👉 Musa Labs SF Lunch & Learn - 🚀 Weekly AI Training Series: Vibe Coding with Azure OpenAI Service (12PM-1PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Get hands-on with the latest AI-powered coding tools and intelligent IDEs in this beginner-friendly workshop. Great for devs, builders, and tinkerers eager to integrate AI into their software workflows.

👉 Bay Area ATProto Meetup (3PM-6PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Dive into the future of decentralized social networking with AT Protocol and the Bluesky ecosystem. Meet fellow builders at the Internet Archive to share projects, ideas, and snacks in a collaborative space.

👉 AI Hack Night at GitHub (4PM-8:45PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join developers and innovators for a night of AI-focused hacking, collaboration, and creativity at GitHub HQ. Presented by Weaviate, this event is perfect for anyone building or exploring AI solutions.

👉 EduConnect Global: Virtual Job Networking Event for Ed Professionals - San Francisco (4PM-6PM)
📍 Online
💬 Network with educators, edtech professionals, and instructional designers from around the world. This virtual event offers new opportunities for collaboration, career growth, and global connection.

👉 Founder Real Talk: Hiring, Firing, and Building Culture (5PM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 An honest, founder-focused conversation on the toughest team-building decisions—from early hires to culture-shaping moments. Hear real stories, join an engaging panel, and connect with builders navigating the same challenges.

👉 AI Agent SF Meetup #4 - Agent Evaluations (5PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Connect with the growing community of AI agent builders, researchers, and engineers exploring LLM-powered assistants and autonomous systems. Expect talks, demos, and deep dives into evaluating and improving agent performance.

👉 Start SMART (5PM-7PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Learn the basics of launching a business in this 4-week crash course for aspiring entrepreneurs. You'll walk away with a solid roadmap for turning your idea into a viable startup.

👉 CLIMATE CALIFORNIA on PBS: Play, Imagination, and Climate Advocacy (Screening + Panel) (5:30PM-7PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Watch a powerful episode from the Emmy-winning CLIMATE CALIFORNIA series that blends storytelling, activism, and imagination. Stay after for a thoughtful panel on how we can reshape climate narratives through play and community.

👉 AI & Science Happy Hour (6PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Mingle with scientists, engineers, and investors at this AI-themed happy hour hosted by FutureHouse and NVIDIA. Learn how AI is accelerating scientific discovery and meet the people building tools to change the world.

🗓️ Wednesday, July 9

👉 Unravelling NFTs (Non Fungible Tokens)| San Francisco (10AM-12PM)
📍 Online
💬 Learn the fundamentals of NFTs and what makes them revolutionary in today’s digital economy. This beginner-friendly session offers practical insights into decentralized finance and NFT applications.

👉 Integrating Blockchain and AI (Artificial Intelligence) | San Francisco (10AM-12PM)
📍 Online
💬 This live online training covers the convergence of Blockchain and AI technologies in practical applications. Learn how to navigate and leverage this powerful intersection to build the future of digital systems.

👉 Founders Bay Virtual Workshop - Top Five Mistakes & Solutions for Early Founders (11AM-12PM) [HOSTED BY ME]
📍 Online
💬 Discover the five most common early founder mistakes and how to avoid them in this tactical workshop. You'll leave with actionable strategies for building stronger, more resilient startups.

👉 Career Transition Conference: Design Your Future Career With AI + Web3 (4:30PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Explore how AI and Web3 are reshaping the modern workplace and what that means for your next move. Join founders, recruiters, and technologists for an evening of talks and live conversations to guide your career journey.

👉 LAUNCH: Open-Source Data Linking for AI Agents (5:30PM-7:30PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 Check out three live demos from Get Gather, including AI avatars and secure modular data links. Mingle with builders over snacks and see how open-source data layers are powering the next wave of agentic tech.

👉 9Zero Climate Happy Hour @ Zeitgeist (5:30PM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Meet climate-conscious professionals for a casual happy hour full of conversation, connection, and community. Bring your friends and climate ideas—name tags and good vibes provided.

👉 Exa x AWS - High performance engineering (6PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join a room of engineers for hot takes and cold drinks as we dive into building ultra-reliable, low-latency AI systems. A hands-on event focused on serious engineering behind production-grade AI tools.

👉 Humane Tech: Build Open Source Frameworks (6PM-8PM)
📍 San Mateo
💬 Help shape the future of humane technology through collaborative open-source development. This grassroots meetup invites builders to co-create ethical frameworks for better digital systems.

👉 AI Builders Night: Comet and Sonar Innovations @ Perplexity (6PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Get a first look at Perplexity’s Comet browser and Sonar API in this exclusive showcase for AI founders and devs. Enjoy live demos, Q&A, and product feedback sessions with the Perplexity team.

👉 Deploying agents in production with TypeScript (6PM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Dive deep into production-grade LLM agents built with TypeScript and Effect, hosted by 14.ai. This intimate session is designed for engineers serious about agent reliability, safety, and real-world deployment.

👉 Engineering Night #4 (6PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 A gathering of top technical minds featuring curated talks and deep technical dives. This SF edition brings the energy and insight from past Paris meetups to a new coast.

👉 📚 Short Story Symposium [public] (6:30PM-7:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join a thoughtful group discussion on speculative short fiction by authors like Ted Chiang and Ursula Le Guin. We’ll explore how imagined worlds help us better understand our own.

👉 Startup Pitch Event by Startup Valley in San Francisco (7PM-10PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Watch live pitches from early-stage founders and connect with investors, professionals, and fellow entrepreneurs. Whether you're pitching or listening, it's a valuable night of networking and startup energy.

🗓️ Thursday, July 10

👉 AI Grid Tech Coffee Meetup (9AM-10AM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join AI and utility experts for an informal, bi-weekly coffee chat on machine learning in the power grid. No presentations—just real dialogue about challenges and solutions.

👉 San Jose Job Fair July 10, 2025 - San Jose Career Fairs (10AM-2PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Connect directly with top employers and hiring managers at this virtual job fair. Ideal for job seekers looking to land roles or grow their careers in San Jose.

👉 Coinbase Agents in Action Hackathon Winners Demo Day (10AM-3PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 See the top autonomous and onchain apps from the Agents in Action hackathon. Expect live demos, talks, and networking with crypto and AI leaders.

👉 Musa Labs SF Lunch & Learn - 🚀 Weekly AI Training Series: Vibe Coding with Azure OpenAI Service (12PM-1PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 A hands-on session to boost your AI-assisted dev skills using Azure OpenAI and intelligent IDEs. Perfect for builders eager to code smarter and faster.

👉 Fintech Fest 1.0 (12PM-6PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 A new kind of fintech gathering with music, fireside chats, and competitive pitches. Hosted outdoors for authentic networking and fresh perspectives.

👉 FUTURECRAFT 2035 – Robotics Scenario Hacker Sprint (3PM-9PM) [HOSTED BY ME]
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join top robotics experts to map bold futures, surface investable signals, and prototype “artifacts from the future.” This high-impact foresight sprint ends with a live public showcase.

👉 Happy Hour & Networking Mixer (5PM-7PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Monthly happy hour bringing together the local Web3 and AI builder community. Enjoy drinks, conversation, and the chance to showcase your work.

👉 Unicorn Battle in Silicon Valley (5PM-8PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 Ten top startups pitch to VCs, tech leaders, and global fund managers. Compete for investor attention and network with decision-makers in AI, robotics, and beyond.

👉 24 (scrappy) AI Founders Talk Customers & GTM hacks (5PM-7PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 A candid gathering of early-stage founders sharing go-to-market struggles and real solutions. Expect tactical feedback, raw stories, and collaborative problem-solving.

👉 AI Design Jam by Lovart (5:30PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Founders and early-stage designers gather to troubleshoot design chaos and jam with the Lovart team. Bring your startup’s UI woes and walk away with clarity and momentum.

👉 Sip + Shop Networking Event (5:30PM-7:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Sip wine, shop one-of-a-kind rugs, and network with powerhouse women entrepreneurs. A stylish, community-focused evening of connection and inspiration.

👉 GenAI Applications: Development to Production (5:30PM-8PM)
📍 San Jose
💬 Learn how teams are scaling GenAI solutions from concept to production. Hear firsthand from Nutanix and PingCAP engineers shaping the next wave of AI infrastructure.

👉 MCP After Hours: AI Dev Tools Demo Night (5:30PM-7:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 A night of live demos spotlighting cutting-edge AI-native dev tools. See how builders are transforming software workflows and redefining the developer experience.

👉 Building an enterprise team to conquer the U.S. market from $1 to $10 million ARR (6PM-7PM)
📍 Online
💬 Learn how to scale your U.S. presence with a high-performing sales and success team. A tactical session on hiring, compensation, and creating winning culture.

👉 The AI Collective & Windsurf ~ Open Build (6PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 A creative jam night with Windsurf, the AI-native IDE. Expect demos, peer-to-peer feedback, and high-vibe networking for builders ready to flow.

👉 AI Founders & Investors Social 🌟 500 Global (6PM-9PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 A relaxed social hosted by 500 Global and Beta University. Mingle with founders and investors in an easygoing space built for real connections.

👉 The AI Foundry Series – San Ramon Chapter (6PM-8PM)
📍 San Ramon
💬 Join startups, investors, and academics for real-world AI innovation. Featuring a keynote from Robotics Hub partner Michael Harries.

👉 San Francisco Social (6:30PM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 A professional networking event where attendees share goals, referrals, and upcoming events. Bring your elevator pitch and business cards!

👉 Bay Area Robotics Mixer (6:30PM-9:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Network with founders, engineers, and enthusiasts at this relaxed, high-energy robotics gathering. Bring a friend—or a robot—and connect with the Bay Area’s robotics scene.

👉 Trivia Fundraiser for Project Open Hand! (7PM-10PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Enjoy a night of trivia, raffles, and drinks while supporting meals for people with chronic illnesses. Proceeds benefit Project Open Hand—bring your team and play for a cause.

👉 FUTURECRAFT 2035 – Showcase + Afterparty (7PM-9PM) [HOSTED BY ME]
📍 San Francisco
💬 See six expert robotics teams unveil strategic foresight projects forecasting breakthrough opportunities for 2025–2035. Stay for the afterparty and network with innovators, founders, and investors shaping the future.

🗓️ Friday, July 11

👉 Pacific Hackers PRE-DEF CON CTF & BBQ - Part 1 (2PM-8PM)
📍 Oakland
💬 Prepare for Hacker Summer Camp and get hands-on CTF practice with guidance from experienced hackers. No experience needed—just bring your laptop, curiosity, and appetite for BBQ and learning.

👉 Building Custom GenAI Models: From Training to Deployment (4:30PM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Dive deep into foundation model customization with Amazon SageMaker at this hands-on technical workshop. Ideal for AI developers looking to train, fine-tune, and deploy advanced GenAI models effectively.

👉 San Francisco Tech Mixer and Social (Tech / AI / Data) (5:30PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Connect with fellow tech, AI, and data professionals over drinks and good conversation in a relaxed setting. Whether you're job hunting, hiring, or just expanding your network, this mixer is a great space to mingle and unwind.

👉 SF Voice AI Builders Meetup (6PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Celebrate the launch of the Bay Area’s first Voice AI Builders meetup with lightning demos and peer learning. From customer support bots to creative audio projects, see what local innovators are building with voice technology.

👉 Tech Catan Tournament (6PM-9:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Play Catan with a high-signal crowd of founders, operators, and investors in a relaxed, game-loving atmosphere. Expect side games, good people, and a chance to unwind while building meaningful connections.

👉 HERE WE ARE: SUMMER INTERNS & NEW GRADS IN BLOOM PARTY (7PM-11PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 FLOWMINGLE’s party is for interns, new grads, and early-career professionals blooming into their next chapters. Expect dreamy summer music, fun fashion, and the chance to meet mentors, new friends, or future collaborators.

🗓️ Saturday, July 12

👉 SFPD NTN Workshop & Testing (in-person) (8AM-3PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Get expert prep for the SFPD Written Exam with Professor Stevie Daniels in this interactive, in-person workshop. Test includes reading, writing, and scenario-based video assessments—no prior law enforcement experience required.

👉 Startups Mentorship Program (8AM-9AM)
📍 Online
💬 Whether you’re in the idea, MVP, or growth stage, this session covers strategy, product positioning, marketing, and funding. Get actionable advice and clarity on your startup’s next move.

👉 Mentra Live Hackathon (10AM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Hack with smart glasses that stream, see, and hear—Mentra Live brings the hardware, you bring the innovation. Join 100 top devs at YC to build the future of wearable computing.

👉 TKS Showcase | Real Innovation, Built by Teens (10AM-2PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 See future tech leaders present real-world innovations developed through The Knowledge Society (TKS) program. Meet standout students and mentors who are shaping what's next.

👉 AI Summit @ Viva Frontier Tower (11AM-7PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Explore bold ideas at this two-day summit focused on how AI is transforming work, cities, and human experience. With humanoid robots, public AI, and visionary speakers, it’s not your typical conference.

👉 The Box SF Monthly Artists and Makers Fair (July 12-13) (11AM-5PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Browse handcrafted goods at this weekend-long fair inside a historic 1920s-era printing plant. Free entry, vintage vibes, and two floors of artist showcases and old-school mercantile.

👉 Summer Creative Fun at Patricia’s Green Picnic Area! (1:30PM-4:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Maker Studio Kidz hosts a free outdoor art cart with themed projects like superhero masks and pride buttons. Great for kids and families looking for a sunny creative escape.

👉 Read It & Leaf (2PM-5:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join a chill plant and book swap picnic in Golden Gate Park—bring a book or baby pothos, or come empty-handed and still join. Any leftovers are donated, and good vibes are guaranteed.

🗓️ Sunday, July 13

👉 From Roots To Wings: Reception & Art Gallery Days (12PM-5PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Photographer Isis Fields debuts a moving visual tribute to East Bay resilience and creativity in this intimate solo exhibition. Enjoy art, handmade goods, and live performance at the inclusive opening reception.

👉 2025 WAWDF Weekend #1 Sunday (2PM-6PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Celebrate cultural dance as a form of healing at the World Arts West Dance Festival, with workshops, rituals, and interactive art. This year’s theme centers on community wellness through movement and tradition.

👉 Monthly Women's Jazz Jam - by Bay Puddles Arts (2:30PM-5:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 A welcoming space for women musicians and jazz lovers to learn, play, and improvise together—beginners and pros alike. Includes icebreakers, instruction, and an open jam session to explore your sound.

🧩 Getting to $1M in ARR – Highlights from Our Founders Bay Virtual Workshop

In our previous Founders Bay Virtual Workshop, startup founders gathered to tackle a major milestone: reaching the first $1 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). Hosted by sales strategist Andrew Boos from Darwinian Ventures, the session unpacked practical tools and real-world advice for accelerating revenue. You can watch the workshop below!

💡 Key Takeaways:

🔹 Focus on Revenue Early
Getting to $1M ARR doesn’t happen by accident. Founders need to treat revenue like product: test it, track it, and improve it. Andrew shared that building a repeatable sales process should happen in parallel with product development—not after.

🔹 Use Tools That Fit Your Stage
Early-stage startups don’t need complex stacks. Andrew recommended starting simple with tools like HubSpot for CRM, and using lead-gen platforms like ZoomInfo, Apollo, and LinkedIn Sales Navigator to build your pipeline.

🔹 Manual Outreach Beats AI—For Now
While AI is exciting, it can’t replace the human touch in early sales. Personalized outreach still works best, and founders should hand-craft emails and warm up domains to get into inboxes before scaling automation.

🔹 Don’t Rely on AI to Think for You
Andrew emphasized: AI can speed up tasks, but it’s not ready to lead your strategy. In the early days, founders need to stay close to the customer and make decisions based on direct conversations—not AI guesses.

🔹 Build Before You Automate
Premature automation can break things. Before layering in tools or reps, founders should prove that their process works manually. Once it does, scale with confidence.

🔹 Sales and Marketing Must Be Aligned
The Q&A session revealed a common challenge: disjointed messaging. Andrew and Mariane stressed the importance of a unified message across outreach, landing pages, and calls.

This workshop gave founders a clear, honest view of what it really takes to grow revenue—one deal at a time. More high-impact sessions are coming soon. Stay tuned!

View the entire workshop video here:

logo

Become a Member to read the rest.

Become a paying subscriber to get access to this post and other subscriber-only content.

Upgrade

A subscription gets you:

  • Access to premium newsletter content for founders & VCs
  • Free Access to ALL Founders Bay Workshops (lu.ma/foundersbay)
  • Access to Private Whatsapp Founders Bay Community
  • View all events happening 2 weeks ahead
  • Heavily discounted tickets to upcoming conferences

Reply

or to participate

Keep Reading

No posts found