Exploring Los Angeles’ Thriving Tech Scene: Key Events and Opportunities

Los Angeles is rapidly emerging as a vibrant tech hub, offering a wealth of opportunities for those eager to dive into the industry. With numerous organizations hosting events tailored to aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, there’s no better time to get involved. From networking mixers and educational workshops to pitch competitions and industry panels, the LA tech scene is brimming with chances to connect, learn, and grow.

*AI LA Event Calendar
Artificial Intelligence Los Angeles (AI LA) is a public benefit 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) communities of the Greater Los Angeles area. AI LA hosts numerous events every month. Some of the upcoming events include AI Policy Happy Hour, LA GenAI Meetup, and LA Founders & Investors.
Find them on: LinkedIn, Luma, Instagram, X, YouTube

Startup Coil Event Calendar
Startup Coil is a community that offers various services to entrepreneurs, including putting on events to help build through startup events. Startup Coil partners with KINN, a membership network, accelerator, and collaborative workspace, to put on a weekly event called Startup Cafe. Entrepreneurs, startups, and tech enthusiasts join together every Wednesday from 8:45 am to 10:30 am to meet and connect with like-minded people, industry professionals, and investors, while enjoying a nice cup of coffee. They also put on tech happy hours and many other partnered events. Some of this summer’s events have included an LA Tech BBQ and a Tech Summer Party.
Find them on: LinkedIn, Instagram, X

Expert Dojo Event Calendar
Expert Dojo is an active international early-stage startup accelerator in Southern California. They have an 8,500 SF venue three blocks away from the Santa Monica Pier with a rooftop overlooking 3rd Street Promenade. They host numerous events in LA and partner with many groups. Keep an eye out for their next event!
Find them on: LinkedIn, Instagram, X, YouTube

Just Go Grind Event Calendar
Just Go Grind, founded by Justin Gordon, is a platform that provides valuable insights and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs through interviews and articles featuring successful founders. In addition to its online content, Just Go Grind also hosts events that foster networking and learning opportunities within the entrepreneurial community. Some of their upcoming events include LA Startup Community Basketball, Pitch and Run LA, and LA Startup Community Coffee Meetup.
Find them on: LinkedIn, Instagram, X, YouTube

Techstars LA Event Calendar
Techstars Los Angeles is an accelerator program that supports early-stage startups through mentorship and investment, focusing on diverse and underrepresented founders across various sectors such as healthcare, fintech, and aerospace. They host many events like Demo Day, where startups pitch their businesses to a community of investors and mentors, fostering networking and collaboration within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Find them on: LinkedIn, Instagram, X, YouTube

TechWeek Los Angeles
LA Tech Week is an annual event in Los Angeles that showcases the region’s burgeoning startup ecosystem through a series of diverse events, including networking opportunities, panel discussions, and workshops, aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration among tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. Scheduled for October 14-20, 2024, it features around 30 events, such as fireside chats with industry leaders and pitch competitions for early-stage startups, all designed to connect participants with investors and thought leaders in the tech community.
Find them on: X, YouTube

The Rise and Fall of WeWork

WeWork, once a shining star in the tech industry, has had one of the most dramatic trajectories of the last startup boom. Founded in 2010 by Adam Neumann, the New York-based co-working company quickly became one of the country’s most valuable startups, reaching a valuation of $47 billion. With its sleek, modern design and vibrant community, WeWork revolutionized the office rental industry.

However, the company’s rapid expansion and ambitious commitments led to its downfall. Neumann’s overconfidence in committing $47.2 billion to lease obligations turned out to be a risky move, fueled by unrealistic expectations about the market’s size and growth rate. The company tried to expand into new areas like education and housing without a clear plan, leading to wasted resources and poor decisions.

In 2019, WeWork’s attempt at an initial public offering (IPO) was disastrous, revealing the company’s unsustainable business model. The pandemic further challenged its co-working model, and by 2020, the company was planning a bankruptcy filing. Despite its fall, Neumann managed to launch a new startup, Flow, with a $350 million investment from Andreessen Horowitz, aiming to turn apartment living into a utopian fantasy.

Lessons from WeWork’s Failure
WeWork’s story is a cautionary tale of rapid expansion without sustainable practices. The company’s downfall highlights the importance of having a clear vision and strategy, understanding the market, and maintaining financial discipline. Entrepreneurs can learn from WeWork’s mistakes by focusing on sustainable growth and making informed decisions.

Entrepreneurs Who Bounced Back from Bankruptcy

Many famous entrepreneurs have faced bankruptcy but refused to concede defeat, bouncing back to achieve even greater success. Here are a few notable examples:

Stan Lee
Stan Lee, the comic book crusader behind characters like Spider-Man and the X-Men, faced bankruptcy in the early 2000s when his online marketing company, Stan Lee Media, ran out of funds. However, he bounced back by co-founding POW! Entertainment and making high-profile cameo appearances, becoming a pop culture icon.

Walt Disney
Before creating Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney faced bankruptcy with his first studio, Laugh-O-Gram. He moved to Hollywood and, with his brother, formed the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio in 1923. Today, Disney’s company is the biggest media conglomerate in America.

George Foreman
The former world heavyweight boxing champion filed for bankruptcy in the late 1980s. He made a successful comeback in the ring and endorsed the George Foreman Grill, earning over $200 million from the deal.

Henry J. Heinz
Henry J. Heinz faced bankruptcy in 1875 due to harvest complications. He bounced back by forming F & J Heinz with his brother and cousin, eventually reshaping it into the H. J. Heinz Company, a multibillion-dollar success story.

Milton S. Hershey*
Milton Hershey faced multiple business failures before founding the Hershey Chocolate Company in 1900. His persistence paid off, and he became one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the confectionery industry.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles offers a unique blend of opportunities for entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts. Whether you’re attending networking events, pitch competitions, or industry panels, the city provides a vibrant ecosystem for growth and innovation.

For occasional travelers, we recommend visiting during LA Tech Week in October. This event showcases the region’s startup ecosystem and offers numerous opportunities to connect with industry leaders and investors. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the city’s tech scene and gain valuable insights.

For expert travelers, consider exploring the various tech hubs and co-working spaces in Los Angeles. Places like Expert Dojo and the Santa Monica Pier area offer a dynamic environment for startups and entrepreneurs. Engaging with these communities can provide deeper insights into the city’s entrepreneurial landscape and foster meaningful connections.

In conclusion, Los Angeles is a city of opportunities, where dreams can turn into reality. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an experienced traveler, the city’s vibrant tech scene and entrepreneurial spirit offer endless possibilities for growth and innovation. So, pack your bags, embrace the journey, and let Los Angeles inspire your next big idea.