Silicon Valley Tech Executive, VC, and Founder Events

In the world of entrepreneurship, many successful companies have humble beginnings as side hustles. These ventures often start with a passion or a problem to solve, and with dedication and innovation, they can grow into global phenomena. Here are some famous companies that began as side hustles:

1. Apple: Steve Jobs crafted the Apple I while working at Atari, marking the beginning of Apple's journey. Today, Apple is one of the world's most valuable companies, revolutionizing technology and consumer electronics.

2. Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg developed Facebook as a side project while attending Harvard University. Facebook has become a leading social media platform, transforming how people connect and interact online.

3. Twitter: Jack Dorsey created Twitter as a side project while working at Odeo, aiming to facilitate group messaging. Twitter, now X, worth multi-billions and acquired by xAI is now a major platform for real-time information and global communication.

4. Instagram: Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger developed Instagram as a side project, initially focusing on location-based services. Acquired by Facebook, Instagram has become a leading visual social media platform.

5. Under Armour: Kevin Plank started Under Armour as a side project to create moisture-wicking shirts for athletes. Under Armour is now a global sports apparel brand, known for innovative products and marketing.

6. Etsy: Founded as a small marketplace for handmade goods, Etsy began as a side hustle for its creators. Etsy has grown into a major e-commerce platform for artisans and craftspeople worldwide.

LET’S GET YOUR SIDE HUSTLE TO BECOME YOUR MAIN STORY

Founders Creative Accelerator
Join us to find out more on how our accelerator can support you in making the transition into full-time entrepreneur.
lu.ma/accelerator1
Thursday April 3, 3:30-4pm PST
Apply today: www.founderscreative.org/accelerator/

Upcoming Events Highlights

Venture Capital Events

Curious about what’s ahead for venture capital in 2025? Join the partners from Progressive Ventures to explore trends, growth opportunities, and strategic insights for the year ahead. Get a front-row seat to what’s next in the evolving market.

Deep Dive Council sessions

Are you ready to find your tribe and increase your domain expertise, find a peer council, and advocacy that helps you land your next role?

AI Experience Salon: Design Thinking
lu.ma/designthinking1
Thursday, April 24 | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Mountain View

Founder Focus Events

Blog of the week

Katharina Koerner, Senior Principal Consultant and Trace3 and co-chair of Founders Creative Privacy & Cybersecurity council presents her unique observations:

• AI systems introduce unique challenges like bias and explainability, requiring special management.

• AI product managers must integrate ethical and regulatory principles into product decisions.

• Empowering these managers with resources and training is crucial for responsible AI development.

  
  Featured below: Chief Product Officer Fireside Chat: Abhijit Kakhandiki with Mala Ramakrishnan

Video of the Week

Executive Panel on innovation with responsible AI

Health and Wellness

Join us for light yoga and meditation followed by networking. This will be led by Mala Ramakrishnan, RYT 500H yoga instructor and meditation teacher from the Art of Living.

Yoga & Networking
Register: lu.ma/ssyoga2
Sunday April 6 5-6:30pm PST

Join us at an upcoming events: lu.ma/founderscreative and sign up for our newsletter: www.founderscreative.org/#newsletter

Join us at an upcoming events: lu.ma/founderscreative and sign up for our newsletter: www.founderscreative.org/#newsletter