The LA Grind: Week of October 6th

Upcoming events, venture deals, LA opportunities, and more in Los Angeles this week.

Author

Justin Gordon
October 06, 2025

👋 I’m Justin. I run The LA Grind, host the Just Go Grind podcast, and scout for Headline. I’ve lived in LA since 2018, earned my MBA from USC (✌️), and I’m probably out running when I’m not writing this.

A few things for you this week:

  • My friend is the Chief of Staff at Robyn AI, which just launched on the App Store. Robyn is an emotionally intelligent AI designed to help people feel truly seen and connected. Backed by top investors and fresh off a $5M seed round. Check it out!

  • On my end, I’m exploring annual sponsors, growing the LA Grind Club, and looking for a designer to help with physical signage and Luma images. Lots in motion.

I’m also planning ahead for our first retreat in 2026 and would love your input.

When would you prefer the Q1 2026 founder retreat for The LA Grind?

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Let’s get to it.

Safeguard Your Startup’s IP Now.

I’ve gotten to know Marc Hankin from HPL Law in the past few months and can say he is one of the most genuine, supportive people you will meet. While I have not worked with him as my attorney yet, I have seen firsthand how much he cares about helping founders protect what they are building.

Marc and his team at HPL Law advise inventors, startups, and growth-stage companies on patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and licensing across California, the US, and beyond.

Their IP Check-Up helps you:

  • Confirm ownership is in your company’s name

  • Make sure assignments are signed and recorded

  • Stay on top of renewals and maintenance fees

  • Get one clear dashboard of assets, numbers, evidence, and owners

Before your next fundraise, launch, or M&A conversation, know exactly where you stand.

Email Marc E. Hankin at [email protected] to get started. Learn more at HPL’s website.

Upcoming Events

⭐️ Featured Event ⭐️

🗓️ *October 7: Los Angeles Franchise Pitches. Venice. 6 - 8 pm. Franchising is the silent giant powering many of America’s self-made millionaires. They’re running “boring but wildly profitable” businesses in garment cleaning, fast food, pet care, youth enrichment, and more.

Learn how franchising really works and how franchisees are financing up to 90% of new businesses with SBA loans, while connecting with competitive brands in an intimate setting, meeting high-profile guests like NBA and NFL players and business executives, and networking with seasoned multi-unit franchisees.

🌴 Upcoming Events I’m Hosting 🌴 

🗓️ October 16: The LA Grind and Polsinelli's Curated Coffee & Tech Mixer - #LATechWeek. Room for 1 more sponsor. Santa Monica. 8-10 am.

🗓️ October 21: Members Breakfast. Santa Monica. 9 - 10:30 am. Become a member to attend.

🗓️ October 22: Members Coffee Meetup. San Marino. 8 - 9:30 am. Become a member to attend.

🗓️ October 28: Seed to Series B Founder Dinner. Thank you to Kind Heart, Trinet, and Clarify for sponsoring!

🗓️ November 5: Curated Founder & Investor Dinner. More details still being finalized. This is a special dinner experience with a private chef and curated group. Looking for 1 or 2 sponsors.

🗓️ November 12: Seed to Series B Founder Dinner. Reach out of you’d like to sponsor this dinner.

🗓️ November 16: Founders LA Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks Game. This should be a lot of fun, getting a great group of founders together to watch an NFL game at the incredible stadium I haven’t seen in person yet!

🗓️ December 11: The LA Grind: Startup Community Holiday Party. Early bird tickets now available! Taking place at a beautiful private residence in West Hollywood.

👋 This Week 👋 

🗓️ October 7: WeAreLATech: LA Tech Community Walk. Venice. 4:15 - 5:15 pm.

👀 Coming Soon 👀 

🗓️ October 14: Founder Mode. Santa Monica. 5:30 - 8 pm. 20% off with code LAGRIND.

🗓️ October 16: Paw'ffice Hours - #LATechWeek. Century City. 6 - 8 pm.

Want to submit an event for consideration in the next edition? Fill out this form.

*This is sponsored content.

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Top 5 LA Startup & VC Firm Jobs

Head of Finance @ Venture Capital Firm

VP, Investor Relations @ Venture Capital Firm

Head of Growth @ Commonwealth

Investment Opportunity

Founded by Kelly Kerin (Neuroscience, Penn), Innerverse is redefining brain health: making cognitive wellness as intuitive as skincare or gut health. Innerverse supports your brain today and protects your brain for years to come, starting with liquid supplements designed for morning and night and growing towards a whole ecosystem of products. They’re raising to bring brain wellness mainstream. Join them in building this category-defining brand.

Know a founder or investor in Los Angeles who is raising capital or searching for a co-founder? Reply to this email with more details that I could share in this newsletter for 5,000+ founders, investors, and operators.

The LA Grind’s first Community Partner is Marc Hankin of HPL Law!

Marc advises inventors and high-growth teams on patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and licensing. Before your next fundraise, launch, or M&A chat, know where you stand by talking with Marc, who you can reach at [email protected].

Marc can often be found at startup events in LA and has been one of the biggest supporters of The LA Grind since its inception!

Price.com, an AI-powered savings platform that aggregates coupons, cash-back, and price comparisons for online shoppers, raised $12M led by Waterbridge Capital.

Talus Network, a decentralized AI prediction and agent protocol, raised $10M from the Sui Foundation, Walrus Foundation, and Polychain Capital.

Angel City Football Club, one of the world’s most valuable women’s professional sports teams, brought on Chris Paul, Solina Chau, Ina Coleman, and Paul Bernon as new investors.

Send any fundraising news for LA-based companies or funds, including your own, to [email protected].

Featured Location

Bestia. One of LA’s most iconic spots, tucked in the Arts District with a raw industrial design and an open kitchen that keeps the energy buzzing. Come for the bold Italian flavors and stay for the vibe that makes every night feel like an occasion.

Fun Events

See you next week,

Justin

P.S. Want to connect?

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