The LA Grind: Week of June 23rd

Upcoming events, venture deals, investment opportunities, and more.

Author

Justin Gordon
June 23, 2025

Curated events and standout stories for LA’s most ambitious founders, builders, and investors.

👋 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.

Want to connect?

I’m in the very early stages of exploring a physical clubhouse on the Westside for the LA startup community—hot desks by day, weekly events at night, plenty of coffee, and more.

I first explored this idea a year ago, but with the growth of The LA Grind, which is now over 1,800 subscribers, I’m coming back to it.

I’d love your feedback below!

If The LA Grind Clubhouse opens on LA’s Westside this fall, what is the highest monthly price you would pay to join?

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Let’s get to it.

Upcoming Events

🌴 Upcoming Events I’m Hosting 🌴 

🗓️ June 24: Startup Community Mixer. ​Taking place at one of my favorite locations in Santa Monica! Only room for 40 people. ~10 tickets left.

🗓️ July 8: Curated Founder Dinner. Our first one filled up fast, so I’m organizing another! Message me if interested in sponsoring.

🗓️ July 12: LA Startup Community Hike. We had our first one in months and it was so much fun so we’re running it back again.

I’m currently planning another poker night, beach bonfire, fundraising chat, and founder breakfast.

This Week

🗓️ June 24: LA Health Tech Hang. A monthly meetup for healthcare and tech professionals to connect, share ideas, and build community in a relaxed, informal setting.

🗓️ June 25: Green Economy Un-Conference 2025. A one-day event where professionals and leaders gather to explore innovative solutions for sustainability, green economy, and environmental justice.

🗓️ June 25: BuildUp LA Series - LA Major Events Business Readiness Summit. Businesses prepare for major upcoming events like the 2028 Olympics, focusing on infrastructure, workforce, and economic growth.

🗓️ June 26: AI's Transformation of Media, Art, & Entertainment. ​Explore investing in and building applied AI solutions and platforms in media and entertainment as well as witness performances and learn a little history on the cutting edge of tech and art.

🗓️ June 26: Burbank Tech Talks Presents: Burbank Startup Pitch Fest. Bold entrepreneurs pitching their startups in front of a panel of expert judges.

🗓️ June 26: Cars & Capital | Presented by CarClub & Maserati. An exclusive event for Founders, Creators, Family Offices and Investors.

🗓️ June 27: AI LA Responsible AI Symposium 2025. Explores how AI is reshaping the future of work.

🗓️ June 27: Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) for Early Stage Companies (VIRTUAL). Ethan Smith, founder and CEO of Graphite, shares his insights and recommendations on how early-stage companies can win in "Answer Engines." Co-hosted by Tony Yang, Head of Growth @ Mucker Capital.

🗓️ June 28: Global AI Council Summit Los Angeles. AI leaders and enthusiasts discuss the ethical and practical impacts of artificial intelligence through panels, a keynote, and networking.

Coming Soon

🗓️ July 3: tidalDAO: The Swell, Wave V. A relaxed Solana community meetup in LA for builders, artists, and investors to network, share ideas, and collaborate.

🗓️ July 9: Investor Only Future of Deep Tech Summit by FIC & DTI. An exclusive Santa Monica summit where investors explore AI, quantum computing, aerospace, and national security through expert talks and panels.

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

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I’d love to feature more amazing LA-based founders in The LA Grind.

I’ve recently featured:

Know a founder crushing it in LA?

Nominate them for our next spotlight!

Feel free to nominate yourself as well 😊 

Recent Notable LA Startup Deals

Andrenam raised a $10M seed round led by First Round Capital.

OutcomeMD has raised $15.2M in an initial filing from an offering of $17.6 Million.

Dôen raised Series A funding led by Silas Capital.

ColorCreative, Issa Rae’s management and production company, has secured investment backing from Harbourview Equity Partners.

Please send any fundraising news for LA-based companies or funds to [email protected].

Investment Opportunities

Spill is reimagining social media and currently raising on Wefunder. Current investors include MaC Venture Capital, Kapor Center, and Collide Capital.

A friend of mine in LA is raising a seed round for his trailer rental marketplace. Currently backed by LAUNCH and Forum Ventures.

Two other friends of mine in LA are raising their first venture funds, one just had his first close.

Email me at [email protected] if you want to know more about any of these opportunities.

Career Opportunities

Head of Creative Studio @ Genius Sports

Senior Technical Program Manager @ GrayMatter Robotics

Are you or your portfolio company hiring in LA? Looking for a co-founder? Raising capital? We’d love to help you. Fill out this form to get started or reply to this email.

Intelligentsia Coffee. A well-known specialty coffee shop with 4 locations in LA, serving expertly brewed coffee made from carefully sourced beans.

Sqirl. A trendy café in Silver Lake known for its inventive breakfast and brunch dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

June 27: Tea & House. A lively, alcohol-free evening centered around house music and community connection—4 hours of live DJ sets, a cozy lounge with bottomless tea, and a dance floor under a disco ball at Venice’s Flow Life Sanctuary.

June 28: Alo RUNNERs Club x Pause. A 3‑mile guided run around West Hollywood, suitable for all levels, followed by refreshments and wellness activities.

June 29: Yappy Arvo Hang. A casual dog-friendly happy hour with drinks, treats, and raffles to support the Baldwin Park Animal Care Center.

Is there a cool place or fun event we should know about? Email me at [email protected] 

See you next week,

Justin

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