Upcoming Founder & VC Events Happening This Week + Guide to JPM

Upcoming Events & Guide to JPM

Author

Mariane Bekker
January 05, 2025

Table of Contents

Hi,

Hope you had a Happy NYE! We hosted a Masquerade Ball for NYE and had such a good time celebrating with all of you. Today I’m getting ready to fly off to CES. If you’re attending CES, join our Whatsapp community, let’s meet and connect.

I also added a guide to JPM with a full list of events. You can access it by joining our Insider, Growth or VIP access here.

If you haven’t done so, please connect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram for exclusive insights and content about startups, investments, and diversity!

Are you looking for an LLM that’s 90% cheaper and 10% more accurate than Chat-GPT or are you looking for an expert engineering team to build your AI MVP? If so, we partnered with TheAgentic, to provide you with LLMs and engineering resources to build your MVP from 0 to 1! Book a call today: https://scheduler.zoom.us/theagentic-ai/demo

Featured Events

Want us to feature your event on the list? Add it here

​ 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.

​ Jan 10 - 9:30 AM - 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 AI.

Growth Members: You all get 50% off Tickets. Coupon code: FBALLACCESS322

Jan 10​ - 7PM - 10PM\We'll be Celebrating and Networking while we share all the upcoming HealthTech events across the Bay Area!

Silicon Valley AI/Tech and Medtech/Health Tech Investing Forum

Jan 13 - 1PM - 4:30PM

Angel Launch, based in Silicon Valley, is a leading producer of tech venture forums connecting thousands of global startups to hundreds of accredited investors for early and advanced stage funding. We bring together investors (VCs, angels, institutional and corporate) from Silicon Valley and other regions to meet promising innovative startups.

Jan 10 - 9AM - 7:30PM

​AI is changing the game across almost every industry, and nowhere is this more apparent than the Healthcare industry. Healthcare will be experiencing profound changes and acceleration in the days to come. The SF HealthTech Summit is the place to see what's on the horizon.
We're bringing together top industry professionals, platforms, and service providers to share impacts we're seeing now, what's around the corner, and where the future is headed.

January 12 / January 13

300+ Startups | 100+ VC | 1000 Attendees | 2 Days of Speakers

Join our Founders Community

🚀 Elevate Your Access with A Membership Tiers!

Growth Access

Price: $19/month $6/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.

$99/month $29/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.

  • Connect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram for exclusive insights and content about startups, investments, and diversity. Let’s grow together!

  • Want to add your event to the list? Submit it here.

🗓️ Tuesday, Jan 7


👉 ACCESS CHINA Partnering Forum @ JPM 2025 Virtual Roadshow Session Pre-JPM Week (12AM-11:59PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join the “ACCESS CHINA Biotech Forum” for online showcases, a dinner reception, and 1×1 meetings bridging international and China biotech companies. This quarterly cross-border platform (since 2020) fosters invaluable BD opportunities by directly connecting the right partners for development, licensing, or commercial collaborations.

👉 Founders Run & Coffee! (7AM-9AM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join Founders Common for a weekly morning run with founders, operators, and creatives. Afterward, relax over coffee and network with new friends from the startup community.

👉 AI Agent Builders & Founders with SambaNova (5PM-7PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 Connect with SambaNova, AI agent users, experts, and VCs pushing the boundaries of AI workflows. Learn best practices on integrating AI agents into your business from experienced founders.

👉 EdgeAI and Local LLM Developer Networking at General Lithium (5:30PM-7PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Meet developers building local LLM and edge AI solutions, and discover how General Lithium can support constrained AI efforts. This event offers inspiration for forward-deployed AI innovations.

👉 Founders & Funders | Jan7 (5:30PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Jose
💬 An IgniteGTM-hosted mixer for early-stage tech founders and investors, where over 550+ guests connect, collaborate, and socialize. Join a dynamic community fostering vibrant discussions and partnerships.

👉 100K ARR Founders & Investors in SF meetup (5:45PM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Kick off the year with a light dinner for founders and active investors, plus a portrait photographer for LinkedIn photos. Just Thrive Program by Justworks will share about $6,000 in credits for underrepresented groups.

👉 AI Dev Tools Night @ Cloudflare HQ (6PM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Learn about the latest AI dev tools through lightning talks by builders, then network with founders and engineers. Kickstart the new year by discovering emerging developer solutions and making valuable connections.

👉 ​The Morality of Self-Interest : A Talk On The Virtue of Building for Yourself (7PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Philosopher Yaron Brook, Chairman of the Ayn Rand Institute, challenges Silicon Valley’s focus on corporate altruism. He makes the case that pursuing your own success can spark true innovation and achievement.

🗓️ Wednesday, Jan 8


👉 Founders Bay Expert Office Hours: Startup Legal Advice (5AM-6AM) [HOSTED BY ME]
📍 San Francisco
💬 Get 15-minute 1:1 sessions with attorney Arohi Kashyap on issues like incorporation, fundraising, and cross-border transactions. Clarify legal questions on AI, data privacy, and technology law.

👉 Impact Webinar: First launch and partnering trends 2011-2024 (12PM-12:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Explore first launch trends for biopharma from 2011-2024, covering partnering strategies, spend benchmarks, and performance metrics. Gain insights on oncology, rare-disease, CNS launches, and emerging practices.

👉 TechWalk | Silicon Valley, 1/8 (4PM-5PM)
📍 Mountain View
💬 Enjoy a leisurely, mindful walk with Tech and SaaS community members to network and share ideas. This weekly gathering offers a refreshing alternative to typical happy hours.

👉 AI Investing in 2025 - B2B SaaS - Fireside Chat Series (5PM-7PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 Join Keshia Theobald-van Gent, VP at BDev Ventures, for insights on AI investing in B2B SaaS. BDev invests in 5-10 deals monthly, ranging from $250k to Series A/B participation.

👉 Marketing Happy Hour (5:30PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Kick off 2025 with a Marketing Happy Hour focused on funnels, conversions, and growth. Meet fellow marketers and founders for a mix of casual networking and actionable insights.

👉 San Francisco AI Founder and VC Networking (5:30PM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Connect with vetted founders, investors, and operators at this AI-focused networking event hosted by Open Future Forum. Discover potential partnerships and investment opportunities in the AI space.

👉 B2B SaaS Founder & Investor New Year Mixer (5:30PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Celebrate the new year with the SaaS community in a festive gathering of founders, investors, and innovators. Share insights, stories, and build meaningful relationships for the year ahead.

👉 Startups & Investors Networking San Francisco (6PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Pitch your startup and meet tech experts, founders, and top investors in Silicon Valley. Gain fresh ideas, valuable connections, and potential funding in one high-energy event.

👉 Tech Networking Event by Startup Valley in San Francisco (6PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Startup Valley hosts its 42nd weekly networking event uniting entrepreneurs, VCs, and industry experts. Pitch ideas, exchange insights, and explore funding opportunities in a supportive environment.

👉 AI Night @ GitHub ~ w/ Jam.dev (6PM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Experience the first Jam AI Demo Night of 2025 at GitHub HQ, featuring demos of cutting-edge AI apps. Enjoy food, drinks, and a vibrant community of builders.

👉 Startup Pitch Event by Startup Valley in San Francisco (6PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Another chance to pitch and network at Startup Valley’s 42nd event, uniting startups and VCs. Gain industry insights, make connections, and compete for funding opportunities.

👉 🧠 The Thought Experiment Lab [public] (6:30PM-7:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Discuss philosophical thought experiments that sharpen ideas and perspectives. Each meeting includes a brief reading plus open conversation on a popular scenario.

🗓️ Thursday, Jan 9

👉 InnovatorMD Global Summit 2025 (8AM-12PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Expect three days of powerful talks and discussions, motivating healthcare professionals to innovate and grow. Topics include entrepreneurship, inspiring keynotes, networking, and emerging trends in healthcare.

👉 Founders Bay Virtual Workshop: Steps to Build a Gen AI MVP (2PM-3PM) [HOSTED BY ME]
📍 San Francisco
💬 Get a hands-on approach to launching a Generative AI MVP, from defining your use case to choosing the right tools. This workshop is free with Founders Bay membership and aims to help early-stage founders or product managers.

👉 $250K+ ARR or pre-seed+ AI Agent Founders & Investors (5PM-7PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 An invite-only event for AI agent founders with at least $250K ARR or pre-seed funding. A syndicate of 10+ VCs will be present to facilitate quick fundraising.

👉 The Generative Browser Summit: Intelligence & Interfaces (5PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join keynotes, discussions, and demos exploring the shift from static pages to real-time, intelligent interfaces. Network with researchers, techno-optimists, and cypherpunks working on the internet’s ambitious future.

👉 Marketing Happy Hour (5:30PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Kick off the year with fellow marketers and founders focused on growth, funnels, and conversions. Enjoy casual networking in a social setting designed for idea exchange.

👉 Exclusive Seed/Series A Founders & VC Dinner @ Cow Hollow Mansion (6PM-9PM) [HOSTED BY ME]
📍 San Francisco
💬 Justworks hosts an exclusive dinner at a Cow Hollow mansion for Seed and Series A founders, plus VCs. Engage in high-level discussions and potential partnerships with other top-tier entrepreneurs.

👉 Bulls, Base, and Beyond (6PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Discover Base’s Layer 2 technology for Web3, and meet builders, operators, and investors at this networking event. Enjoy music, activities, and themed treats in a festive atmosphere.

👉 REJECTED from YC - Party! (6:30PM-8:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Celebrate resilience with founders who got YC rejection emails. Hear success stories, share camaraderie, and kick off the new year with fresh energy.

🗓️ Friday, Jan 10

👉 ⚕️ Join us for SF HealthTech Week! ⚕️ 
📍 San Francisco
💬 From Jan. 10-19, 2025, attend HealthTech events across the Bay Area coinciding with JPM Healthcare Conference. Expect a lineup of panels, networking, and showcases dedicated to healthcare innovation.

👉 Pitch & Pace - Run Palo Alto (8:45AM-10:30AM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 Network with founders and investors while running 3-4 miles, then chat over coffee. This weekly meetup fosters friendships and idea-sharing in a healthy, energetic setting.

👉 Founders Bay NYE Breakfast: Enterprise AI Strategies in 2025 @ Cow Hollow Mansion (9:30AM-11AM) [HOSTED BY ME]
📍 San Francisco
💬 An exclusive breakfast at a Cow Hollow mansion, co-hosted by Founders Bay and TheAgentic, for tech and product leaders exploring enterprise AI. Discuss strategies and network with peers shaping AI in 2025.

👉 Founders Bay Virtual Workshop: Funding Fundamentals – Valuations, Raising Capital, and Investment Strategies (12PM - 1PM) [HOSTED BY ME]
📍 San Francisco
💬 Dive into financial essentials like valuations, equity, and picking the right investment path. This workshop provides critical knowledge for founders looking to raise capital effectively.

👉 Demo Day: Cold Start (5PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Check out demos from 75 builders who spent the holidays creating AI, robotics, and gaming products in our Lab. Celebrate their achievements and learn about opportunities to invest in or support new ventures.

👉 ⚡️Dinner with #GenAI Pioneers: AI Applications, Cutting-Edge Technologies, and Future Trends (6PM-8PM)
📍 Mountain View
💬 Meet top AI leaders, researchers, and investors shaping the industry, and see how cutting-edge AI is becoming real-world solutions. Discuss breakthroughs, predictions, and how startups are fueling progress.

👉 ⚕️ SF HealthTech Week ⚕️ Kick-off Party w/ Tesla Cybertruck Test Drives! (7PM-1:30AM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Celebrate and network while previewing upcoming HealthTech events during JPM Healthcare Conference. Expect speakers from top AI companies, early-stage innovators, and engaging programming for practical and forward-thinking AI insights.

🗓️ Saturday, Jan 11


👉 San Francisco CEO | Longwood Healthcare Leaders (7AM-5PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Longwood Healthcare Leaders gathers biopharma CEOs, heads of R&D, top academics, and investors at the Four Seasons before JPM. Expect off-the-record discussions among key industry visionaries.

👉 Startups Mentorship Program (8AM-9AM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Receive guidance on launching and scaling your startup, from MVP strategies to exit plans. Ideal for early-stage entrepreneurs seeking expert mentorship in product positioning, marketing, and funding.

👉 1st Annual BioPharma Obesity Innovation Forum (8AM-6PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Explore opportunities in the fast-growing obesity/weight loss drug market, forecasted to exceed $200B. Hear keynotes, panels, and corporate presentations about drug development, technology, and investment in obesity science.

👉 ⚕️ SF HealthTech Hackathon ⚕️(2-Day Event; by Aiify.io & Fetch.ai Innovation Lab) (9AM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Build agent-driven solutions using cutting-edge tools and platforms, aiming for next-gen success in healthtech. On-site presence is required for final presentations and prize eligibility, but remote participation is supported.

👉 Startups Fund Raising Program in San Francisco (9AM-10AM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Learn how to raise funds at any stage, from pre-seed to Series A/B/C. This event targets startups seeking $10,000 to $50 million in capital.

👉 Founders Running Club :: San Francisco (9:30AM-11AM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join a comfortable run with founders, investors, and creative minds, followed by coffee and networking. Pets, friends, and family are welcome.

👉 Pawsomic Saturday: Paws, People, and Big Ideas (10AM-12:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Meet the founder of Pawrents, a community helping 8000+ dog parents save on dog-sitting costs. Bring your furry friends or come solo for a casual meetup of founders, tech enthusiasts, and pet lovers.

👉 CES Meetup in SF with OpenAI and Qlay: Future of Agents and HR (5PM-7:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Connect with enterprise leaders and AI startup founders in a post-CES gathering. Hear insights from an OpenAI solutions architect and network with innovators shaping technology’s future.

👉 Hardcover: New Year Social (6PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Start 2025 by mingling with fellow book club members in a relaxed setting. Chat about your favorite reads or any other topic while enjoying good company.

🗓️ Sunday, Jan 12


👉 8th Annual Neuroscience Innovation Forum (7AM-7PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Held at the start of JPM week, NIF focuses on cutting-edge developments in key neuroscience areas drawing record investor interest. Expect 8+ hours of keynotes and panels on AD/PD, rare neuro diseases, neurotech, and more.

👉 Biocom California at JPM 2025: Meeting Space (8AM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Biocom California provides various opportunities during JPM week to meet executives and investors. These events are separate from the official JPM conference and offer additional ways to connect.

👉 8th Annual BFC Global Healthcare BD & Investment Conference (8AM-6PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Hosted at The St. Regis, this conference explores biotech capital market outlook, licensing trends, and innovative cross-border partnerships. Hear from leading biotech companies and roadshow presentations.

👉 Global AI Pitch Summit Silicon Valley 2025 (9AM-6PM)[I'm Speaking]
📍 Sunnyvale
💬 Showcase your startup’s logo among 300 selected ventures, with 30 finalists pitching onstage at Plug and Play Tech Center. Winners receive six minutes to present plus networking opportunities, media coverage, and recognition for innovation. Subscribe to VIP and get a free ticket »

👉 6th Annual CERSI Innovations in Regulatory Science Summit (9AM-6PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Hosted by UCSF-Stanford CERSI, this summit brings together academia, industry, and regulators to discuss medical product advancement. Highlights include panels with former FDA Commissioners, AI in healthcare, and debates on key regulatory issues.

👉 Dermatology Summit 2025 (9AM-7PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Focused on innovation in dermatology, this summit unites the financial community with emerging and established dermatology companies. The goal is to foster investment, partnerships, and product development in the dermatology space.

👉 Healthcare Investor Brunch (10:30AM-1:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Kick off JPM Week by networking with healthcare investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Co-hosted by CONNECTpreneur and JP Morgan Chase & Co., this brunch offers high-value connections in biotech and life sciences.

👉 INSEAD Alumni Meeting at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference (10:45AM-1PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 INSEAD alumni from diverse industries gather at the SF Hub for Business Innovation during JPM. Network, share insights, and reconnect with fellow graduates.

👉 Jones Day – MSQ Global Biopharma Symposium & Networking Reception (11:30AM-7PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Co-hosted by Jones Day and MSQ Ventures, with support from BioCentury and AHEA, this event convenes biotech and pharma leaders to discuss partnerships and industry trends. Network with executives, investors, and experts in a global setting.

👉 2025 SAPA Investment Forum @JPM Week (1PM-5:30PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Sino-American Pharmaceutical Professionals Association presents insights on cross-border biotech collaborations, licensing, and future trends. Meet industry leaders, investors, and executives shaping the biotech ecosystem.

👉 Europe Matters: Creating Value for US Biotechs (1PM-3PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Learn how US biotech companies can expand into Europe effectively while avoiding common roadblocks. Expert speakers provide real-world tips on commercial, clinical, and strategic opportunities across the Atlantic.

👉 Pre-JPM Bike Ride (Hawk Hill) (2PM-4PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Cycle from the Warming Hut in Marina Greens to Hawk Hill and back, then enjoy refreshments sponsored by Elo Health. This casual ride offers a scenic start to JPM week.

👉 Economics#1: Economics in One Lesson (2PM-4PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Kick off the new year by discussing Henry Hazlitt’s classic introduction to economics. This session begins a series exploring how markets function and what drives our financial world.

👉 Zen Before JPM (3PM-5PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Unwind with light yoga and stretching led by bioprocessing scientist Nirel Salazar, specifically for biopharma communicators. Only 18 spots available, with complimentary refreshments provided.

👉 Biomixer @JPM 2025 (3PM-7PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 IndieBio/SOSV hosts a biotech networking event for investors, entrepreneurs, and researchers. Connect over light food and drinks while exploring the future of life sciences and techbio.

👉 British Columbia Networking Reception at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Week (4PM-6PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 (No description provided; event details remain listed.)

👉 2025 State Bio Friends Reception (4PM-7PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Hosted by multiple state bioscience associations, this reception launches JPM week by uniting healthcare innovators and investors. Network and celebrate the largest annual gathering of healthcare stakeholders.

👉 JPM Week Welcome Event (4PM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 (No description provided; event details remain listed.)

👉 2025 PhRMA Welcome Reception (4PM-6PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 (No description provided; event details remain listed.)

👉 Victorian Government Welcome Reception (5PM-7PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Connect with life sciences companies from Victoria, Australia, seeking global partnerships. Discuss groundbreaking research and future healthcare innovations in an interactive environment.

👉 SF'OFFICIEL - Investors & Founders Reception #JPMorganweek #SFHealthTechweek (5PM-7PM) [HOSTED BY ME]
📍 San Francisco
💬 Astro Health ai and Founders Bay co-host this exclusive reception for founders and investors, featuring meaningful conversations, small bites, and lasting connections. Space is limited, so RSVP early.

👉 Healthcare Leaders' Fifth Annual Cocktail Party at JP Morgan (5PM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 An invite-only event bringing together top minds in healthcare for cocktails and networking. Held on Sunday before JPM, it offers panoramic city views and a jumpstart to conference week.

👉 JPM BioBreak Reception (5:30PM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 A joint BioBreak and MassBio event featuring hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and networking with life science execs and investors. Kick off JPM Healthcare Conference with the largest BioBreak reception of the year.

👉 UC San Diego Mixer at JPM2025 (6PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 UCSD alumni in biotech, medtech, and related fields gather for pre-conference networking. Enjoy meeting fellow Tritons over drinks before JPM officially starts.

👉 San Francisco Bay Area Chapter In-person 2025 Kick-Off Meeting (6PM-8PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 RAPS SF Bay Area begins 2025 with a panel discussion on upcoming regulatory trends and challenges. Network with peers and industry leaders to stay current on compliance insights.

👉 Tigermed & Frontage 2025 JPM Reception (6PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Gather at the View Lounge in Marriott Marquis for wine, skyline views, and insights from Tigermed & Frontage on clinical research capabilities. Network with key healthcare professionals and investors.

👉 Rapid Acting Mental Health (6PM-10PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Explore groundbreaking rapid-acting treatments in mental health, led by Dr. Owen Muir, Dr. Carlene MacMillan, and Grady Hannah. This evening convenes innovators, clinicians, and advocates driving progress in psychiatric care.

👉 Investors in Healthcare Networking Drinks (6:30PM-9PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 The European Healthcare Investor Association teams with Marwood Group, Latham & Watkins, and Savills for a rooftop reception overlooking Union Square. Meet private equity, infrastructure, and sovereign fund investors focused on healthcare.

👉 Baker McKenzie at J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference 2025 (7PM-10PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 (No description provided; event details remain listed.)