Founder/VC Breakfast @ Focus Innovation Studio

Join us for an intimate breakfast bringing together founders, VCs, and ecosystem leaders for candid conversations, meaningful connections, and a chance to exchange ideas around building and investing in the next generation of companies.

This is a small, curated gathering designed for high-quality conversations—not a traditional networking event.

🗓️ Agenda

10:00am – 10:50am | Curated Networking & Breakfast

10:50am – 11:00am | Intro of Partners

11:00am – 12:15pm | Panel Discussion + Q&A

Moderator:

The First Five Minutes: What Makes an Investor Lean In (30mins)

• Niha Gottiparthy, Vice President at Emergent Ventures

• Laura Moreno Lucas, General Partner at L'ATTITUDE Ventures

• Nick Whitehead, Senior Principal at B Capital

The Bet We’d Make Differently: Lessons That Changed How We Invest (30mins)

• Joseph Nagle, Managing Partner at Partner Track

• Zoe Samuel, Venture Partner at Starshot Capital; Board Member at Work on Climate

• Paul Borowick, Principal at Underdog Labs

12:15pm – 1:00pm | Open Networking

More than just networking, this breakfast is about building relationships within the AI ecosystem. Exchange ideas, challenge conventional thinking, and leave with fresh energy and actionable insights to grow your company. ✨

Come hungry — for both breakfast and innovation.

📍Private breakfast · Limited Space
Breakfast included. Networking designed for real conversations, not business cards.

What to expect

☕️ Breakfast & coffee
🤝 Curated introductions to founders and investors
💬 Candid conversations on fundraising, growth, GTM
🧠 Insights and perspectives from both sides of the table
🌱 New relationships with people building and backing ambitious companies

Who should join?

• Founders and startup leaders

• VCs and angel investors

• Operators and ecosystem leaders working with startups

• Builders interested in connecting with the community

Space is intentionally limited to keep the conversation intimate and valuable. Come ready to meet smart people, share what you're working on, and leave with a few new relationships worth continuing.

​About Us

Founders Bay is a 200,000+ member community of founders, executives, investors and operators — weekly curated events, expert workshops, and mentorship. Proudly woman-owned and operated by Mariane Bekker.

Create your account at foundersbay.com to unlock the member directory, exclusive events, and perks.

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​Co-Host

Innovation Properties Group (IPG) is a San Francisco-based commercial real estate firm that helps startups and growing companies find spaces for their next chapter. With deep Bay Area expertise across AI, robotics, technology, and life sciences, IPG guides clients through site selection, lease negotiations, and expansion planning. Whether securing a first office or scaling into a specialized facility, IPG helps companies align their real estate with their business goals. Planning a move, expansion, or lease renewal? Connect with IPG to explore your options (Ivan@ipgsf.com).

IPG: AI & Tech Office Space
Focus Innovation Studio: Explore the Space
Ivan Smiljanic: Co-founder, IPG & Focus Innovation Studio

Event Terms & Consent

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Founders Bay members attend for free. Subscribe here for 30% off membership: https://foundersbay.com/membership