The AI Demo Series: January Edition (Startup Grind + Community Partners)

Jan 9, 1:30 – 4:00 AM (UTC)

Silicon Valley, San Francisco Bay Area

Atlassian, 350 Bush Street, San Francisco, 94104

Startup Grind kicks off a new monthly AI Demo Series, in collaboration with Antler, Founder Institute, AI Collective, and Bay Founders Club. Join us Jan 8 for live founder demos, investor feedback, and high-energy networking as early-stage AI startups showcase what they’re building - and we'll tour a new tech HQ in SF each month.

In-person event

About this event

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.

Check out what happened

When

When

Friday, January 9, 2026
1:30 AM – 4:00 AM (UTC)

Organizers

  • James Gee

    Startup Grind

    Global Partnerships Manager

  • Derek Andersen

    Startup Grind

    Chapter Organizer

Strategic

Justworks logo

Justworks

Descope logo

Descope

Codelaunch logo

Codelaunch

Partners

Founders Institute logo

Founders Institute

Bay Founders Club logo

Bay Founders Club

Antler logo

Antler

The AI Collective logo

The AI Collective

About Startup Grind

This is Startup Grind. We are the world’s largest startup community.

Our Mission

To give startups everywhere the education and opportunities they need to build, grow, and scale their companies.

Our Values

We believe in making friends, not contacts. We believe in giving first, not taking. We believe in helping others before helping yourself.

Tools & Discounts for Startups

Take advantage of resources and offers provided by organizations we know and love, designed to help you navigate the startup journey.

Global Conference

Our annual flagship event in Silicon Valley brings together thousands of startup teams, investors and organizations from all over the world.

Join the Startup Membership

This membership gives you free access to networking, events, mentorship, office hours, and other exclusive opportunities curated by Startup Grind HQ.