The AI Demo Series: January Edition (Startup Grind + Community Partners)
Details
Startup Grind Silicon Valley is launching a new monthly AI Demo Series—a high-energy showcase for the next generation of AI founders.
Each month we rotate across leading SF tech HQs, bringing together the community where it’s strongest: in person.
This series is created in partnership with our new ecosystem partners: Founder Institute, AI Collective, Antler, and Bay Founders Club.
⭐ What to Expect
x10 live founder demos in a 2-minute presentation
VC panel feedback from top AI investors
Partner spotlights, rapid intros, and product showcases
The best in AI: founders, VCs, angels, and ecosystem partners
Networking mixer with the Bay’s most active builders
⭐ How to Apply
Want a chance to present - complete this form and we'll be in touch
Can't make Jan 8 or want to be considered for February and beyond - just let us know in the form
Here is your chance to stand out as not just "another AI Startup in Silicon Valley"
⭐ Format
Each startup gets 2 minutes to present:
A product demo or live walkthrough, and a microphone.
The problem, solution, market insight, and traction
The “AI edge” behind the product
VCs provide 2–3 minutes of live feedback after each demo.
⭐ Who Should Attend
AI startups (Pre-Seed → Seed+) looking for exposure, feedback, or fundraising momentum
Investors scouting early technical talent
Corporate partners exploring pilots or AI innovation
Ecosystem builders supporting the founder community
⭐ January Kickoff — Jan 8
Join us at Atlassian HQ as we open the series with a curated selection of early-stage AI companies, live insight from investors, and a community that’s actively building the future.
We will be in touch in the coming weeks with the chosen presenters
⭐ Bonus Prizes
For x2 lucky founders in attendance each month, we'll be giving away a Full Access ticket to the Startup Grind Conference in April, 2026
A VC meeting will be offered to x2 lucky founders who apply (even if you're not presenting but in attendance)
x3 founders will get access to the next Founder Institute cohort
If you’d like to pitch, host a future month, or explore sponsorship, reach out — this series was designed to be built with friends.
Agenda
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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.
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Strategics
Justworks (https://justworks.com)
Justworks is a technology company that levels the playing field for all small businesses. Through our software and as a partner, we help our customers take care of their teams, streamline their operations, and navigate the complex aspects of managing a workforce with confidence. Learn more at justworks.com.
Descope (https://www.descope.com)
Descope is the drag & drop auth platform for startups. Our no / low code solution helps companies add signup, login, MFA, SSO / SCIM, and AI agent authentication while keeping developers focused on the core product. Over 1000 organizations like GoFundMe, Databricks, You.com, Navan, and Delve use Descope to improve user onboarding, prevent account takeover, and securely adopt agentic AI.
Codelaunch
CodeLaunch is looking for startups from the U.S., Canada, and LATAM for the 2026 season. If you need real product traction to raise or grow, selected founders are matched with a professional Improving dev team to build fast at no cost and with zero equity taken. Finalists pitch live in front of investors, leading up to the World Championship in Dallas. Startup Grind founders get priority review—apply before February 1st.
Partners
Founders Institute (https://fi.co/los-angeles)
Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured online programs have helped over 8,100 startups raise over $1.9B in funding.
Apply to spring 2026 cohorts :
West Coast - https://fi.co/los-angeles
East Coast - https://fi.co/boston
Bay Founders Club (https://bayareafoundersclub.substack.com/subscribe)
Dr. Paul Fang is the President of Bay Area Founders Club (BFC), a thriving community of over 100,000 members, including more than 5,000 startups and over 1000 venture capital firms. Under his leadership, BFC has become a hub for innovation and collaboration, supporting startups that typically raise $1-10 million, with some surpassing $20 million. With a mission to empower creators and entrepreneurs who strive to make a global impact, Dr. Fang drives BFC’s efforts to foster connections, share kno
Antler (https://www.antler.co/)
Antler is the investor backing the world’s most driven founders, from day zero to greatness.
The AI Collective (https://www.aicollective.com/)
The AI Collective is a non-profit, grassroots community uniting 100,000+ pioneers – founders, researchers, operators, and investors – exploring the frontier of AI in major tech hubs worldwide. Through events, workshops, and community-led research, we empower the AI ecosystem to collaboratively steer AI's future toward trust, openness, and human flourishing.
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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-the-ai-demo-series-january-edition-startup-grind-community-partners/.