Ideas Need Builders. Builders Need Backers.

The pace of AI isn’t slowing down. Founders are sprinting from spark to scale, and capital is learning to move just as fast.

This edition is about both sides of the journey: curated spaces for builders trading lessons on turning ideas into impact, for aspiring folks exploring how to step into VC, and for leaders rethinking cybersecurity in a world where even machines now have identities.

What’s Inside

• For Builders: AI Innovators Forum | Sep 29 | 5:30-8 PM | Intercom, SF

• The Same AI That Builds Can Also Breach: AI Cybersecurity Salon | Sep 26 | 2-3:30 PM | Mountain View

• For Aspiring VCs: Investing in Silicon Valley Startups | Ongoing online and in-person in Palo Alto, SF, Santa Clara and Mountain View

For Builders, Operators, and AI Enthusiasts

From Idea to Impact: AI Innovators Forum at Intercom
Mon, Sep 29 | 5:30-8:00 PM | Intercom, SF

Some ideas stay on slides. Others turn into products that change industries. At the AI Innovators Forum at Intercom Inc., you’ll hear how founders, executives, and VCs navigated the messy middle between vision and reality.

On stage, we have:

• Jeff Wang (CEO, Windsurf) with Mala Ramakrishnan; a fireside on founder grit.

• VCs Shalini Sardana and Rohit Gupta on where capital is flowing next.

• Execs on making AI stick inside enterprises: Priyanka Rotti and Jessica Hammond with Vijay Ratthinam

• Short, sharp perspectives from ecosystem builders like ​Rajaram Srinivasan, ​Bisi Obateru, Sharvari Deshpande and Lenka H.

• Founder pitches from AI-first startups redefining compliance, trust, and consumer apps.

RSVP here to join us for the AI Innovators Forum at the Intercom Inc, SF.

The Same AI That Builds Can Also Breach: AI Cybersecurity Salon
Fri, Sep 26 | 2:00-3:30 PM | Mountain View, CA

AI is a double edge: the tools that accelerate your business are the same ones that can compromise it. This salon brings security leaders and innovators together to unpack how we defend in a world where code, agents, and identities are all in play.

Seats are limited—grab your spot fast here.

For Aspiring VCs: Break into Venture

How do operators, PMs, and founders step into venture?
This week-long series, led by a seasoned investor, is for accredited investors exploring their path into VC.

What you’ll gain:

• Career Pathways: How to build a lasting VC career

• Portfolio Access: Invest in early-stage startups from YC, StartX, SkyDeck

• Board Experience: Learn how private startup boards shape careers

Whether diversifying your portfolio or planning a move into VC, these sessions give you the inside view, and the networks to start. Sign up below:

Spots fill quickly. If one of these sessions speaks to you, grab a seat now. We’d love to see you there.

Shape, Share, Scale with our AI Community

• For Founders: Apply to Batch 3 of our Accelerator this fall for mentorship, seed funding access, and $50K+ in credits. Sign up for the last orientation for the fall batch.

• For AI Domain Experts: Share your expertise at upcoming high-impact salons and forums. Sign up here to join.

• For Tech Leaders: Join a vetted community with 50% women rep for year-round access to Leadership Circles, Monthly Salons, Quarterly Socials, and priority Summit invites.

Building, backing, or protecting—AI is changing the playbook for everyone. The best way to be in the rooms where builders, investors, and operators trade what’s really working.

That’s what we’ll keep curating for you.

See you at the next gathering,
The Founders Creative Team

Subscribe to our Luma Calendar to keep every salon, workshop, and forum on your radar, before they fill.