June's #EarlyStageLA Events

San Francisco boasts a premier venture ecosystem that has produced numerous tech juggernauts, contributing to California's status as one of the world's top six economies by GDP. This dynamic environment not only fuels the state's economic power but also drives some of the most ambitious and groundbreaking innovations globally.

The driving force behind this success is the vibrant culture and community. For LA to maintain its leadership in consumer and gaming sectors while expanding into other startup areas, fostering a dynamic community where founders and investors can share ideas, investments, and social connections is essential. To this end, June’s #EarlyStageLA initiative aims to bring together the community’s venture leaders and most promising founders, building a strong network through various events.

The Economic Club of LA and Early Stage LA proudly supports the #EarlyStageLA movement, dedicated to strengthening and expanding Los Angeles' venture ecosystem. By fostering connections between startups, investors, and industry experts, #EarlyStageLA aims to drive innovation and growth in the region's entrepreneurial landscape. Through events, networking opportunities, and resources, #EarlyStageLA empowers early-stage companies to thrive and succeed in the competitive startup environment.

This mission aligns with the broader goal of establishing Los Angeles as a prominent hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, nurturing a supportive community, and providing access to capital and mentorship. Early Stage LA plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the city's startup scene, driving collaboration and innovation among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, and building a thriving ecosystem that propels LA's early-stage startups to success.

Here are the events that comprise the #EarlyStageLA series for the month of June, starting Wednesday Jun 5th and going all the way until the end of the month.

This meetup aims to connect job seekers with hiring managers, recruiters, and co-founders, emphasizing the designer's role as a business partner. The offline event includes pitches from designers showcasing case studies, followed by networking opportunities. Senior and Lead Product Designers interested in presenting can apply by sending their resume and portfolio to design.pitchmeetup@gmail.com. The event will be held at Hero House @ HyeRise, 326 Mira Loma Ave, Glendale, CA 91204.

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This event features investor insights and founder pitches, offering valuable perspectives on market trends and emerging opportunities. Three founders will present their ventures, demonstrating how capitalism can drive positive change through innovative technologies and sustainable initiatives. Attendees will also learn how socially conscious entrepreneurship blends profit and purpose, with inspiring stories from successful enterprises. A networking reception will follow the pitches, providing a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and build impactful relationships.

Join Katch and Lucas Venture Group for an exclusive event exploring the intersection of genomic science and data technology. Inspired by Co-Founder Nolan Gasser's work with the Pandora algorithm, Katch aims to revolutionize platform recommendations across various sectors with their 'taste passport.' Their impressive debut includes a prestigious client roster, highlighting their significant early-stage growth. The event will feature discussions on Katch's next fundraising round and insights from Lucas Venture Group's extensive portfolio and network in the venture space.

Join us for an inspiring event by the Youth Entrepreneurship Association, showcasing dynamic startups led by Gen Z in Santa Monica. These ventures are revolutionizing industries and driving local economic growth. The event also promotes financial education among adolescents, equipping them with essential business skills. Whether you're an entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or simply curious, don't miss this chance to support the next generation of leaders.

Join Objective Investment Banking & Valuation and Stubbs Alderton & Markiles for a pivotal event under #EarlyStageLA, aimed at empowering startups with expert insights and resources for growth, investment, and scaling. The event features presentations on managing and maximizing valuable assets, networking opportunities over pizza and kombucha, and a casual Q&A session with industry leaders. Attendees will connect with key players, gain insights on equity challenges, and explore potential collaborations, contributing to transforming Los Angeles into a thriving hub for early-stage companies. Register now to be part of this transformative initiative and connect with advisors, founders, and startup teams.

Join Investors on Tap from Untapped Ventures is an early-stage fund based in Glendale, dedicated to uplifting humanity. Leveraging our powerful network and unique methodology, we identify and fund companies that use AI to make a positive impact on society.

Join #EarlyStageLA at Venture Velocity: Propelling Early Stage Innovation in LA, hosted by Crosscut Ventures and sponsored by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. This signature event, in partnership with BAM Ventures, Alumni Ventures, Westwood Ventures, Startup UCLA, and Startup Village, aims to accelerate the growth and success of early-stage startups in Los Angeles. Join us for invaluable insights, resources, and networking opportunities with top-tier venture capital firms, legal experts, startup incubators, and the investor community. Crosscut Ventures, a premier LA-based venture capital firm investing in seed-stage companies, is dedicated to supporting visionary entrepreneurs and helping startups scale and succeed.

Join founders and investors for a beach hangout, exclusively reserved for these key players due to limited space. The AI LA Community 🤖, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has been nurturing a community around responsible AI development and applications since 2016. Sunset Ventures 🌅, an early-stage venture fund in LA & SF founded by Brandon Hoffman (ex-Samsung), focuses on investing in the new frontier of the internet, particularly in gaming. Emerging LA 🌴 is a community dedicated to uniting the essential figures in LA's emerging innovation ecosystem, including founders, builders, investors, and operators.

Join us with In the heart of Early Stage LA, SVRN and StartupStarter collaborating to bring together a select group of founders, investors, and family offices. The symposium will focus on the nuanced dynamics of founder-investor relationships, emphasizing the personal connections that foster successful partnerships. Participation is by approval only, with priority for SVRN members; apply now to secure your attendance at the event, which includes an arrival reception from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, followed by the symposium from 7:00pm to 8:00pm, and a social mixer from 8:00pm to 10:00pm.

Join us for a fireside conversation with SmartGate VC and Oceanview Capital PE, discussing the differences between venture capital and private equity funding, the opportunities each provides, and when to choose one over the other. SmartGate VC focuses on identifying industry-defining ideas early and supports their transformation with capital, talent, and industry connections, particularly in AI, healthcare, biotech, security, and IoT. Oceanview Capital Partners, Inc. is a private equity and advisory firm with committed capital and a portfolio of over a dozen companies, offering advisory services and making investments valued at up to $500 million, with a strong track record in strategic planning, financial structuring, liquidity management, and corporate governance.

Join #EarlyStageLA for a Startup Wellness Summit in celebration of International Yoga Day, featuring the Insperity "Founder Meets Funder Volleyball Tournament" and presented by Yoga Wake Up, Insperity, and UCLA Anderson Venture Accelerator. Yoga Wake Up's mindful alarm app has revolutionized mornings for over one million users worldwide, integrating yoga and meditation into daily routines. The event, set in vibrant Venice Beach, offers rejuvenating yoga sessions, interactive wellness experiences, and networking opportunities, all against the backdrop of California's stunning coastline, making it a hotspot for yoga enthusiasts and anyone seeking a blend of sports, wellness, and beach culture.

Join us for Meta Monday PRIDEVERSE, a celebration of LGBTQIA+ artists, co-hosted by Early Stage LA. The event features a panel discussion on identity and online Queer spaces, a digital art show curated by Qrypto Queer, and a hybrid music performance by Vltra Violet and her AI avatar. Connect with the Web3 community, engage in insightful panel discussions, and immerse yourself in a unique hybrid metaverse experience, all livestreamed on Twitch for those unable to attend in person.

Join #EarlyStageLA for Strengthening Partnerships: A Co-Founder Bunch & Learn Experience hosted by Evolution. This event focuses on normalizing the work required to build and nurture healthy co-founder partnerships, offering a brunch and learn experience tailored for startup co-founders. Expert-led discussions and peer learning will explore themes such as shifting from friends to colleagues, strategic misalignments, and role evolutions during scaling, providing actionable insights into managing co-founder dynamics for personal growth and business success.

Join us at the Chirag Sagar (Mission Matters) and Curtis Estes Wine Tasting Experience, sponsored by Sydecar, for a gathering of established VCs and LPs. Each guest is asked to bring a bottle of wine or spirit (min. price of $25) for an interactive tasting experience at an exclusive Beverly Hills wine club and lounge, where you can connect with like-minded investors and collaborate on missions that matter. Light bites will be provided, and the event is open to CEOs, founders, small business owners, investors, and more.

Join us for The Global Capital Network Investor Conference & MedTech Investing Forum is a 1-day event, both in-person and live webinar, hosted by several organizations including the Global Capital Network and StartupStarter. Join 500+ investors and investment attendees on Thursday, June 27, 2024, for the MedTech Investing Forum and Global Capital Network Investor Conference at the Marriott Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel, featuring presentations, networking opportunities, and access to a variety of services for event participants.

Join us at the #EarlyStageLA Startup Launchpad, an event powered by Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, hosted by Silicon Valley Bank, and sponsored by Insperity, offering a dynamic evening where innovation meets opportunity. Tailored for growing startups, attendees can expect invaluable insights from industry leaders and opportunities to pitch their companies to investors.

The SoCal Tech Summer Retreat is a gathering where investors and founders convene, featuring 150+ angels, VCs, fund managers, and more for a day of connections and fun. Set in a private 50-acre retreat in the Santa Monica Mountains, attendees can enjoy a secluded location with amenities like a creek, trail system, helicopter pad, tennis court, and amphitheater, all surrounded by a national reserve.