Welcome to our Chapter! Tell us what you're working on.

Summary: The discussion in the Startup Grind Silicon Valley chapter welcomes entrepreneurs and investors to share their projects and seek support. Derek Andersen encourages participants to introduce themselves and share their startup needs. Various participants describe their ventures, ranging from AI-driven platforms to fintech solutions and sustainability projects. The conversation highlights the community's focus on networking and collaboration, with members offering expertise, seeking partnerships, and discussing opportunities for investment and growth. Overall, the forum fosters a supportive environment for innovation and business development.

Excited to welcome everyone to the the original Startup Grind chapter in Silicon Valley. Tell us what you're working on and what you most need help with to get you to the next stage. We're here to help.

Derek AndersenAdmin

Posted 2 years ago · Edited 1 year ago·Last reply yesterday at 8:02 PM

49 comments

Joseph Wang

·yesterday at 8:02 PM

Hi everyone — I’m Joseph Wang, Founder & CEO of Airbender.

My journey began in Silicon Valley’s semiconductor industry, followed by more than three decades in technology leadership and international business development.

Today, I’m building the next chapter of Airbender, based on our patented ChiWavez® technology. We are exploring how this non-invasive technology can evolve into practical everyday wellness applications for people and companion animals, as well as future embedded applications.

At this stage, I’m especially interested in connecting with experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders, strategic partners, and investors who enjoy exploring how an established technology can be translated into meaningful new market opportunities.

I’m also exploring the possibility of finding the right person to help build Airbender’s next chapter in the U.S. — but I believe relationships like that should begin by working together, creating value, and building trust rather than starting with a title.

I look forward to meeting many of you at future Startup Grind events. I would be glad to contribute my own experience in technology and international business wherever it may be helpful.

Ben Holfeld

·3 months ago

Chen-Chen Huo

·1 year ago

Hey founders!

I'm Chen-Chen, a 2x YC founder and now startup partnerships manager at Intercom. Have personally been through almost every peak and trough of company building imaginable, so I'm excited to stay close to founders and support journeys.

If you're interested in learning more about how to uplevel and automate your customer support via Intercom, please feel free to reach out on LI. We have an insanely favorable deal for founders.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chenchenhuo

Otherwise, I'm also a bar owner in San Francisco (Polkcha on Polk St.) and am always happy to buy founders a drink. Cheers!

Amer Yahya

·1 year ago · Edited

Hi Everyone,

I am Amer, founder of DARI Ventures.

We Drive Growth for Startups Through Coordinated Influencer Campaigns That Build Brand Awareness, in Exchange for Equity.

At DARI Ventures, we help startups grow by building strategic brand awareness through large-scale, coordinated influencer campaigns. We partner with a curated network of high-impact creators to launch parallel, aggressive, year-round campaigns that drive attention, trust, and traction at scale — aligning their influence with the long-term success of the startups we support. In exchange for our work, we take equity and share it with our partner creators, creating a model where everyone wins. Our approach is built for founders who want meaningful reach without burning cash on traditional ads — and for creators who see their content as a long-term investment.

I’ve been working on this since April 2025. The initial and foundational steps—such as the website, company registration, and business plan—are all complete.

I am looking for a full-time co-founder with a strong interest in the creator economy and influencer marketing, who would lead and manage the influencer relations side of the business.

Feel free to reach me out at: Office@dariventures.com

Zohaib Patoli

·1 year ago · Edited

Hey everyone, I’m Zohaib, co-founder of Leapify.

We’re building an AI Business Partner for service-based SMBs. Leapify is the Operating System of the business, automating front and back-office tasks with AI agents. It handles follow-ups, scheduling, invoicing, support, and more in one unified platform.

Every company my brother and I have built and exited over the past decade has been in the SMB space. After working with over 5,000 SMBs, we saw the same issues over and over: disconnected tools, manual work, and limited visibility. Leapify was built to solve that.

We launched a month ago, hit $20K ARR, and are now raising our Seed round to scale.

Excited to be part of this community and always open to connecting with other founders or operators.

Cedric Bermond

·1 year ago

Hi Everyone - I'm Cedric. I've been in the games industry for over 30 years (I had hair when I started). I left EA earlier this year as a VP Technology to found a new AI Gaming studio with other industry veterans/friends (Roblox, Mythical, Scopely, NCSoft, Activision).

We're creating a new gaming platform rooted in the Life Simulation genre (think The Sims, Animal Crossing) with a twist :-)

Cheers!

Nitin Goel

·1 year ago · Edited

Hello Everyone!

I am Nitin Goel. I am currently building a Personal Health Knowledge Companion to help patients suffering from one or more chronic conditions to consolidate and make sense of their scattered health data.

It is a HIPAA compliant voice agent that ensures their health data is consolidated, complete and easy to understand and research about. My goal is to empower patients to have informed conversations with their providers and advocate for their own health.

I am a solo founder, pre-seed and looking for one or more co-founders to join my journey. I have a working prototype in place and a personal network of advisors in the healthcare space. Looking forward to meeting other early stage founders and exchanging ideas.

Feel free to reach out at nitin@aspenhealth.ai

ethan park

·1 year ago · Edited

Hello bay area founders and mentors !

I'm ethan and i am a community founder of BLT & Partners(we call it BnP for short). We help startups or any companies who want to expand their network/market in Asia (Korea & Japan is our usual focus). We are trying to build a platform that could bridge between US & Asia.

I'm pretty new here so I'm looking for some advice on how to network or whom/what events i should attend to know more about the startup industry.

Would love to connect and hear more about the startup scene.

Amir Gur

·1 year ago

Revolutionize global economy for the better. Real value will ensure everything designed and made is both sustainable and profitable.

Value Economy looks to revolutionize the economy for the better, to be real-value driven, which in turn makes businesses both Sustainable and Profitable. Also helps solidifying any non-business initiative. We look to collab w/ all networks!

And opened for speaking about it at relevant events.

Our vision aims and will improve the whole economy.

Then we also have a short list of focus areas - only those w/ the highest positive impact and the most critical / effective.

Colleen Pimentel

·1 year ago · Edited

Hi Bay Area Startups!

I aid B2B SAAS Startups at Seed and Series A with GTM, both from an advisory and in execution. Glad to meet everyone here and looking forward to add value to this commmunity

Ramon suarez

·1 year ago · Edited

Hello everyone! I’m thrilled to join this amazing community! I’m the proud founder of SALÜ AI & Company, where we’re on a mission to revolutionize an entire industry forever!. We are going after an industry that has existed for over 6,000 years! Figured it out yet? its tattoos! While we’re still in the early stages, our vision is bold, innovative, and focused on making a real impact.

In addition to building SALÜ, I have experience in web development, recruiting, 3D modeling (CAD), and research, and I’d love to offer my skills to anyone who might need assistance. I’m excited to network, exchange ideas, and attend events where we can all help each other succeed.

Reading some of these other posts inspires me—it’s amazing to see so many of us chasing our dreams. Best of luck to everyone, and I hope to connect with some of you at future events!

Derek Andersen

AdminOP1 year ago

Great to have you Ramon, welcome!

phong Nguyen

·1 year ago · Edited

Hello, this is late (I've just joined) but better late than never.

My name is Phong Nguyen, founder of SERA. We are an AI powered financial wellness framework, lifting people from Debt to Stability. SERA can help you pay down your CC debt faster, foster good spending habits, and build long term wealth for future stability, all regardless of income, credit or financial standing. It addresses problems like high credit card debt, poor financial habits, and wealth inequality.

A side note, while SERA can help anyone on their path to stability, it is the only choice for the 81M Americans who live near or below poverty level to get out of CC debt. Their low income and poor credit render them unserved by any financial institutions, even Fintech.

Please check out our site at getsera.io and let me know what you think. Just launched our Alpha and looking for pilots.

Excited to be here and learn more from all and hope to see you in person soon.

James Gee

Admin1 year ago · Edited

Hi everyone! This is exciting! I want to hear about your startup!

If we haven't met at a recent Silicon Valley event, then let's meet at the next one!!

Let's connect - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gee-sg/

Check out upcoming events we are hosting across the Bay Area!

https://www.startupgrind.com/silicon-valley-san-francisco-bay-area/

Derek Andersen

AdminOP1 year ago

There have been so many awesome experience to attend the past 6-months and we have some equally cool things coming. Thanks for driving the community forward James!

Justin Couto

·1 year ago · Edited

Hi, I am Justin, the founder and CEO of SoCreate. SoCreate is a revolutionary new platform where storytellers can create, AI-produce, and stream their stories online without the need for studios or publishers. It offers writers complete creative control with tools to market their stories and engage with their audience.

You can learn more here: https://www.SoCreate.it

Derek Andersen

AdminOP1 year ago

Hi Justin - Congrats on the launch of the new product. Excited to have you.

Guillermo Vizcaíno

Admin1 year ago

Hey everyone!

I’m really pumped about all the new events coming up in our Silicon Valley Chapter and seeing so many awesome founders doing amazing things.

I’m Guillermo Vizcaíno, or just G, the Global Community Director at Startup Grind. I’m here to help our community thrive and would love to get to know you better.

Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn if you need anything or just want to chat. I’m here for you!

👉🏻 https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillermovizcaino

Luca Albertinazzi

·1 year ago

Hi, I'm working in marketing for Bevy, and we are learning so much so quickly!

We are basically to increase awareness to accelerate the qualified lead gen for the company. Very excited to work at Bevy since our product is literally helping people to connect gather and enterprise organization to thrive while connecting people.

Mzondiwe Mwanza

·1 year ago · Edited

Thank you! Excited to be part of the Startup Grind Silicon Valley community! I'm Mzondiwe Mwanza, CEO of LendingScape Limited, a Zambian neo bank focused on providing financial services to the unbanked and underserved, including those without Internet access. We're launching a new platform next month, incorporating AI and peer-to-peer lending to revolutionize financial inclusion in Africa and other emerging markets.

Right now, I'm seeking support in scaling our digital platform, especially in areas like AI integration, regulatory navigation, and fundraising for expansion. If anyone has expertise in fintech, regulatory frameworks, or scaling tech in emerging markets, I'd love to connect!

Derek Andersen

AdminOP1 year ago

Good luck with the launch Mzondiwe!

Andrei Petrou

·1 year ago · Edited

Hi everyone,

I'm Andrei founder of braind. We are building an AI driven investment bank for Millenials and Gen Z. I and my co-founder have worked for Natixis, HSBC and JP Morgan IB and have experienced first hand the hardles of the sector. Spending many hours or sometimes days on research and analysis to compile a presentation that would eventually get rejected by the manager. Human biases and obsolete tools are also part of the problem.

Any introductions to investors or potential strategic partners are very much appreciated. Currently we are raising our pre-seed round.

Derek Andersen

AdminOP1 year ago

Hi Andrei, great to have you in the community.

James Gee

Admin1 year ago

Banking world > Startup world. I know the feeling! Good luck!!

Andrei Petrou

·1 year ago

Merci!

Elham Abbadi

·1 year ago · Edited

Hi from Jordan, A carbon credit hub. offsetting carbon needs partners and brokers

Derek Andersen

AdminOP1 year ago

Great to have you Elham welcome.

Scott Holman

·1 year ago · Edited

Hey Everyone,

I'm Scott Holman, Founder and CEO of Red Line Safety, a company dedicated to developing advanced wearable technology and communication networks for firefighters. With over 33 years of experience in Fire & EMS and as a recently retired Fire Captain, I understand firsthand the dangers firefighters face. Our innovative technology monitors vital signs, environmental conditions, and toxic gases in real-time, providing critical data to enhance safety and efficiency. We've also created a deployable LoRaWAN communication network that ensures connectivity in remote areas without cellular coverage. My mission is to improve firefighter health and safety, giving them the tools they need to perform their jobs more effectively and return home safely after every shift.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-holman-2013a93a/

Derek Andersen

AdminOP1 year ago

Hi Scott. Sounds like you're an expert on the problem. Congrats on the launch. Looking forward to seeing the company grow.

Russell Palmer

·1 year ago · Edited

Howdy ya'll! I'm Russell, up in the Marina District SF. I first got the start-up bug during my first job as a PM at Microsoft in Seattle, when some friends travelled down to Redwood City for the 2015 Global Conference.

Years later I've manifested my startup dream, founding CyberFilm AI in late 2021 and (after some pivots and team re-building) launched our first app SAGA live during my Startup Tent pitch last year at GC 2023.

A year later, we're growing strong, seeing traction, seem to have early Product-Market Fit, and are looking for Seed Round investors. Specifically, those who are interested in Generative AI (who isn't? ;) and ideally with connections to the Entertainment & Media industry.

Check out our app here, you can even test parts of it for free: https://writeonsaga.com/demos

Email me at: russellp@cyberfilm.ai

Derek Andersen

AdminOP1 year ago

Russell - member since 2015 that's amazing. Great to have you. Congrats on the traction and excitement around the app.

Russell Palmer

·1 year ago

Thanks Derek! I remember your interview with Sam Altman during 2015 GC, we chatted a bit about it at last year's Startup Exhibitors Summit + Happy Hour at the Google "Grove Experience Center" (and briefly at the rooftop party that year).

Here's a 3 min dem video if you want to see the app in action: https://youtu.be/iQ6JhAqeU-g

Users include Michael Bay Cinema, Producer of Breaking Bad, American Psycho, and more in over 50 countries!

Derek Andersen

AdminOP1 year ago

Thanks for reminding me. Great to reconnect. Great demo! 37k views?! That's amazing.

Andy Hao

·1 year ago · Edited

That's a great demo Russell - cool app!

Russell Palmer

·1 year ago

Awesome thanks for the support and kind words! Give it a try and email any feedback, it's free to sign up for the Basic version.

Here's a longer tutorial showing how to ideate a story from premise through to screenwriting: https://youtu.be/M09yL6hFf6Y

James Gee

Admin1 year ago

Hey Russell! Great pitch at the Soiree and fun running into you in Menlo Park! This chapter is so much fun!!

Russell Palmer

·1 year ago

Awesome, still bummed I couldn't make the Pitch Battle recently but def let me know the next one. Looking forward to seeing you at more fun events!

Sugeevan Shanmuganathan

·1 year ago · Edited

Hello Everyone!

I'm Sugeevan, co-founder of Dunya Habitats. We're tackling food security through our Dunya tinyFarm—a modular, climate-controlled hydroponic system inspired by beehives. Our system empowers communities to grow their own food sustainably, regardless of climate challenges.

We're currently raising our seed round and would love to connect with others interested in sustainable agriculture, food tech, or impactful investing. Although I won't be able to attend the upcoming event, I'm looking forward to staying engaged here and connecting with like-minded founders and investors.

If you'd like to learn more about Dunya Habitats please connect with me at Sugeevan@dunyahabitats.com or visit our website www.Dunyahabitats.com for more infro.

Best,
Sugeevan

Derek Andersen

AdminOP1 year ago

Hi Sugeevan. Great to have you here. Make sure and apply to Startup Grind's startup program. https://startup.startupgrind.com/

Chen Osipov

·1 year ago · Edited

Hi everyone, I’m Chen, co-founder of Safe Deal.

At Safe Deal, we are transforming the way people shop online by providing an AI-powered shopping assistant that ensures safe, smart purchases. Our platform helps users make informed decisions by tracking price histories, filtering fake reviews, and analyzing seller reputations, all in real time.

Our mission is to empower users with reliable insights, allowing them to avoid scams and make the best purchasing choices without stress. We’re excited to be expanding our reach and continuously improving online shopping safety.

Feel free to check out more about Safe Deal here: https://www.joinsafedeal.com/go?type=introductionChen.

Derek Andersen

AdminOP1 year ago

Hi Chen. Safe Deal sounds like it's solving a really useful problem. Hope to see you at an upcoming event.

Nilesh Dixit

·1 year ago · Edited

Hello, I’m working on scaling ZeeHub AI, a platform focused on enhancing operational efficiency and workforce utilization for industrial customers using AI. We’ve developed a robust product and have gained early traction with a few small businesses.

I’m looking for advice on securing funding and strategic partnerships to accelerate growth. Any support in these areas would be greatly appreciated.

Hans Sandhu

·1 year ago · Edited

Hello Nilesh!

That's great to hear! These are some of the most exciting times during a company's journey. I'm happy to give my perspective as this is my area of expertise (GTM growth).

Cheers,
Hans

James Gee

Admin1 year ago

Hans is the man!! Great offer for advice!

Derek Andersen

AdminOP1 year ago

Hi Nilesh and welcome to Startup Grind. We have a bunch of interviews coming up with early stage investors, I hope you can make it.

Quinn Ajero

·1 year ago · Edited

Hello I started a staff augmentation business that provides business support to small and medium sized businesses. I basically provide them with virtual assistants with varied skill sets from social media management, marketing, bookkeeping, general administrative work, IT support and many more. I am working on reaching businesses that are in need of my services.

Derek Andersen

AdminOP1 year ago

Hey Quinn. Congrats on launching your company.

Aaron Weiss

·1 year ago · Edited

Hello Bay Area Startups!

I'm Aaron and I lead Community at Foundation Capital. Excited to stay in the loop here and join an in person event soon.

We invest mostly in Enterprise B2B, Fintech, and Crypto at seed, pre-seed, or series A. If you're interested in learning more about FC, drop me a connection request on LinkedIn.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarontaylorweiss/

Derek Andersen

AdminOP1 year ago

Welcome Aaron! Foundation Capital is a great firm. Excited to have you.