AI-First Startups & Real Execution Tactics with Alec Coughlin

This month we are excited to feature Alec Coughlin, Principal at BairesDev and founder of AI with Alec. Alec has been infinitely curious about AI since 2016 and has built a community of 15,000+ executives learning enterprise AI together through his newsletter, podcast, and content. He helps leaders close the AI execution gap by building AI agents, agentic workflows, and compound AI systems that turn strategy into measurable results at scale. His philosophy is simple: Humans + Machines, not Humans vs Machines.

Hosted by Parker Mayes and James Fredley, this event brings together startup founders and teams with a panel of experts for real, practical conversations about building companies from the ground up.

We will explore what "AI-first" actually looks like day-to-day for a 1-10 person startup. Expect honest discussion on where founders are wasting the most time with AI right now, how to measure real ROI instead of just feeling productive, which tools are genuinely worth investing in, and how to connect tools into repeatable workflows so AI compounds over time. We will also cover using AI across sales and marketing to punch above your weight as a small team, plus how "build in public" can become a real growth engine when amplified by AI.

Alec brings a rare blend of deep enterprise AI architecture experience with a true founder's and operator's mindset (Ludlow Grow, previous GTM leadership at LivePerson, SapientRazorfish, and early AI documentation journey). He is also a local voice in the RTP startup scene and has spoken on topics like building AI-first businesses.

Community + Food This is an intimate, high-value space with only 100 seats available. Food and drinks will be provided.

Who This Is For:

• All founders
• Tech or tech-enabled startups
• Founders wanting real tactics

Why Attend? You’ll leave with:

• Real frameworks you can use tomorrow
• A deeper network of local founders
• A space to be honest about the challenges of building

Reserve your spot today and join a community of founders who are building, learning, and growing together.

Parking Options near Raleigh Founded (509 W North St, Raleigh, NC 27603) for ~5:45–8:30 PM (2.5–3 hours, weekday evening). Construction on North St/Glenwood Ave (Highline tower) may limit street access/spots.

• Street Parking (Glenwood South district) Location: W North St, Glenwood Ave & side streets (0–2 min walk) Rate: $1.25–1.50/hr, Free after 6 PM
• Lane Lot (Secure Parking USA / app) Location: 313 W Lane St (~4 min walk) $6.36 if you book in advance (gives you 10 hours): https://www.parkwhiz.com/locations/62103/checkout
• Centerline Lot (P706, Power Parking/HONK) Location: 509 W North St (at venue, 0 min walk) Rate: $6.65 (1 hr), $10.85 (2 hr), $15.95 (3 hr)
  First two hours, but overage is camera enforced: https://qr.mypowerparking.com/MfiWw4
• 222 Glenwood Parking Deck (The Car Park) Location: 222 Glenwood Ave (~3 min walk) Rate: $4/hr ($20 daily max) 2.5–3 hr: $12
• 510 Glenwood Parking Deck (The Car Park) Location: 510 Glenwood Ave (~4 min walk) Rate: $4/hr ($20 daily max) 2.5–3 hr: $12