Uniting Minds, Fueling Ideas, and Driving Innovation!

Join us for Tech on Tap, on the fourth Tuesday of each month and immerse yourself in Glendale's tech community. Engage in lively discussions, ignite creativity, and savor delicious drinks while mingling with fellow innovators. It's not just networking; it's an unforgettable experience where ideas flow freely and connections thrive.

***Must be 21 or Older

Building Product People Love: A Product Strategy Guide

April’s Tech on tap will feature Adriana T. Torresan who will lead us in a transformative talk about crafting products that capture hearts titled Building Products People Love: A Product Strategy Guide.

Join us at Tech on Tap as we explore into the art of crafting products that capture that hearts. Adriana T. Torrean Adriana will explore the essence of product strategy and the invaluable practice of ongoing customer discovery. This deep-dive into the pivotal role of customer research and a robust product strategy framework will unveil the secrets of realizing visionary ideas and creating digital products that not only meet the market demand but become beloved by users.

Rooted in core product management principles and offering a treasure trove of insights and actionable strategies to propel your product to unparalleled affection and loyalty, this talk is one you definitely don’t want to miss! This talk is aimed at founders, product managers, and startup collaborators.

Embark on a journey to transform your product approach with principles that guarantee success.

Featured Speaker: Adriana T. Torresan

Adriana T. Torresan is an independent consultant specializing in product management, UI/UX design and customer research for early-stage startups and innovation teams. With 25 years of diverse experience as a startup founder, product manager, and UI/UX designer and researcher, she has worked in both startup and corporate settings, including Disney Imagineering, Capital Group, Age of Learning, and BMW Design Group USA. Adriana believes that a fearless product strategy, built upon a clear product vision and a deep understanding of customers' needs and pain points, is crucial for achieving product-market fit and sustained growth. Adriana is a problem solver and passionate about using technology to positively impact people's lives. Born in Brazil, Adriana currently lives in Glendale with her family and their dog, June.

​Start your last day right with us before the big Glendale Tech Week 2023 Demo Day. We're bringing together founders and investors for a morning of coffee, conversation, and connection. It's a limited-seat event with approval only registration to ensure quality interactions.

​Register soon, as we're keeping it exclusive. Your spot awaits, but not for long.

Register here!

​📅 Date: Sep 14
🕗 Time: 8:30am
📍 Location: Visible for approved guests.

​See you in the morning where great ideas meet great company!

Building meaningful connections is essential in the tech world. What better way to facilitate these connections than over a cold beer and delightful snacks? After a day of enlightening discussions and in-depth sessions, this is the perfect opportunity for professionals, both LA locals and visitors, to gather, share stories, and strengthen connections within the tech community. Whether you're an early-stage founder, an investor, or a tech enthusiast, come enjoy some refreshing beers, delightful snacks, and engage in stimulating conversations with peers.

Register Here!

Key Takeaways:

• Opportunity to network with a diverse group of tech professionals, entrepreneurs, investors and enthusiasts.

• Build or strengthen your professional and personal connections in the LA tech scene.

Join us for an insightful fireside chat on "The Impact of AI and Machine Learning on the Tech Landscape" during Glendale Tech Week.

About the Event:

The rapid evolution of AI and machine learning is reshaping the technology landscape in Los Angeles and beyond. As part of Glendale Tech Week, we're excited to bring you a dynamic panel discussion featuring experts, pioneers, and thought leaders at the forefront of AI innovation. This fireside chat will delve into how AI and machine learning influence and transform the tech scene.

Register here

Agenda:

• Introduction: Get to know the event hosts and partners.

• Fireside Chat: Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the present and future impact of AI and machine learning on LA's tech ecosystem.

• Q&A Session: Interact with panelists and have your burning questions answered.

• Networking: Connect with fellow attendees, entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts.

Fireside Chat Participants: Panelists:

• Jenn Kranz, an investor at Mucker Capital, specializes in early-stage West Coast startups. Her background includes work at TriNet and internships with prominent LA venture firms. Holding a BA and MBA from USC, Jenn brings valuable insights to the discussion.

• Brian Mac Mahon, Founder of Expert DOJO stands out as a growth-focused VC with 250+ startup investments. His expertise in user growth and innovative strategies sets him apart. Brian redefines startup success beyond funding. Expect fresh insights on growth and innovation.

• Nardo Manaloto, Managing Partner at Qubits Ventures, is a healthcare and deep tech industry veteran with over 25 years of management experience in solving healthcare challenges using innovation, user-centered design, data ecosystems, enterprise architecture, and new technologies.

Fireside Chat Participants: Moderator:

• Hamlet Azarian, Founder and CEO of Azarian Growth Agency, a data-driven growth agency. With 20+ years of experience in tailored growth strategies, Hamlet empowers businesses using creative and analytical approaches. His agency has helped raise over $269.1M for innovative tech/SaaS companies. Join the conversation on growth mindset, experimentation, and data-driven strategies.

Don't miss this chance to be part of an engaging conversation about the future of AI and machine learning in the heart of Glendale Tech Week. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or tech enthusiast, this event is your gateway to exploring the intersection of technology and innovation.

Register here

Join us for Glendale Tech Week 2023's Women in Tech Panel hosted by Phonexa!

As part of the official Glendale Tech Week calendar of events, Phonexa will also be hosting the “Women in Tech” panel for the second year in a row at its Glendale headquarters on Wednesday, September 13, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The “Women in Tech” discussion is an annual highlight of Glendale Tech Week, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of women in the tech industry.

The event program will feature an esteemed selection of panelists from various sectors of the tech industry and will aim to provide a platform for accomplished females to share insights, experiences, and expertise.

Panelists:

Talar Malakian
CMO, Phonexa

Iris Yen
Head of Marketing & Community, Nike Virtual Studios

Talin Koutnouyan
VP, Strategy & Analytics, Influential

Krystal Hauserman
Chief Marketing Officer

Register here

Are you a startup employee, advisor, or investor seeking clarity on 409A valuations and investment taxation? Join us for a discussion where industry experts will shed light on these crucial financial topics.

During this session we will demystify 409A valuations and investment taxation, helping you make informed decisions with your future finances. Whether you're an employee receiving stock options, an advisor negotiating equity, or an investor looking to optimize tax strategies, this event will address your needs.

Key Takeaways:

• 409A Valuations: Learn the fundamentals of 409A valuations, why they matter for startups, and how they impact employees and advisors.

• Taxation Strategies: Discover effective tax planning techniques to minimize tax liabilities and maximize returns on your startup investments.

Speakers:

• Andy Torosyan, Partner at Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt LLP (HCVT)

• Daren Mesrobian, Partner and Head of Valuation Advisory Services at HCVT

Register here!

​The event is organized by SmartGateVC:

​SmartGateVC is a SoCal- and Armenia-based pre-seed and seed venture capital firm investing at the intersection of AI with healthcare, biotech, security and IoT across Southern California, wider U.S. and Armenia.

​​Hero House by SmartGateVC is a startup and innovation hub. It connects science, technology, entrepreneurship and capital, fostering the creation and advancement of new ventures.

We are elated to announce that Dot818 will be hosting an exclusive chess tournament during Glendale Tech Week. Aspiring participants are invited to register online and stand a chance to pit their skills against the renowned chess Grandmaster, Arman Mikaelyan.

Mikaelyan has won numerous tournaments and has earned the title of Vice-champion of the World Youth U16 Chess Olympiad. He also tied for first place at the World Open in 2022. 

Chess holds a revered position in Armenian culture, with its roots running deep into the nation's heritage. Children are introduced to the game from a young age and have excelled globally, participating in multiple competitions worldwide. It requires a great deal of logic and the ability to think ahead, as well as excellent concentration. Education and tech go hand in hand, and chess is the perfect introduction to acquiring skills in logic, agility, adaptability, and creativity. 

With this tournament, Dot818 aspires to spotlight the promising youth of Glendale making waves in the tech domain. We wish to inspire them further, urging them to embrace and master this timeless game of logic during Glendale Tech Week. Join us in this celebration of intellect and strategy!

About Arman Mikaelyan:
Arman Mikaelyan is an Armenian chess Grandmaster since 2017. In 2011, he became the Vice-champion of the World Youth U16 Chess Olympiad. Arman Mikaelyan won silver medal in Armenian Chess Championship in 2015. In August 2019, he finished third in the Riga Technical University Open "A" tournament. He tied for first place at the World Open in 2022. In 2015, Arman Mikaelyan was awarded the FIDE International Master (IM) title and received the FIDE Grandmaster (GM) title two years later.

Negotiation is a collaborative process with understanding at the core. For many the word negotiation can spark unease. However, when approached and managed appropriately negotiation can produce incredibly powerful results impacting how individuals and organizations communicate, live and do business.

Now more than ever, in a world of constant change, the art of negotiation is critical. Negotiations are not linear, they include many players and dynamics. Along with the importance of strategy and tactics, this session will focus on the importance of collaboration, empathy and understanding throughout the entire negotiation.

Speaker: Christine Soussa, Global Client Director of Equinix

Key Takeaways:

• Equip yourself with basic tools useful in everyday negotiations

• Successful negotiations are collaborative, not competitive or combative

• Recognize that understanding, empathy and preparation are fundamental to any negotiation

​The event is organized by SmartGateVC:

​SmartGateVC is a SoCal- and Armenia-based pre-seed and seed venture capital firm investing at the intersection of AI with healthcare, biotech, security and IoT across Southern California, wider U.S. and Armenia.

​​Hero House by SmartGateVC is a startup and innovation hub. It connects science, technology, entrepreneurship and capital, fostering the creation and advancement of new ventures.

Register Here!

Are you an early-stage founder eager to navigate the financial landscape with confidence? Join us for “Startup CFO Insights for Founders”, an event hosted in collaboration with Escalon to gain insights into fundamental financial concepts that could aid in your success.

Escalon provides an all-in-one solution for essential business services, enabling you to focus on what you do best: nurturing your business's growth.

Register here!

Join us and you’ll hear more about:

• What “Finance” is. Plus, why and when you may need it.

• F-S, KPIs, OKRs and more acronyms: What are these and how might they help your company?

• Cash: What are some ideas that could help you acquire, protect, make and grow it

Please join us for this immersive discussion.

Speaker Description: Jeneen Minter

Jeneen Minter is an accomplished finance leader with decades of experience in both private and public sectors, most notably in finance leadership positions at Allbirds, Zappos, and Mothership. Currently serving as a Fractional Consulting CFO at Escalon Services since March 2023, Jeneen is also an influential Start-up Advisor and Consultant, specializing in Strategy, Finance, and Analytics.

Join Tinker Club at this fun and interactive event with your child to learn how we can teach them to think and act like an engineer and solve a problem.

This event is for all families with children ages 5-12 to get into the challenge of making a structure to hold a can of soup!! Every family goes home a winner but one goes " the winner".

Children can be accompanied by one adult.

Join us for a discussion on the different paths to startup success, as we delve into the strategies of bootstrapping and attracting venture capital. This event will feature a distinguished panel of industry experts and founders, each bringing unique insights from their entrepreneurial journeys.

Moderator: Kenji Funahashi, Partner at WSGR

Panelist:

• Drew Kutcharian, Co-Founder & CTO at DISQO

• Ara Agopian, CEO at Solarinsure

• David Tonoyan, President at Dot818

During this discussion, our panelists will share their experiences, challenges, and successes in both bootstrapping and raising venture capital. Learn about the pros and cons of each approach, as well as the strategies that led to their respective achievements.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a startup founder, or an industry professional interested in the startup ecosystem, this event promises valuable insights and networking opportunities.

​The event is organized by SmartGateVC:

​SmartGateVC is a SoCal- and Armenia-based pre-seed and seed venture capital firm investing at the intersection of AI with healthcare, biotech, security and IoT across Southern California, wider U.S. and Armenia.

​​Hero House by SmartGateVC is a startup and innovation hub. It connects science, technology, entrepreneurship and capital, fostering the creation and advancement of new ventures.

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking to build a robust legal foundation for your startup? Join us for an informative and interactive event with Hayk Mamajanyan, Partner at Rimon PC.

"Building a Strong Legal Foundation for a Startup" is a must-attend event where we will delve into the essential aspects of creating a solid legal framework for your business. With Hayk's wealth of experience in corporate law, venture capital, and mergers & acquisitions, you will gain valuable insights to set your startup on the path to success.

Key Takeaways:

• Incorporation Strategies: Learn about different business structures, from LLCs to C-corps, and discover which one aligns best with your startup's vision and goals.

• Fundraising Essentials: Gain insights into the legals of fundraising, from understanding SAFE instruments to other convertible notes.

• and more (including legal compliance, contracts, agreements)!

Whether you're in the early stages of planning your startup or looking to optimize your existing legal framework, this event promises to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to build a strong legal foundation for your business.

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​The event is organized by SmartGateVC:

​SmartGateVC is a SoCal- and Armenia-based pre-seed and seed venture capital firm investing at the intersection of AI with healthcare, biotech, security and IoT across Southern California, wider U.S. and Armenia.

​​Hero House by SmartGateVC is a startup and innovation hub. It connects science, technology, entrepreneurship and capital, fostering the creation and advancement of new ventures.

Register Here!

Are you a tech enthusiast or professional keen on navigating the evolving landscape of tech jobs? Join us for an enlightening and interactive event with Dominick Tavitian, Founder & CEO of Refer Me, a platform that connects job seekers to professionals who can directly refer them to any job they want.

We will journey through the (recent) past, present, and future of tech employment, offering actionable insights to align with the industry's rapid pace. With Refer Me being an up and coming player in the job-tech market, we have insights that other companies aren’t sharing so attendees are set to gain a holistic understanding of where the tech job market is headed.

Register here!

Key Takeaways:

• Historical Perspective: Learn about the significant shifts and milestones that have led to the current tech job landscape.

• Tech Jobs in 2023 (what’s going on now): Understand the roles that are in demand this year, from AI specialists to quantum computing engineers. Discover the skills employers are prioritizing.

• The Road Ahead & Job Hunting Strategies: From augmented realities to green tech, get a sneak peek into the future of tech jobs. Learn what skills will be sought after and which industries promise growth.

Whether you're looking to make your first foray into the tech industry, or you're a seasoned professional aiming to stay ahead of the curve, this event guarantees a comprehensive overview to navigate the tech job world of 2023 and beyond.

Score the career of your dreams at The Glendale Tech Employment Fair and network with prospective employers to learn about jobs offered by companies looking to hire technology skilled jobs seekers.

This is a collaborative event, proudly hosted by the Verdugo Jobs Center, Glendale Community College.

Employers who will be present:

• Caltech

• Cisco

• CSGI

• Dot818

• Glendale Police Department

• LADWP

• LAUSD

• Phonexa

• Tinker Club

• California Army National Guard

• USC Verdugo Hills Hospital

• Techital

• Service Titan

• SMP Engineering

Register here

Join Attorney Tom Li, as he speaks about the main legal issues he sees with new startups that want to be VC-backed, why setting up the correct legal structure for your startup is so important for both founders and investors and what institutional investors will ask for your startup’s first VC financing.

Tom Li is an associate at Troy Gould PC. His practice focuses on representing entrepreneurs, emerging growth companies, and venture capital funds. He represents his clients in equity and debt financings, spinoffs, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, and other corporate transactions. Tom’s helps companies and their founders from the beginning stages of forming a company, through successive rounds of venture financing, and eventually in their exit events. He graduated from the UCLA School of Law.