CEO Roundtables San Francisco

Sold Startups: Founders Who Built and Exited

What does it actually take to build something worth buying? Most business content is about raising money, growing users, or surviving the early days. This event skips all of that and goes straight to the part most founders never reach: the exit. We bring together founders who built real businesses and sold them. Some closed in weeks. Some took years. Some used AI to build faster than any team could. Some bootstrapped with no outside funding and sold to a strategic buyer. Some built newsletter businesses, AI apps, SaaS tools, no-code platforms, vibe coding projects, and AI agent products that a larger company wanted enough to write a check for. Every founder in the series has something most startup content glosses over: a real number, a real timeline, and a real story about what the process actually felt like from the inside. This event is for founders at any stage, operators who want to understand what makes a business acquirable. Best for.... \- AI founders building without a technical team \- People who use tools like Cursor\, Base44\, Bolt\, Lovable\, and Replit \- Startup CEOs thinking about their first or next exit Each founder walks through what they built, who bought it, what the negotiation looked like, what they would do differently, and what they are working on now. No panels. No investor pitches. No surface-level advice. Just founders telling the truth about what it took to get to the other side. The audience is small and the questions are open. Come ready to ask the one you actually want answered. *Note: Date may change to accommodate guest speakers. Check this page for the most current information.*

Meet your VCs, Meet your startup teams: entrepreneurs' networking coffee time

Entrepreneurs, startup founders, technologists, VCs and angel investors, please join our informal coffee time gathering hangout: * If you have startup projects to get funded, come to find your investors * If you have ideas and want to build a startup team, come to find your partners * If you want to invest in startups, come to chat with those who want to pitch * If you have great ideas and want to turn them into real startup projects, come to discuss with other technologists and professionals * If you just want to learn how to become an entrepreneur, just come to meet people and have a coffee together This is an unstructured and unmoderated gathering. Our organizers may not always on duty. Please feel free to identify yourself as meetup attendee with your own name tags or coffee table signs.

Bootstrappers Breakfast for San Francisco Startups

Come Meet Entrepreneurs Who Eat Problems For Breakfast At a Bootstrappers Breakfast® we have serious conversations about growing a business based on internal cash flow and organic profit: this is for founders who are actively bootstrapping a startup. The other attendees will all be in startups. It will be a chance to compare notes on operational, development, and business issues with peers. NOTE: We start with round-the-table introductions, so be on-time so you don't miss that! For more information about the group - visit bootstrappersbreakfast.com (http://www.bootstrappersbreakfast.com/)

Round Table Book Discussion June Meeting

Join us for an in-person, open discussion on the fiction or non-fiction book or podcast/movie/news article/cultural event that most engaged you. Give a brief summary of a book or article that interested you, and we will discuss it, along with the issues other participants select. Or just come to check it out. Find us by the Roundtable sign on the table. Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 6:30 pm **We are at our warm-weather outdoor location:** [Caffe Strada](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=37.869286%2C%20-122.254616), 2300 College Avenue · Berkeley, CA

Red Bull Basement World Final 2026

**First-time founders from around the world will pitch their inspiring ideas on a global stage in San Francisco, the heart of tech and AI.** Join Red Bull North America Inc. for the Red Bull Basement World Final 2026! Join them on Wednesday, June 3, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Pier 48, San Francisco, CA 94158. **Global Talent** Meet the next generation of founders selected from over 100,000 applications across 40+ countries. **The Final Show** Inspiring keynotes and the top 10 teams pitching live in front of high-profile judges, investors, Red Bull athletes, and a live audience. **At Stake** The title of Red Bull Basement World Final Winner and a prize including $100,000. Your FREE ticket also includes exclusive access to the official Red Bull Basement After Party. **Schedule** 6:00 PM \| Doors Open The full event experience begins. Meet founders, connect with industry guests, and experience food trucks, activities, and good vibes before the evening continues onto the main stage. 7:30 PM \| Main Stage Opens Take your seat as guests move into the main stage for the final show. 8:00 PM \| Show Time Expect inspiring keynotes, leading voices from Microsoft and AMD and StartupCouncil.org and the Top 10 teams pitching their ideas live on stage in front of a panel of renowned judges, as the competition builds toward the final winner announcement. 9:30 PM \| After Party The night continues with a premium afterparty. Don't miss out! [Please register here to attend for free.](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/red-bull-basement-world-final-2026-tickets-1986516037945) Thanks to Red Bull for sharing this exciting startup event’s details, the graphic, and working with StartupCouncil.org on the programming and promotions!

SF: Wicked Grounds Presents: SpankLab!

Women in Tech, Fintech, AI, Startups, Networking Event & Elevator Pitch SF

🔔 **Please Note:** RSVP on Meetup **does not guarantee entry**. To attend, you **must register through the official ticket link** here: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988408096142?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988408096142?aff=oddtdtcreator) Join us for an empowering and insightful networking event designed for professionals in the dynamic fields of Women in Tech, Fintech, HealthTech, Edtech, Artificial Intelligence... Startups Founders, Professionals and Entrepreneurs. **Event Overview:** * **Women in Tech:** An exclusive platform for women in technology to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. This segment focuses on empowering female professionals and entrepreneurs in the tech industry, offering a space to connect, learn, and inspire. * **Fintech:** Dive into the world of financial technology with experts and innovators. Explore the latest trends, discuss challenges and opportunities, and connect with peers who are shaping the future of fintech. * **AI:** Engage with professionals at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence. Whether you’re a developer, a strategist, or simply an AI enthusiast, this segment offers a deep dive into emerging technologies, ethical considerations, and groundbreaking applications. * **Startups:** A space for startup founders and entrepreneurs to network, share stories, and gain insights. This segment is perfect for those looking to scale their startups, seeking mentorship, or wanting to learn from successful entrepreneurial journeys. * **Entrepreneurs:** Connect with fellow entrepreneurs across various industries. Discuss strategies, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations. This is an ideal platform for both seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs. **Why Attend?** * **Networking Opportunities:** Meet and connect with professionals across diverse yet interconnected fields. * **1-Minute Elevator Pitch** – Introduce yourself, share your expertise, and highlight collaboration or investment opportunities in a structured yet informal setting. * **Knowledge Sharing:** Learn from leaders and peers, and gain valuable insights that can propel your career or business forward. * **Collaboration and Growth:** Discover potential collaborations, partnerships, and ways to expand your professional network. * **Inspiration:** Get inspired by success stories and innovative ideas that are driving these industries. **Who Should Attend the event?** * **Female Professionals in Tech:** Women who are working in or aspiring to break into the tech industry, looking for mentorship, networking, and growth opportunities. * **Fintech Enthusiasts and Professionals:** Individuals working in or interested in financial technology, including startup founders, developers, investors, and those curious about the latest fintech trends. * **AI Innovators and Tech Buffs:** Professionals and students in the field of Artificial Intelligence, including AI developers, researchers, tech entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts keen on exploring the future of AI. * **Startup Founders and Team Members:** Entrepreneurs who are in the process of building a startup, as well as team members of existing startups looking for networking, collaboration, and learning opportunities. * **Aspiring Entrepreneurs:** Individuals who are considering starting their own business and looking to gain insights, find inspiration, and connect with potential mentors and collaborators. * **Investors and Venture Capitalists:** Those interested in investing in tech, fintech, AI startups, or looking for new, innovative ventures to fund and support. * **Business Consultants and Advisors:** Experts who provide guidance and advice in the tech, fintech, and startup sectors, looking to expand their network and knowledge. * **Academics and Researchers:** Individuals from academia who are studying or researching in these fields and are interested in the practical application of their work and industry trends. This diverse group of attendees ensures a dynamic and multifaceted networking event, full of potential for new insights, collaborations, and business development opportunities. This event promises to be a rich experience filled with engaging conversations, learning opportunities, and the chance to form lasting connections. Whether you are deeply entrenched in these fields or simply curious about them, this networking event is a must-attend! Join us to connect, share, and grow in an environment that celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship. **Register now - space is limited to 50 attendees only!** **P.S. Click Follow for future event alerts!**

Snowflake Dev Day

Dev Day is a free, full-day event for start-up founders, AI/ML engineers, data professionals, and other builders to connect, skill up in data and AI, and get inspiration from industry luminaries. You'll get to: Experience AI in Action - Get hands on with bootcamps, learn about the latest AI developments, and discover eLearning opportunities to turn your proof-of-concepts into enterprise-grade production. Hear from Industry Trailblazers - Get inspiration from industry luminaries, community leaders, and your peers. Hear their stories and see their innovations to inspire your own, especially during the special Startup Challenge Finale. Invest in Your Growth - Discover how AI is reshaping the developer toolkit and learn how to make it work for you. Explore new tools, pick up practical skills, and leave with ideas you'll actually use. Agenda --- Hosted By James Gee, Global Partnerships Manager I recently relocated from the UK to Silicon Valley to expand Startup Grind's sales and partnership program, collaborating closely with Derek bringing fresh ideas and forge new connections that will fuel future growth. I'm also an entrepreneur at heart, launching my own startup in 2015, experiencing the thrilling highs and challenging lows of being a founder firsthand. This unique perspective fuels my excitement for connecting with founders and partners at the 2024 Global Conference. Beyond the world of startups, I am an avid sports fan, whether it's playing or watching a game. If you're in the Bay Area, don't hesitate to reach out - as I’d be thrilled to join you for a game! Derek Andersen, Chapter Organizer For the past 15 years Derek has been building communities. He is the co-founder/CEO of Bevy, a SaaS product that helps companies like Salesforce, Atlassian, Google, Snowflake, and Adobe build virtual and in-person communities. Bevy has raised $60M from Accel, Upfront Ventures, and others. He co-founded Startup Grind, a community of 600 Chapters in 125 countries educating, inspiring, and connecting startup people. Since 2012 Startup Grind has hosted 20,000 events. In 2010 he co-founded Commonred which was acquired by Income.com. Derek also previously worked as a product manager at Electronic Arts. He currently lives in Palo Alto CA with his wife and four children. --- Global Partner Carta (http://www.carta.com/launch?utm_campaign=20240423-nam-general-smb-startup_grind_partnership&utm_medium=social&utm_source=startup_grind) Carta helps people manage equity, build businesses, and invest in the companies of tomorrow. Carta Launch is the only free cap table product, helping new founders get started. The company is trusted by more than 40,000 companies, over 7,000 funds and SPVs, and over two million equity holders to manage cap tables, compensation, valuations, liquidity, and more. For more information, visit carta.com. Startup Grind is a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. We host monthly events in more than 600 cities and 125+ countries featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Our monthly fireside chat interviews, startup mixers and annual conferences provide ample opportunities to connect with amazing startups and the people behind them, tap into a strong support network, form meaningful connections and gain inspiration for the startup journey ahead. For more information visit StartupGrind.com or follow us on twitter @StartupGrind. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://www.startupgrind.com/events/details/startup-grind-silicon-valley-san-francisco-bay-area-presents-snowflake-dev-day-3/.

Walk & Talk About Life's Big Questions

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Meet Your Co-Founder: Startup Builders Night in San Francisco

**Looking for a co-founder or startup collaborators in San Francisco?** Join founders, engineers, product builders and entrepreneurs for a curated evening designed to help people connect and build startups together. **RSVP:** [Use this link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-networking-san-francisco-founders-investors-talent-mixer-tickets-1987627020925?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true) ***Please note that RSVP is managed via Eventbrite to control attendee lists — don’t ignore it to avoid issues with on-site payment.*** **💡 What Makes This Event Different** * Many people have ideas. * But building a startup alone is difficult. * The best startups are built by strong teams. * This event is designed to help ambitious founders, engineers and builders meet potential co-founders and collaboratorsin a structured networking environment. Instead of random conversations, we create opportunities for participants to share ideas, discuss projects and discover people they might build something meaningful with. **🤝 What You’ll Experience** * ***Interactive Co-Founder Networking*** Before the session begins, participants vote on the topic or challenge they want to explore together. The most popular topic becomes the focus of the networking session. Participants are then divided into small groups to work around that shared challenge. This format helps people quickly connect, understand each other’s thinking, and discover potential collaboration opportunities. It’s networking with a purpose — not just introductions. * ***Startup Pitches*** Selected founders present their startups to the audience and investors. Each pitcher shares their idea, product, or progress and receives visibility, feedback, and potential connections with investors and collaborators. This is an opportunity to showcase what you’re building and spark meaningful conversations after the session. * ***Chill Networking*** After the structured part, participants can continue conversations in a relaxed environment. **👥 Who Should Attend** • Entrepreneurs with startup ideas • Engineers and technical builders • Product managers and designers • Growth and marketing specialists • People looking for a co-founder • Early-stage founders building their first startup • Anyone interested in joining a startup team **🌍 About the Community** This event is part of the **Ascent Valley ecosystem** — a global community where founders, builders and investors meet to share ideas, collaborate and build meaningful projects. *Our mission is to create environments where ambitious people connect, collaborate and grow together.*

Founders, Investors & Talent Networking Mixer | San Francisco

Join founders, investors and tech talent at this curated **startup networking event in San Francisco.** Meet ambitious builders, exchange ideas and discover new opportunities in a dynamic community environment. RSVP: [Use this link](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-networking-san-francisco-founders-investors-talent-mixer-tickets-1987627020925?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true) Please note that RSVP is managed via Eventbrite to control attendee lists — don’t ignore it to avoid issues with on-site payment. **💡 Why This Event Is Different** Most networking events end with exchanged LinkedIn profiles. This one focuses on real conversations and real opportunities. We bring together founders, investors, engineers, operators and talent in a curated environment designed to create meaningful connections. Through interactive networking rounds, open conversations and pitch opportunities, participants can share challenges, exchange insights and build relationships that last beyond the event. 🤝 What to Expect * **Interactive Networking** Structured networking rounds where participants briefly introduce themselves, share current challenges and explore collaboration opportunities. * **Talent Corner** Recruiters and hiring managers can briefly share open positions, while engineers and operators can introduce their skills and interests. * **Startup Conversations** Open discussions about fundraising, product development, growth and startup challenges. **👥 Who Should Attend** • Startup founders • Investors and angels • Engineers and builders • Operators and product managers • Recruiters and HR professionals • Sales and business development professionals • Job seekers interested in startups • Newcomers to the San Francisco tech ecosystem

Golden Gate Toastmaster Weekly Meeting

# **Golden Gate Toastmasters meets every Wednesday from 6-8 pm at the 235 Montgomery St in the SF Chamber of Commerce’s boardroom (7th floor), right in Downtown San Francisco.** # **RSVP here or fill out the contact form on our website to ask for any additional details.**