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Upcoming Founder & VC Events Happening This Week
Upcoming Events & The Week’s 10 Biggest Funding Rounds
Mariane Bekker
September 08, 2024
Table of Contents
New: You can now submit your event directly to us → Submit it here
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Featured Events
Wednesday Sep 11 - 6PM - 10PM
Join us for an intimate, invite-only mixer bringing together the leading minds in AI—builders, engineers, founders, and VC's who are driving the next wave of innovation. Whether you're showcasing new ideas, seeking opportunities, or engaging in discussions on AI infrastructure, cloud, compute, and machine learning, this event provides the ideal setting for building valuable connections and collaborations.
Thursday Sep 19 - 9AM - 8PM
Join us in collaboration with Rabadi Real Estate, for an exclusive day of innovation, entertainment, and high-profile networking as we bring together the brightest minds in real estate, technology, and media. Featured guests includes Robert Scoble.
Monday September 23/24 - 9:30AM - 8:00PM
It's an Agentic AI World, and Agents will be running the show. Agentic AI World is the place to see what's brewing in the world of Agentic AI, and meet the brew masters.
We're bringing together the top Agent platforms and service providers to share the state of AI Agents and show us where the future is headed.
Saturday September 21/22 - 9:30AM - 8:00PM
It's an Agentic AI World, and agents will be running the show. This is the place to see what's brewing in the world of AI agents, and meet the brew masters.
We're bringing together the top agent platforms and service providers to share the state of AI agents and show us where the future is headed.
This high energy hackathon leverages the latest cutting edge tools and platforms, giving teams the opportunity to build agentic driven solutions with the potential to break out and become the next unicorns (or decacorns) in the space.
CEO, Women Founders Bay
With 15 years of experience as an engineering executive, investor, and advisor, I've led engineering teams through four successful exits. Now, I offer tailored technical advice for early-stage non-technical founders.
Why book a session?
Build Your MVP: Learn the essentials of creating a Minimum Viable Product to test your idea.
Choosing the Right Language: Get guidance on selecting the best programming language for your product.
Finding the Right Engineers: Tips on how to identify and hire top technical talent.
Technical Stack Decisions: Expert advice on selecting the optimal tech stack for your startup.
This week is SaaStr so there will be lots of events in the Bay!
Want to add your event to the list? Submit it here.
🗓️ Monday, Sep 9
👉 Pre AI Conference Hack Day in San Francisco (10:00 AM - 7:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join us for your Pre AI Conference Hack Day. Join other builders in the industry to hack on the hottest tech to bring AI into production.
👉 Pakistan Investment Roadshow in San Francisco: Meet the founders driving Pakistan's global growth (3:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join us for an exclusive Pakistan Investment Roadshow in San Francisco showcasing high-growth Pakistani entrepreneurs in cutting-edge technologies.
👉 AI B2B Investors & Networking (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 Come and meet featured investors, including VC: Natalia Burina, Storm Ventures.
👉 State of AI with Zendesk, Deel and Headline #Saastr (4:30 PM - 6:30 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join us for an engaging discussion on the Current State of AI with thought leaders in the space. This discussion will be followed by networking with drinks and light bites.
👉 Gen-AI Startups Cash Cow - US Government's Civilian Priority Innovation List (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 This event will explore how innovative Gen-AI startups, focusing on the creation of resilient, secure and sustainable civilian communities, and rapid disaster response deployment, could become essential partners to the U.S. government, building a valuable and long-lasting partnership.
👉 SF Tech: CEO Mixer (6:00 PM - 8:30 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Welcome to San Francisco's premier gathering for ambitious CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs focused on exponential growth. Join us for an evening of high-impact networking, strategy sharing, and collaborative problem-solving designed to catapult your business to the next level.
👉 Master VC: Bowling for Business Success @SAASTR (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
📍 San Mateo
💬 Engage in insightful conversations with fellow startup founders and venture capitalists in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. We'll enjoy a friendly game of bowling, along with delicious appetizers and drinks. 🎳🍻
🗓️ Tuesday, Sep 10
👉 The AI Conference 2024 (7:30 AM - 6:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join top industry experts, researchers, and thought leaders as they shape the future of AI with captivating talks and invaluable insights.
👉 AI Founder Startup Growth Mastermind Salon - B2B (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 A mastermind group is a small group focused on creating improvement and change.
👉 Silicon Valley Founders-Networking Mixer (5:00 PM - 7:30 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Get ready to network and meet vetted founders, investors, and operators from all across Silicon Valley at the Founders-Networking Mixer, hosted by the Young Entrepreneurs Hub 🏝️ and OWOW.
👉 Founders & Funders (5:30 PM - 8:30 PM)
📍 Los Gatos
💬 Our Founders & Funders series of community-driven mixers hosted by Ignite! 🚀 Where early-stage tech founders and investors connect, collaborate on projects, and socialize. 🌟
👉 Private VC / AI Startup Mixer - Saastr Side Event (5:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 VC's and Seed Founders Mixer
👉 Silicon Valley VC & PE Happy Hour (6:00 PM - 8:30 PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 We're uniting tech investors in Silicon Valley for collaborations and deal-making.
👉 SaaStr After Party Hosted by Awesomic (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Ready to unwind and keep the conversations going? Awesomic is hosting the after-party you can't miss, led by our founders.
👉 SaaS Founders Supper Club w/ Deel, Citizens Bank, & Draper University #SaaStr (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
📍 Redwood City
💬 Join us for the SaaS Founders Supper Club at Bucks of Woodside on September 10th, presented by Citizens Private Bank, Deel, and Draper University.
👉 🍾 Palo Alto Founders & Investors Fall Social #37 (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 A casual event to bring tech founders and investors together. No overt pitching or selling allowed—just fun conversation and genuine connection to avoid overly transactional and fake introductions. Attendees can buy their own food or drink if they wish (optional).
👉 AI SaaS Unwrapped (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join Unusual Ventures' investors Sandhya Hegde and Tyler Crown for dinner and conversation with fellow early-stage startup leaders.
👉 Chinese Founders SaaStr Party (7:00 PM - 11:30 PM)
📍 Los Altos
💬 长途飞行+两天back to back的SaaStr workshop和会议，希望可以有机会让朋友们在放松的状态下聚一聚。免费酒水零食桌游，希望大家在出差顺利同时可以和更多人交朋友 & have fun!
🗓️ Wednesday, Sep 11
👉 AI AGENT Founder and User Social (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 This hackathon is part of the “AI For Developer” series meeting. It’s organized by the Linux Foundation, hosted on the ByteDance campus, and supported by ByteDance OpenSource and Coze. The event's primary focus is on using low-code platforms like Coze or Vivgrid to develop AI agents.
👉 MARKETING SECRETS (&AI) (5:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Dive into the exciting
🤫MARKETING SECRETS(&AI) with our marvellous speakers and their insights:
Chris Matthews - author of the book “Start Telling People”
Galina Shubik - co-founder Affect Group Inc
(networking, pizza🍕/drinks for early guests)
👉 Founders and Entrepreneurs Weekly Mixer (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
📍 Redwood City
💬 So, join us every Wednesday at The Hub, Redwood City for a chance to socialize with other startup founders & entrepreneurs. It's loosely hosted but "Founder Institute" members will attend regularly. The event is unrestricted (other than those 21 & over!) and there will be no requirement to join any organization. We plan to add presentations and round table discussions to the format for some of the mixers, but the basic format is a meet and greet opportunity.
👉 SaaStr AI Party (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 An exclusive gathering for SaaS professionals who are eager to explore the transformative impact of AI in the industry 🚀
👉 AI Social Mixer w/Open Bar | Founders, Funders & Friends in AI (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Come have a chat and a drink with the top minds in AI at the AI Social Mixer, where founders, funders, and friends in AI come together for a great evening!
👉 AI Con '24 After-Hours Mixer by TensorWave (Open Bar) (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join us for an intimate, invite-only mixer bringing together the leading minds in AI—builders, engineers, founders, and VCs who are driving the next wave of innovation. Whether you're showcasing new ideas, seeking opportunities, or engaging in discussions on AI infrastructure, cloud, compute, and machine learning, this event provides the ideal setting for building valuable connections and collaborations.
👉 Founders and Funders: AI with Karan Goel (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join us on Sept 11th for our Founders and Funders AI event live in San Francisco with Karan Goel, Co-Founder and CEO of Cartesia. The real-time AI discussion will be moderated by Waseem Daher.
👉 SF Web3 Founders, Builders & Operators Mixer (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Ready to connect with the brightest minds in the San Francisco Web3 scene? 🔥 Join us for an evening of networking, insights, and next-level conversations about the future of web3.
👉 Founder Dinner @SaaStr Annual (6:30 PM - 9:30 PM)
📍 San Mateo
💬 Join other founders for a casual dinner with friendly faces.
👉 SaaS Founder Happy Hour w/ Deel & SVB #saastr (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)
📍 San Mateo
💬 We're inviting founders of Seed - Series B startups to join us for an evening of great drinks & food, amazing people, and even better vibes!
🗓️ Thursday, Sep 12
👉 Morning Tech Brew ☕ (8:00 AM - 10:30 AM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join us for this Morning Tech Brew coffee hour, where we invite builders to come together, share their journeys, and learn from one another's experiences. Enjoy peer learning experiences, candid conversations over artisanal coffee, idea exchanges, and intentional networking.
👉 Building Tomorrow: Incubation & Growth of Early Stage Web3 Startups (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM)
📍 San Mateo
💬 Join us for an exciting event focused on nurturing the next generation of Web3 innovators. "Building Tomorrow" brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts to explore strategies for incubating and scaling early-stage Web3 startups.
👉 Founder Financial Modeling Workshop (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Financial modeling for your startup may feel elusive at best and overwhelming at worst. Learn how to create, analyze, and present financial models effectively. This workshop aims to demystify financial modeling for startup founders.
👉 Crypto Meetup Investors & Operators (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 Join us for an evening of networking and knowledge-sharing at Joe & The Juice in Palo Alto! Whether you’re an investor or an operator in the crypto space, this is the perfect opportunity to connect and discuss the latest trends and opportunities in the industry.
👉 Navigating the VC Terrain: The Inside Scoop on US Investment Trends (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 Come join us for a networking and fireside chat event with Tiffine Wang, Partner at MS&AD Ventures, and Clint Chao, General Partner at Moment Ventures. Gain insights into the US investment landscape and practical advice for founders on their fundraising journey. Light refreshments will be provided.
👉 SF Tech Founders Dinner🍴by Aikido (6:30 PM - 9:30 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join us for an intimate and laid-back evening with no structured agenda. Enjoy good food and even better conversation with fellow tech founders.
🗓️ Friday, Sep 13
👉 AI Agents Hackathon with LabLab and MindsDB (11:00 AM - 11:30 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Build a productive AI Agent and compete in this challenge. Collaborate with like-minded individuals to develop innovative AI solutions.
👉 FRIDAY FOUNDERS GATHERINGS (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 This event is exclusively for startup founders, CEOs, and C-level executives. Connect, share experiences, and support each other in a relaxed environment.
👉 Network with AI CTOs and Deep-tech Researchers (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM)
📍 Palo Alto
💬 Our goal is to bring together deep-tech researchers from both academic and industry backgrounds, as well as VCs interested in the deep-tech domain. This event fosters collaboration and networking among these diverse groups, facilitating the exchange of ideas and the formation of new partnerships.
👉 Bay Area Startup Meetup (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
📍 San Mateo
💬 eChai Ventures San Francisco is hosting an intimate gathering for founders and startup enthusiasts. Meet new people, share ideas, and grow your network.
👉 SaaStr AI Founders After Party (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 This is your chance to mingle with fellow SaaS & AI founders, investors, and builders in a relaxing and casual setting. Enjoy food, drinks, and music while discussing growth strategies and collaboration.
👉 611 x Vently Presents... Final Voyage (6:30 PM - 8:30 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join the 611 Events and Vently partnership for our "Final Voyage" on September 13th with a SF Bay Cruise. Enjoy the scenic views, network, and have fun on this exclusive cruise.
🗓️ Saturday, Sep 14
👉 Squire.ai Hackathon I - Null to Agent (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join the Squire team and hack on an agentic project with friends in San Francisco. Develop innovative solutions and collaborate with fellow participants.
👉 Pattern Breakers: Why Some Start-Ups Change the Future (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
📍 Santa Clara
💬 Join Us for an Exclusive Fireside Chat with Mike Maples, Jr.! HYSTA and SVLC are thrilled to co-host a special event with one of Silicon Valley's most influential voices in venture capital—Mike Maples, Jr., co-founding partner at Floodgate and co-author of the #1 Amazon bestselling VC book, Pattern Breakers.
👉 VC Insights (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
📍 San Francisco
💬 Join us for VC Insights, an essential event for aspiring founders and entrepreneurs looking to master the venture capital landscape. Gain invaluable insights from industry insiders and refine your fundraising strategies.
Due Diligence in Fundraising: A Comprehensive Guide
By Mariane Bekker
Due diligence is a detailed check that investors do after you agree on the basic terms but before they give you the money. They want to make sure everything is as you say it is and to find any possible problems. Here's a guide on what to prepare:
Financial Statements
Why It Matters: Investors want to see if your business is financially healthy.
What to Prepare:
Balance Sheets: Show what your business owns and owes.
Income Statements: Show how much money your business makes and spends.
Cash Flow Statements: Show the flow of cash in and out of your business.
How to Prepare:
Keep these documents updated and accurate.
Get help from an accountant if needed.
Financial Model and Projections
Why It Matters: Investors want to know how your business will grow in the future.
What to Prepare:
Detailed Financial Model: Include future earnings, costs, and growth plans for the next three to five years.
Market Research: Back up your numbers with research about your market.
How to Prepare:
Make realistic predictions based on real data.
Avoid being overly optimistic.
Legal Documentation
Why It Matters: Legal issues can cause big problems for your business.
What to Prepare:
Intellectual Property: Proof that you own your ideas and products.
Patents and Trademarks: Documents showing any patents or trademarks you have.
Licenses and Permits: Any necessary business licenses and permits.
How to Prepare:
Keep all legal documents organized and up-to-date.
Consider getting a lawyer to review these documents.
Contracts and Agreements
Why It Matters: Contracts show your relationships with key people and businesses.
What to Prepare:
Customer Contracts: Agreements with important customers.
Partnership Agreements: Deals with other businesses.
Employment Agreements: Contracts with key employees, including stock options.
How to Prepare:
Organize all contracts and highlight important terms.
Summarize key points for easy reference.
Customer Testimonials and References
Why It Matters: Positive feedback shows that people like and trust your product or service.
What to Prepare:
Testimonials: Positive comments from happy customers.
References: Contact details of customers willing to speak positively about your business.
How to Prepare:
Collect recent and relevant testimonials.
Make sure they highlight the best features of your product or service.
Compliance Documentation
Why It Matters: Being compliant with laws and regulations is crucial.
What to Prepare:
Data Protection Policies: How you protect customer data and follow privacy laws.
Industry Compliance: Any certifications or proof that you meet industry standards.
How to Prepare:
Keep all compliance documents organized.
Regularly update your policies to stay current with laws.
Preparing for due diligence involves organizing and updating various documents that prove your business’s financial health, legal standing, and market potential. Start early and consider professional help to ensure everything is in order. This will make the process smoother and increase your chances of securing investment.
If you need additional guidance on fundraising, you can book an initial consultation with me here.
The Week 10 Biggest Funding Rounds
Investors appeared to be easing back into action after the long holiday weekend, with only a few standout rounds topping $100 million. However, the week saw a noteworthy $1 billion raise for an AI company, demonstrating continued strong interest in the sector.
Safe Superintelligence, $1B, Artificial Intelligence
Sector: AI
Details: Safe Superintelligence, an AI research lab co-founded by OpenAI's former chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, secured $1 billion from major investors including Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital. The funding values the company at $5 billion. SSI focuses on developing safe AI systems amidst growing concerns about AI’s societal impacts. The new capital will support the expansion of computing power and talent acquisition.Arsenal Biosciences, $325M, Biotech
Sector: Biotech
Details: South San Francisco's Arsenal Biosciences raised $325 million in a Series C round led by Arch Venture Partners and T. Rowe Price Associates. The company, specializing in T-cell therapies for solid tumors, now has a total funding of nearly $631 million.eGenesis, $191M, Biotech
Sector: Biotech
Details: eGenesis, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, closed a $191 million Series D led by Lux Capital. The company is known for developing human-compatible engineered organs and recently performed the world’s first successful transplant of a genetically engineered pig kidney to a human. Total funding now stands at $456 million.Circle Pharma, $90M, Biotech
Sector: Biotech
Details: Circle Pharma secured $90 million in a Series D round led by The Column Group, including the conversion of a convertible note. The company focuses on cell-permeable macrocycles for therapies and has raised nearly $208 million to date.24M Technologies, $87M, Battery
Sector: Battery
Details: 24M Technologies raised $87 million in a Series H financing led by Nuovo Plus. The company, which develops energy storage products, is valued at $1.3 billion post-money. Founded in 2010, 24M has raised over $500 million.OrsoBio, $67M, Biotech
Sector: Biotech
Details: OrsoBio, focused on treatments for obesity and associated disorders, raised $67 million in a Series B round co-led by Ascenta Capital and Woodline Partners. The company has now raised $129 million.Cortex Applications, $60M, Productivity Tools
Sector: Productivity Tools
Details: San Francisco-based Cortex Applications raised $60 million in a round led by Scale Venture Partners. The company, which provides an internal portal for software developers, is valued at $470 million.Oyster, $59M, Human Resources
Sector: Human Resources
Details: Oyster, a platform for global HR management, closed a $59 million Series D led by Silver Lake Waterman, valuing the company at $1.2 billion. Founded in 2020, Oyster has raised $286 million.Laravel, $57M, Developer Tools
Sector: Developer Tools
Details: Laravel, a web application framework, raised $57 million in a Series A round led by Accel. This is the company's first disclosed round since its founding in 2011.Sonoma BioTherapeutics, $45M, Biotech
Sector: Biotech
Details: Sonoma BioTherapeutics, which develops therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, received a $45 million milestone payment from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. Founded in 2020, the company has raised $410 million.
Source: Crunchbase
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Join us in empowering women entrepreneurs in San Francisco! Your donation to our campaign will directly support women-led startups, providing them with the resources they need to thrive. Every contribution makes a difference.
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CEO, Women 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 Women Founders Bay, a community of tech female founders on a mission to increase funding going to women. Donate today →