Events from April 3 – September 11 – Founders Network

Achieving a $136M Exit: Key Lessons from Scaling a Security Tech Startup

Paul Anda — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Dive into the journey of building and scaling a business to a $136M exit with Ravi Sandepudi, co-founder of Effectiv, a leading fraud detection software company recently acquired by SoCure. In this session, Ravi will share the strategies and lessons behind achieving a $4.5M ARR with a lean team of 25, offering actionable insights for founders at every stage of growth.

Learn how to leverage domain expertise, foster a thriving remote-first culture, and navigate the challenges of fundraising and sales in a competitive market. Ravi will also discuss his transition from a technical role to a leadership position focused on business development and sales, sharing practical advice for founders facing similar shifts.

This event will provide a unique opportunity to gain insights into building trusted teams, creating products that stand out in competitive industries, and preparing for strategic exits. Don’t miss this chance to hear firsthand from a founder who has successfully navigated the complex world of cybersecurity, technology, and business growth.

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Wagner, Head of Member Success at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

Ravi Sandepudi is the Co-founder and CEO of Effectiv. Before starting Effectiv, Ravi was the Director of Product Development at PayPal, leading their efforts in building cutting-edge fraud protection services for thousands of merchants, launching PayPal in China and developing their privacy infrastructure. Ravi joined PayPal via the acquisition of Simility, a pioneer in fraud detection software, where he was the first employee and led their offices in India and UK. Prior to Simility & PayPal, he worked at Google in their Risk, Trust & Safety organization building systems that detected fraud, malware and abuse across products like Google Search, Ads & Google Pay.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

Complimentary Ticket:

Are you a full-time tech founder? Be our guest! We’re making our events available to tech founders everywhere. Enjoy a complimentary ticket to come learn from fellow tech founders, partners and investors. Already used your complimentary guest pass? Request an invite to see if you qualify for membership.

About Founders Network:

Founded in 2011, Founders Network offers lifelong peer mentorship to over 600 tech startup founders globally. Our platform, programs and high-touch service facilitate authentic experience sharing, warm introductions and long-term professional relationships. Additional benefits include over $500k in startup discounts and promotion to 2,000 newsletter readers. Members are located in San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto, London and other tech hubs. Each month our Membership Committee admits a new cohort of full-time tech founders who are nominated by an existing member. Learn more about us here

Confidentiality Policy

All information shared within Founders Network is strictly confidential. We are built on a foundation of trust, and the community takes confidentiality seriously. Investors, members, and staff all share experiences and opinions off the record. In this roundtable forum, we continue to model our fnValues of Reciprocity, Humility, Authenticity and Inclusivity. Read more about our Privacy Policy here.

From Startup to Unicorn: Scaling Globally & Merging with Fierce Rivals

Paul Anda — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Discover the journey of Davis Siksnans, an entrepreneur who redefined what’s possible in Latvia’s startup ecosystem. As the founder of Printful, Latvia’s first unicorn, Davis turned a bold vision into a $300 million global powerhouse in the print-on-demand industry, with over 2,000 employees across 10 locations worldwide.

In this session, Davis will dive deep into the strategies that propelled his company to the forefront of the market. He will share his approach to overcoming competitive challenges, including his leadership in orchestrating the unprecedented merger between Printful and its fierce rival, Printify. Attendees will gain insights into the operational excellence and cultural understanding that allowed Davis to scale Printful internationally while maintaining a strong foundation in Europe.

The session will also explore Davis’ unique perspective on navigating international expansion, bridging diverse markets, and fostering innovation in high-growth environments. Davis’ experience offers invaluable lessons for founders looking to scale their businesses globally, manage competitive dynamics, and lead through transformative growth.

If you’re a founder, business leader, or investor curious about the behind-the-scenes of building and scaling a unicorn, this event will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable takeaways. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn directly from one of the inspiring figures in the European startup scene.

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Wagner, Head of Member Success at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

CEO of Mapon | Co-founder and Former CEO of Printful (Latvia’s First Unicorn) | Investor & Advisor

Davis Siksnans co-founded Printful, Latvia’s first unicorn, and led the company to global success. He is currently the CEO of Mapon, a fleet management SaaS company. As an investor, Davis is active through Draugiem Capital and is a member of the BAD Ideas Fund and a Fund Fellow at Founders Syndicates.

His angel investments include Hyperjob, RoomPriceGenie, Respeecher, and more. Davis has supported over 100 startups through Draugiem Group and is recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and awarded the Order of the Three Stars, Latvia’s highest civilian honor.

Davis shares his expertise on scaling businesses and international expansion through various media outlets and podcasts.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

Complimentary Ticket:

About Founders Network:

Confidentiality Policy

From Theater to Tech: Jason Kassin’s Path to Raising $140M and Exiting

Paul Anda — Tue, 06 May 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Gain valuable insights from Jason Kassin, a technology entrepreneur and pioneering entertainment executive. Jason will share his remarkable journey from theater and film to founding FilmTrack, a leading SaaS platform for content rights management, which he successfully scaled from startup to an acquisition by City National Bank.

Discover how Jason leveraged his creative background in storytelling and improvisation to pitch investors, secure over $140 million in funding, and navigate multiple acquisitions. He’ll also provide insights from his current role as an advisor, angel investor, and board member, offering perspectives on scaling businesses, fundraising, and the evolving intersection of technology and entertainment.

Whether you’re an early-stage founder or scaling your startup, Jason’s expertise in execution, strategic partnerships, and investment will provide actionable takeaways to help you succeed on your entrepreneurial journey.

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Wagner, Head of Member Success at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

Jason Kassin is a technology entrepreneur and entertainment industry executive with a deep understanding of the intersection between media and technology. As the founder and former CEO of FilmTrack, Jason played a pivotal role in transforming how the entertainment industry manages content rights, royalties, and licensing agreements.

Beyond his entrepreneurial journey, Jason has held leadership roles in the financial sector, helping City National Bank expand its entertainment finance division after FilmTrack’s acquisition. Today, he is an active angel investor, board member, and advisor, working with startups across various industries to refine their go-to-market strategies, fundraising efforts, and business models.

In addition to his work in technology and investment, Jason has a background in screenwriting and film production, with credits at DreamWorks, Fox, and NBC. He continues to explore storytelling through documentary filmmaking. Jason has sold scripts to major studios and co-produced the award-winning documentary It Ain’t Over, which became one of Netflix’s most-streamed sports documentaries.

He serves on multiple advisory boards and remains passionate about fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in their growth journeys.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

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How Thejo Kote Built and Sold Two Startups for $440M

Paul Anda — Wed, 21 May 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Thejo Kote is a serial entrepreneur who has built and successfully exited two companies, Automatic and Airbase, for a combined total of $440M. His journey from an aspiring founder to a seasoned entrepreneur provides valuable insights into the complexities of scaling, securing funding, and building high-performing teams. In this session, Thejo will discuss the key lessons he learned while navigating the challenges of growing a hardware startup with Automatic, which was sold to SiriusXM for $115M, and later transitioning to enterprise software with Airbase, which was acquired by Paylocity for $325M.

He will share his experiences in developing a strategic approach to business growth, balancing financial discipline with bold decision-making, and shaping company culture to support long-term success. Thejo’s insights into fundraising, market positioning, and leadership will provide attendees with actionable strategies to tackle the common pitfalls faced by early-stage founders. From overcoming operational hurdles to embracing intellectual honesty and adaptability, Thejo’s story serves as a playbook for entrepreneurs looking to build scalable and successful businesses.

Join us for an in-depth conversation where Thejo will offer practical advice, candid reflections, and strategic frameworks that can help founders at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Wagner, Head of Member Success at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

Thejo Kote is the Founder and former CEO of Airbase, a spend management platform designed for mid-market and enterprise companies. Prior to Airbase, Thejo co-founded Automatic, a connected car platform acquired by SiriusXM in 2017.

He also co-founded NextDrop, where he served as co-founder and advisor from 2009 to 2016. Earlier in his career, he was a senior engineer at Netcore Solutions and a software engineer at Infosys Technologies.

Thejo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University (2000-2004). He later pursued a Master’s degree at University of California, Berkeley, in the School of Information (2009-2011), which provided him with the technical and analytical skills that have been instrumental in his successful career in the tech industry.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

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About Founders Network:

Confidentiality Policy

Lessons from a Proven CEO: Scaling, Exits, and Navigating AI Trends

Paul Anda — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:30:00 +0000

With over 30 years of leadership experience, Patrick Dennis, CEO of Avaya, will share invaluable insights for tech founders navigating the complexities of leadership transitions and business scaling. Drawing on his extensive track record, including his transformative role at Venafi, where he led the company through a $1.5B acquisition by CyberArk, as well as his tenure at ExtraHop and Aspect Communications (now Alvaria), Patrick will explore a critical question for many founders: when is it time to replace yourself as CEO?

Patrick will explore how to recognize success-based problems as signals of growth and discuss how to address personal gaps without viewing them as failures. He’ll provide practical strategies for balancing the founder’s creative vision with the operational expertise needed for scaling, and emphasize the mindset shift required to pivot from day-to-day management to high-level strategic leadership.

In addition, Patrick will share insights on the current dynamics of the startup ecosystem. He’ll focus on the increasing need for cash preservation in today’s market, particularly as capital becomes more expensive, and explore the necessary strategic adjustments for companies with fewer than 100 employees. He will also discuss how AI advancements—especially in voice interfaces and communications—are opening new doors in previously untapped markets, presenting opportunities that could significantly expand the software economy.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a seasoned CEO and gain actionable insights that can elevate both your leadership and your business. Join us and discover strategies to take your company to the next level!

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Wagner, Head of Member Success at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

Patrick Dennis is the CEO of Avaya, a global leader in enterprise communications. With over three decades of experience in enterprise software, SaaS, cybersecurity, and communications, Patrick has held transformative leadership roles, including CEO of Venafi, where he drove the company’s sale to CyberArk for $1.5B. Previously, he served as CEO at ExtraHop, Aspect Communications (now Alvaria), and Guidance Software. Patrick has also held senior roles at EMC and Oracle. His leadership has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth at every company he’s led. He holds a B.S. in Information Technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology and is an active contributor to the Forbes Technology Council.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

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About Founders Network:

Confidentiality Policy

Windward’s $270M Exit: Market Choice & Content Strategy Lessons

Paul Anda — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:30:00 +0000

In this session, we’ll hear from the founder of Windward, a pioneering maritime AI company that uses satellite technology to bring visibility to ocean shipping. From his background as a naval officer to co-founding Windward and achieving a $270M exit, he’ll share key lessons learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey, offering valuable insights into the challenges and strategies that shaped his success.

He’ll discuss how market choice is one of the most important decisions a founder can make, often more impactful than assembling the perfect team. He’ll explain how surrounding yourself with positive, motivated people is essential for company growth, while negativity can hold back progress.

As a hands-on leader with a “fighting to win” mentality, he combines strategic vision with meticulous attention to detail, from reading sales reports daily to speaking directly with engineers and customers. Founder-led marketing was crucial to Windward’s growth, with Ami personally engaging with stakeholders and driving a content strategy that resulted in 13 billion unique views and regular media coverage in outlets like the NYT and WSJ.

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Wagner, Head of Member Success at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

Ami Daniel is co-founder and CEO of Windward. In this capacity he has been featured extensively as an expert in shipping and AI at multiple conferences, events, op-eds and interviews including by The Economist, FT, WSJ, Bloomberg and many others. He was recognised as one of the 40 most promising entrepreneurs in Israel twice by Israel’s leading economical newspapers – Globes and The Marker. Under his leadership Windward has been awarded multiple awards including as a finalist in the Boldness in Business Awards by the FT, Red Herring, The Hottest Startup in Israel by Wired and many others. Ami serves on the advisory board of “My Wave” NGO which empowers traumatized or misprinted youth by teaching them to surf.

Before founding Windward, Ami has been one of Israel’s most impactful youth social entrepreneurs, founding a community centre in Haifa when he was 16, as well as another national scale social empowerment program. For these he was given multiple awards including the President’s Award and the Ramon Award (both the most distinguished for youth in Israel).

Ami served as a naval officer (Lieutenant) in the Israeli Navy and he holds an LLB from Tel Aviv University.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

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Confidentiality Policy

Lessons from FinTech Veteran William Nass: Scaling, Exiting & Investing

Paul Anda — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Join us for an exclusive session with William Nass, co-founder of a FinTech company that pioneered automated loan underwriting for financial institutions.

After successfully navigating multiple technology pivots and building a SaaS platform, William sold his company to Meridian link, a portfolio company of Thoma Bravo, in 2020 for over $100M after 32 years in operation. In this session, he’ll share key insights on scaling a company in a rapidly changing sector, the importance of market timing, and lessons learned throughout his journey.

William will also delve into his new role as a mentor and investor, offering guidance for early-stage companies. He’ll share the importance of mentorship, how to approach private investing, and the strategies that have worked for him when advising and supporting revenue-generating startups.

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Wagner, Head of Member Success at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

William Nass is a FinTech veteran with over 30 years of experience in building and scaling companies. He co-founded a pioneering FinTech company in 1982, successfully adapting to technological shifts and ultimately developing a SaaS platform that automated loan underwriting for financial institutions. After 32+ years of operation, William sold the company to Meridian link, a portfolio company of Thoma Bravo, for over $100M in 2020.

In addition to his entrepreneurial success, William is deeply involved in mentoring and private investing. He has contributed to initiatives such as SCORE, VMT, and FAU Tech Runway, providing invaluable guidance to early-stage startups. His current focus is advising and investing in revenue-generating companies, helping them navigate growth challenges and scale effectively.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

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About Founders Network:

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The Human Touch in Tech: Cynthia Benjamin on Scaling Together Senior Health

Paul Anda — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Cynthia Benjamin, CEO and Co-Founder of Together Senior Health, takes us through her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from the founding of her innovative healthcare startup to its acquisition by Linus Health.

With a career that spans health, tech, and nonprofit sectors, Cynthia will share the key insights that guided her as she built a company dedicated to helping Alzheimer’s and dementia patients live healthier, more independent lives at home.

In this fireside chat, Cynthia will explore the critical role of strong co-founder relationships, the delicate balance between cutting-edge technology and the human touch, and the challenges and rewards of securing both grant and private funding. She’ll also reflect on the MVP development process, team-building strategies, and navigating the complexities of healthcare innovation.

Throughout the discussion, Cynthia will emphasize the value of diverse career experiences in shaping an entrepreneurial mindset and offer key lessons on the power of continuous learning, perseverance, and intuition in building a successful business.

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Wagner, Head of Member Success at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

Cynthia Benjamin has a long and varied career, beginning in 1985 as a Product Design Engineer at IDEO Product Development. In 1989, she founded and became President of Samson-McCann, Inc. She later joined Strategic Decisions Group in 1998 as a Senior Engagement Manager, leading strategy and management consulting teams. In 2006, Cynthia took on the role of Director of Innovation at IMS Health, where she helped create a Big Data and Health IT growth platform. She also served as an Innovation Lab Principal and Global Process Lead, as well as a Principal in Strategy and Portfolio Analytics Consulting.

In 2014, she joined Thrive Foundation as Director of Design and Innovation, leading the foundation’s tool and resource development initiatives. Cynthia began consulting independently in 2016, focusing on Strategy, Innovation, and Impact. She became the CEO and Co-Founder of Together Senior Health in 2017, a leading digital therapeutic and community platform for individuals with Alzheimer’s or cognitive decline. Cynthia also teaches at Stanford University’s d.school, where she provides design and forecasting frameworks to innovators.

Cynthia holds an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business, a MS in Mechanical Engineering/Product Design from Stanford University, and a BS in Product Design Engineering from Stanford. She also participated in Semester at Sea, Institute for Shipboard Education.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

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From Military Tech to AI Exit: Co-Founders, Strategy & Growth

Paul Anda — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Liran Hason’s career blends technical innovation with entrepreneurial strategy, resulting in a successful startup exit and valuable lessons for aspiring founders. Having begun his coding journey at age 10, Liran served in one of Israel’s elite military tech units, where he honed his technical and leadership skills. After gaining business experience at Adallom (acquired by Microsoft), he transitioned to venture capital, investing in early-stage companies with Aleph Ventures.

In 2019, Liran co-founded Aporia, a cutting-edge AI observability platform that raised $30M and achieved a successful exit when it was acquired by Coralogix in December 2024.

During this session, Liran will share actionable insights from his journey, focusing on early-stage challenges, the art of fundraising, and the emotional and strategic realities of startup life. Attendees will gain a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in the startup world, from building strong co-founder relationships to balancing customer-focused problem-solving with investor-focused vision-setting.

This session will feature a mix of recorded insights and off-the-record anecdotes, making it a unique opportunity to learn directly from a founder who has successfully navigated the path from idea to acquisition.

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Wagner, Head of Member Success at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

Liran Hason is a tech entrepreneur and leader with expertise spanning military technology, venture capital, and AI innovation. At the core of his success is his ability to combine a deep technical background with a keen business acumen, honed through roles in both startup and investment ecosystems.

Liran’s entrepreneurial journey began in Israel’s military tech unit, where he refined his skills before moving into business at Adallom (acquired by Microsoft) and later in venture capital with Aleph Ventures. In 2019, he co-founded Aporia, a leading AI observability platform, which raised $30M and was successfully acquired by Coralogix in 2024. Known for his work ethic and collaborative mindset, Liran has built companies that solve real-world problems while maintaining a long-term strategic vision. He is now sharing his expertise to inspire the next generation of founders and innovators.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

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About Founders Network:

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Beyond the Idea: Elad Ben Meir on Building a Thriving Startup

Paul Anda — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 16:30:00 +0000

What separates startups that thrive from those that fail? According to Elad Ben Meir, success isn’t just about having a great idea—it’s about the relationships, strategy, and discipline that fuel long-term growth. With over 15 years of experience leading high-growth companies and executing successful turnarounds, Elad has transformed struggling businesses into thriving market leaders.

His approach underscores the importance of strong founder relationships, comparing them to a marriage that requires continuous communication, trust, and alignment. Without this foundation, even the most innovative startups can struggle. He also emphasizes the need for transparency at every level—founders, management, and investors—ensuring alignment and a shared vision for success.

Elad cautions against the dangers of overspending in pursuit of rapid growth. He advocates for a balanced approach, making calculated investments that drive scale while maintaining financial discipline. He will also share his insights on choosing the right investors, warning that big-name backers aren’t always the best fit if their vision, culture, or expectations don’t align with a startup’s long-term goals.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from Elad Ben Meir’s extensive experience in scaling high-growth startups and leading successful turnarounds. Whether you’re just starting out or navigating the complexities of growth, his expertise in founder relationships, communication, financial discipline, and investor alignment is invaluable.

Opening Remarks @ 9:30am PT

Join us for opening remarks with Dina Wagner, Head of Member Success at Founders Network, to get the latest updates from the Network and opportunities for getting involved.

Keynote Speaker @ 9:40am PT

Elad Ben-Meir is a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO, and turnaround specialist with a proven track record in scaling startups, executing successful exits, and revitalizing struggling businesses. As the CEO of SCADAfence, he brings over 15 years of leadership experience in high-growth environments, financial turnarounds, and market repositioning. Previously, he served as VP of Marketing and Strategic Accounts at CyberInt and VP of Marketing and Products at indeni.

Elad is known for leading companies through crisis situations, securing strategic partnerships, and driving disciplined execution that leads to sustainable success. A strong advocate for financial discipline and founder-investor alignment, he regularly advises startups on raising capital, scaling responsibly, and avoiding common growth pitfalls. He holds a BA in Computer Science & Economics from Tel Aviv College and is a sought-after speaker in the cybersecurity and IT sectors.

Stage-Based Roundtables @ 10:30am PT

Complimentary Ticket:

About Founders Network:

Confidentiality Policy