San Diego Tech Scene

Triton Sustainability Challenge May 2026
2026-05-19 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Scripps Seaside Forum, 8610 Kennel Way, San Diego, CA, 92037, United States
Cheer on our finalists as they compete for cash prizes totaling $30,000 to support new and innovative ideas that relate to the environment (comes from, inspired by, or directly impacts nature). Join us on May 19, 2026, as our finalists present their pitches to the university community and San Diego’s business and industry leaders.
The Triton Sustainability Challenge, now in its fourteenth year, is a business competition focused on fostering creativity and bringing to the spotlight commercially promising, environmentally focused technologies generated by the finest minds at UC San Diego. Supported through the generosity of The William and Kathryn Scripps Family Foundation Inc., the program is presented through a partnership of the Rady School of Management, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the Jacobs School of Engineering.
Please join us at 5:30 PM at Scripps Seaside Forum!
Agenda:
5:30 – Welcome reception
5:45 – Opening remarks
6:00 – Finalist Pitches
7:15 – Awards announced
7:30 – Dessert reception

PITCH PARTY!
2026-05-16 18:00 - 20:00 | 2541 San Diego Ave, 2541 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA, United States
This Pitch Party is a little different.
This isn’t corporate.
This isn’t PowerPoint.
This isn’t polished slides and perfect scripts.
Tonight is closer to slam poetry.
It’s raw.
It’s passion.
It’s conviction.
It’s founders standing up and saying:
“This is what I believe.
This is the problem I want to solve.
This is why it matters.”
No slides.
No hiding behind presentations.
Just your voice, your story, and your vision.
Because the best startups don’t begin with perfect decks.
They begin with obsession.
With courage.
With someone willing to stand up and say, “This must exist.”
At The Latino Startup, we believe entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful tools for creating economic opportunity and changing communities. But before you build the company, you build the founder.
Tonight is about that founder.
This room is built for collaboration, not competition. We’re here to challenge, support, and sharpen each other.
So bring your energy.
Bring your honesty.
Bring your fire.
Because tonight, we’re not judging pitches.
We’re discovering builders.
Let’s get started.

Nucleate San Diego: Inside Story Telling and Pitching
2026-05-14 18:00 - 20:00 | RSVP for Location
​Join Nucleate San Diego for an interactive session on storytelling and pitching, designed to help early-stage biotech teams turn complex science into clear, compelling narratives. Through expert insights and practical guidance, participants will learn how to communicate their technology, market opportunity, and vision in a way that resonates with investors, partners, and the broader biotech community.

AI Spring Workshop Series: AI Startup Pitch Day
2026-05-14 16:00 - 18:00 | Knauss Center for Business Education Suite 216, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park Way Suite 216, San Diego, CA, 92110, United States
Get ready to level up your AI skills with our Spring Workshop Series – it’s time to dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence!

The Brink SBDC at University of San Diego, Knauss School of Business presents AI Spring Workshop Series. This 6-part AI Workshop Series is designed to provide an overview of AI, layout opportunities across industry sectors, functions, start-ups, and investing, and discuss the challenges and risks that we must overcome to seize the tremendous potential that AI presents to us. The series will comprise of a series of lectures, discussions, case studies, hands-on workshops and will conclude with start-up pitches that best reflect the opportunities and incorporate the learnings from the series. Led by Pankaj Kedia – a prolific start-up AI investor, senior AI advisor at Brink, and adjunct Knauss MBA faculty at the University of San Diego, this series is designed for start-up founders, investors, students, and faculty who are ready to incorporate AI in their day-to-day life.
The finale will be a pre-selected group of companies pitching to investors for feedback.
This is a multi-session workshop. Attendees that register are expected to participate in all 6 sessions. All sessions are held on the following dates:
*Hybrid Event
Sessions in this Series

4/9/26; 4:00pm – 5:30pm: AI Industry Verticals and Functions
4/23/26; 4:00pm – 5:30pm: AI Startups and Investments
4/30/26; 4:00pm – 5:30pm: AI Privacy, IP, Legal, and Ethical Challenges
5/7/26; 4:00pm – 6:00pm: Hands On w/ AI Tools, Tips, and Tricks
5/14/26; 4:00pm – 6:00pm: AI Startup Pitch Day (Last Session Location TBA)

What to expect:

Understand the importance of AI vis-à-vis past technology waves
Discuss the fast-evolving AI train: use cases, trends, opportunities, challenges
Provide a solid foundation for the AI Workshop series

Simbiosyx: Matching Startups with Verified Experts to Fuel Innovation
2026-04-30 16:00 - 18:00 | Hybrid
🚨Join us for the matchmaking between startups and experts Simbiosyx Showcase Event, where innovation meets expertise. Startups will take the stage to present bold ideas and real-world challenges—seeking expert collaborators to help them grow.
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Simbiosyx—Aquillius’ new AI-powered platform designed to connect startups with the expert to support them in their needs and grow.
Startups can now enter their company details and get matched with pre-vetted experts across industries like biotech, medtech, sustainability, and AI. Whether you’re seeking scientific insight, regulatory guidance, or technical expertise, Simbiosyx makes collaboration seamless.
‍
💡 Flexible Compensation Options
Startups and experts can choose to work together through monetary payment or sweat equity, making innovation more accessible and community driven.
Learn More: https://www.aquillius.com/simbiosyx
‍
Let’s build the future—together.

Naturally Rising 2026
2026-04-23 16:30 - 19:30 | 2875 Dewey Rd, 2875 Dewey Rd, San Diego, CA, 92106, United States
This Thursday, five finalists will go head-to-head in this shark-tank-style live showing of Southern California’s most promising group of natural products brands.
Naturally San Diego’s in-person Naturally Rising Pitch Slam will give natural products entrepreneurs the stage to pitch their up-and-coming companies to a panel of experts and audience members, ultimately winning a suite of prizes from our local San Diego community to help propel their industry growth!
Your ticket includes:

Watch the live-shark-tank-style competition where brands will go head-to-head in front of a panel of industry-expert judges
Weigh in with your vote for People’s Choice award
Network in-person with more than 200+ of the natural-products community’s best and brightest
Enjoy hosted food, drinks, dessert and samples from booths
A swag bag of NSD Sponsor product and coupons (value of $50+)

This year’s Naturally Rising San Diego finalists:
Maricruz Carrillo, SUNMUD​
Ryan Raish, Fave​
Carolyn Hamlet, ōku​
Troy Brajkovich, Mezo Beverages ​
Sarah Cloes, Flora Flora ​
Event Schedule:

4:30 PM: Doors Open
5:30 PM: Program Begins
5:45 PM: Pitches Begin
6:15 PM: Food and drink break while judges deliberate
6:45 PM: Winner, Runner Up and People’s Choice announced!
7:00 PM: Afterparty @ The LOT

🔥 THE PITCH PIT 🔥 Pitch Practice and Feedback for Founders
2026-04-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Aquillius, 10918 Technology Place, San Diego, CA, 92127, United States
Welcome to The Pitch Pit—a no-fluff, high-energy pitch practice night designed for founders, dreamers, builders, and hustlers to sharpen their stories and perfect their pitch. Whether you’re prepping for an investor meeting, applying to an accelerator, or just getting your idea out of your head and into the world, this is your arena.
📍 Aquillius, San Diego
📅 April 22, 2026
🕠 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Step into the Pit to present your pitch in front of a supportive, engaged audience of peers, mentors, and community members. Get real-time feedback, build your confidence, and level up your delivery—without the pressure of a high-stakes room.
No winners. No losers. Just founders helping founders. Whether you’re pitch-ready or pitch-curious, come practice, learn, and connect.
We’ll also have networking, food, and opportunities to connect with everyone in the startup community space. If you’re not pitching, come support local founders do their thing and chase their dreams.
Come for the pitch. Stay for the people. Leave with power.

AI Spring Workshop Series
2026-04-09 16:00 - 17:30 | Knauss Center for Business Education, 5998 Alcalá Park, San Diego, CA, 92110, United States
Get ready to level up your AI skills with our Spring Workshop Series – it’s time to dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence!

The Brink SBDC at University of San Diego, Knauss School of Business presents AI Spring Workshop Series. This 6-part AI Workshop Series is designed to provide an overview of AI, layout opportunities across industry sectors, functions, start-ups, and investing, and discuss the challenges and risks that we must overcome to seize the tremendous potential that AI presents to us. The series will comprise of a series of lectures, discussions, case studies, hands-on workshops and will conclude with start-up pitches that best reflect the opportunities and incorporate the learnings from the series. Led by Pankaj Kedia – a prolific start-up AI investor, senior AI advisor at Brink, and adjunct Knauss MBA faculty at the University of San Diego, this series is designed for start-up founders, investors, students, and faculty who are ready to incorporate AI in their day-to-day life.
The finale will be a pre-selected group of companies pitching to investors for feedback.
This is a multi-session workshop. Attendees that register are expected to participate in all 6 sessions. All sessions are held on the following dates:
*Hybrid Event

3/26/26; ; 4:00pm – 5:30pm
4/9/26; 4:00pm – 5:30pm: AI Industry Verticals and Functions
4/23/26; 4:00pm – 5:30pm: AI Startups and Investments
4/30/26; ; 4:00pm – 5:30pm: AI Privacy, IP, Legal, and Ethical Challenges
5/7/26; 4:00pm – 6:00pm: Hands On w/ AI Tools, Tips, and Tricks
5/14/26; 4:00pm – 6:00pm: AI Startup Pitch Day (Last Session Location TBA)

What to expect:

Understand the importance of AI vis-à-vis past technology waves
Discuss the fast-evolving AI train: use cases, trends, opportunities, challenges
Provide a solid foundation for the AI Workshop series

Details

Date:March 26
Time:
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Cost:Free
Event Category:Business & Professional
Website:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-spring-workshop-series-tickets-1982549255191

Bouken Capital on Tour | San Diego, CA
2026-03-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
​A private, invite-only virtual series featuring live founder pitches and direct investor feedback for California’s startup ecosystem.
​Whether you’re a founder raising your next round, refining your message, or an investor looking to cut through the noise in the pitch deck, this event is for you.
​Three selected founders will pitch live to a curated room of founders, investors, and ecosystem partners. Each pitch will be followed by direct, unfiltered feedback from our panel on story, strategy, and delivery.
​No fluff. No crowd-sourced opinions. Just focused, high-caliber guidance from people who’ve been on both sides of the table.
​If you’re not pitching, you’ll still walk away with insight. Watching live pitches get dissected in real time is one of the highest-leverage ways to sharpen your own.
​📣 Apply Here to present:
​https://www.notion.so/31315bac552981cca6cfde0992429865?pvs=106
​What to Expect:

​3 live founder pitches with dedicated time and focused attention

​Direct, expert feedback from panelists on narrative, positioning, and delivery

​Strategic discussion on fundraising, traction, and go-to-market

​A curated, founder-only room — no spectators, no sponsors, no filler

​Who This Is For?

​Founders refining their story, positioning, or go-to-market strategy

​California-based founders and builders connected to the startup ecosystem

​Bouken On Tour is our invite-only pitch series spotlighting select startup ecosystems across targeted cities, bringing together founders and investors for focused feedback and meaningful connection.
​About Bouken Capital
​Bouken Capital is a Silicon Valley-based firm built around two coordinated arms, Bouken Ventures and Bouken Advisory, designed to fund, de-risk, and accelerate early-stage startups. Bouken Ventures is a VC fund focused on early-stage companies using AI to drive real-world productivity and optimization in high-growth markets. Bouken Advisory works hands-on with pre-seed and seed-stage founders to sharpen their pitch, strategy, and path to Series A. Our teams are led by battle-tested operators and investors from Google, Meta, McKinsey, Microsoft, and leading VC firms, with real experience scaling technology companies and investing in successful businesses.

Investor Readiness Bootcamp
2026-03-09 09:00 - 17:30 | 10918 Technology Pl, 10918 Technology Pl, San Diego, CA, 92127, United States
📢Become part of the Big Pitch with $250K in non-equity awards!
What’s Inside (4-Week Program)

Masterclass- Inside Track to Fundraising: Think Like an Investor
Masterclass- Tips & Tricks for Navigating FDA & Clinical Trial Pathways
Masterclass- Commercialization Unlocked — Lab-to-Launch Playbook
Personalized Investor Scorecard Evaluation
Pitch polishing with experts + live investor showcase + warm introductions
Funding roadmap review + investor-ready data room

🔸Built for Healthcare and Life Science start-ups
🔸Designed for investor connections
🔸Lessons from 200+ pitches and company evaluations
🔸56% discount available (offset by Big Tree sponsors)
🔸Ideal for Diagnostics, Therapeutics, Medtech, Biotech & Digital Health founders
Get hands-on, practical guidance to showcase the strongest version of your company

Techstars Startup Weekend Women San Diego
2026-03-06 18:00 - 2026-03-08 18:00 | Kiln Rancho Bernardo, 17190 Bernardo Center Dr Suite 200, San Diego, CA, 92128, United States
Techstars Startup Weekend Women San Diego
MARCH 6–8
✱A 3 DAY WOMEN-FOCUSED STARTUP COMPETITION!✱
All are welcome!
Techstars Startup Weekend Women San Diego is a 3 day sprint where designers, developers, marketers, creatives, and visionaries come together to turn ideas into real, testable startups — fast.
Over three days, you’ll pitch, form a team, validate your concept, build, get coached by experienced mentors, and present to a panel of judges. No experience required — just curiosity, courage, and a willingness to build.
Powered by Techstars and supported by our local startup community, this weekend isn’t just a competition.
It’s a launchpad — for momentum, collaboration, and career-changing relationships.
Join founders, creatives, developers, designers, and do-ers for a three-day sprint where ideas become startups.
✔ Pitch your idea (or join a team)
✔ Build, test, and validate fast
✔ Get coached by mentors + founders
✔ Present to judges + investors
✔ Make powerful connections
No experience required—just curiosity and courage.
This isn’t just a competition.
It’s a launchpad for women ready to build what’s next.
Follow us on Linkedin
Interested in partnering with us or volunteering for this event? Check out our website : https://startupweekendsandiego.com/women/ or Contact us directly at StartupWeekendSanDiego@gmail.com

Brink Pitch Prep for SDAC: Financials, Corporate Law & Traction
2026-03-03 17:30 - 18:30 | Nexus Theatre, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park Way, San Diego, CA, 92111, United States
Brink Pitch Prep for SDAC is a weekly series of workshops hosted by The Brink SBDC at the University of San Diego (USD) to help entrepreneurs prepare to apply for the San Diego Angel Conference (SDAC) pitch competition. Workshop topics help founders develop, explore and refine the fundamentals required to prepare for angel investment.
The San Diego Angel Conference (SDAC), hosted by San Diego State University (SDSU), is a 3-month series of events to connect entrepreneurs with angel investors. SDAC activates angel investors who raise funds to invest in the winner of the pitch competition. Through a series of evaluations and pitch events, investors arrive at 6 finalists who pitch at the SDAC finale on May 29, 2026. SDAC application deadline is March 5, 2026.
To get tickets to the 2026 SDAC finale, click here.

Startup Grind Pitch Battle Royale: San Diego
2026-02-19 17:00 - 20:00 | UCSD, Design & Innovation Building, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0446, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
🚀 What Is Pitch Battle Royale? The Startup Grind Pitch Battle Royale brings founders from around the world together to pitch their startups, receive expert feedback, and compete for cash prizes, recognition, and advancement to the global stage. The competition runs from February 16-March 4, 2026.
Local Startup Grind chapters host the first round of competition, where startups battle it out in one of three stages—Idea, Development, or Traction—for the chance to advance to the Semi Finals and Finals.
Learn more at PitchBattleRoyale.com
Whether you’re pitching or attending, expect high-energy competition, sharp ideas, and meaningful connections.
🧠 Who Should Apply?
Startups compete in the stage that best matches their progress:

Idea Stage – Early concepts, validation, or pre-MVP
Development Stage – Building, testing, or launching a product
Traction Stage – Users, revenue, pilots, or early scale (up to Series A)

Each startup delivers:

A 2-minute pitch
Up to 3 slides
Live Q&A and feedback from judges

📌 All startup applications are submitted through:
👉 PitchBattleRoyale.com
(Full rules, eligibility, and judging criteria available there.)
🏆 What’s at Stake?
Local Chapter Prizes
Each stage winner at the local level receives:

Cash prizes
Digital swag
Local recognition
Complimentary Ticket to SG Conference April 27-29, 2026
Complimentary Ticket to Startup Mania in Austin on March 11, 2026
Advancement to the Semi-Finals

🌍 Global Competition Prizes
Startups advancing beyond the local level compete for:

Additional cash prizes
Certificates, medals, and plaques
Startup Grind exhibition packages
Global exposure across the Startup Grind ecosystem

📅 Competition Timeline
San Diego Competition
🗓 February 19, 2026
🕗 5:00-8:00 PM
📍 UCSD, Design & Innovation Building, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0446, La Jolla, CA 92093

Pitch-A-Friend Presentations, Salsa Class & Social
2026-02-13 19:00 - 23:30 | Witch Creek Winery, 2906 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA, 92008, United States
Ready to actually have fun again? To move your body, meet new people, and feel that spark come back? This is your night. ✨
Ready to actually have fun again?
To move your body, meet new people, and feel that spark come back? This is your night. 💃✨
Whether you’re a couple wanting to learn to dance, a single ready to mingle, or someone who just wants to connect with amazing humans… we’re creating something special!!
I’m teaming up with @pitchafriend.sandiego, the crew that throws one-of-a-kind events where people pitch their awesome single friends to a room packed with other singles. Think feel-good presentations, games, laughter, cheering, and REAL connection.
And on top of that… we’re adding a salsa dance class and social dancing! Because connecting isn’t just about talking, it’s about feeling alive in your body again.
Best news is….I’m teaching the salsa lesson, everyone welcome, no partner needed, beginners level! 🙂
If you’re going through a big life transition…
If you’re ready to get back out there…
If you want to awaken your energy…
If you want joy, fun, play, and chemistry…
THIS is your night.
Expect:
🤍 Creative, feel-good pitches
🤍 A playful mix of dance + movement
🤍 Time to mingle + meet new people
🤍 Games + laughter + good vibes
🤍 A safe, fun, uplifting atmosphere
🤍 A night you’ll remember (for the right reasons 😉)
Grab a friend, lock arms, and come join us. Me and @pitchafriend.sandiego are throwing an event you don’t want to miss @witchcreekcarlsbad on 📅 February 13th @7PM.
If you’re curious, open, single, partnered, or supporting a friend, there’s something here for everyone.
If you’re ready to move, mingle, laugh, connect, and feel the spark again…
This. Is. Your. Night.

Refund policy
Paid tickets are non-refundable and all sales are final.

Value Creation Process + Pitch Session
2026-02-05 09:00 - 11:00 | Kiln, 17190 Bernardo Center Dr Suite 200, San Diego, CA, 92128, United States
February: The Value Creation Process — Designing the Engine of Your Bright Business
Move beyond “hero mode” and design a repeatable, profitable, and calm delivery system.
Many businesses fail not because they lack a great product, but because they lack a designed system to deliver it. They operate in a state of “constant noise”—bottlenecks, pricing uncertainty, and resource fragility. This is the “Monkey Mind” of business: unsettled, uncontrollable, and reactive.
In February, we transition from the “Validated Solution” into the Value Creation Process, a core component of the Bright Business Operating System (BBOS). This is where we turn a validated idea into a high-performance engine. We stop guessing and start mapping the mechanics of value through three essential matrices.
The Three Pillars of Value Creation
Using the 2×2 Human-Centered Matrix, we will brainstorm and redesign the three critical areas that move your business from a “Current State” of stress to a “Future State” of scalable impact:
1. The Operations Flow Matrix (Efficiency & Quality)
• The “How”: How do we create value that solves a pain prospects are willing to pay for?
• The Goal: Map your Value Creation System to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure every touchpoint is intuitive and delightful. We move from “Hero Mode” (manual effort) to “System Mode” (repeatable excellence).
2. The Pricing Matrix (Monetization Strategy)
• The “Value”: How do we price the transformation we provide?
• The Goal: Align your price with the depth of the problem you solve. We will explore monetization strategies that reflect the true worth of your solution, ensuring profitability that fuels your purpose rather than draining your resources.
3. The Resources Matrix (Human, Financial & IP)
• The “What”: What fuel does your engine require?
• The Goal: Identify the human talent, financial capital, and intellectual property (IP) needed to sustain growth. We map these resources to ensure your business is resilient, not fragile.
Why This Matters: The Science of Alignment
Research by McKinsey indicates that organizations that translate strategy into clear operational metrics and accountability structures are significantly more likely to sustain long-term performance. Furthermore, Deloitte reports that purpose-driven companies see higher market share gains and grow three times faster on average than their competitors.
Your Transformation
This workshop is about Self-Actualization for your business. By designing these matrices, you fulfill the foundational needs of safety and reliability, allowing you to ascend to a state of “Being More.”
Join us to transition your business from a source of stress into a calm, balanced instrument of alignment and profit. Stop chasing the “rat race” and start leading your engine.
⚡ Bright Business 555 Pitch™
Five Slides. Five Minutes. Five Voices. We feature five presenters delivering their problem, solution, proof, and call-to-action. It’s fast-paced, high-value, and full of opportunities for leads, partnerships, and fresh ideas.
🚀 Why Join Bright Business Club?
Joining means you’re not just attending events—you’re joining a community of leaders. We provide the structure, environment, and connections that help real businesses grow through actionable frameworks and real collaborations.
✅ Action Steps
1. Register for the event.
2. Apply to pitch in the Bright Business 555 Pitch™ (limited to 5 presenters).
3. Invite your network—be intentional and expand our community together.
Disclaimers
Bright Business is not a party to, does not broker, or endorse any transaction among participants. You are solely responsible for due diligence and negotiations. Bright Business does not guarantee income, ROI, or business success. Programs are educational; consult your qualified advisors for legal, tax, or financial advice.

Nucleate SD: Inside Venture Creation 101
2026-01-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Tata Hall, 9325 S Scholars Dr, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
​Join us for an immersive panel on the fundamentals of biotech venture creation. We’re bringing together a panel of serial entrepreneurs and current CEOs to deconstruct the journey from ideation to exit.
​Our experts will dive deep into:

​Ideation: Identifying high-impact scientific opportunities.

​The Framework: Navigating regulatory pathways and legal hurdles.

​The Pitch: Mastering the art of storytelling to win over investors.

​Fundraising: Understanding what VCs really look for in a seed-stage startup.

​Whether you are a PhD candidate or an undergrad curious about the business of science, this session will provide the blueprint you need to build the next great biotech venture. Learn more about our panelists below.

The Pitch Pit: Pitch Practice and Feedback for Founders
2026-01-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Aquilius, 10918 Technology Pl, San Diego, CA, United States
Welcome to The Pitch Pit—a no-fluff, high-energy pitch practice night designed for founders, dreamers, builders, and hustlers to sharpen their stories and perfect their pitch. Whether you’re prepping for an investor meeting, applying to an accelerator, or just getting your idea out of your head and into the world, this is your arena.
📍 Aquillius, San Diego
📅 January 21, 2025
🕠 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Step into the Pit to present your pitch in front of a supportive, engaged audience of peers, mentors, and community members. Get real-time feedback, build your confidence, and level up your delivery—without the pressure of a high-stakes room.
No winners. No losers. Just founders helping founders. Whether you’re pitch-ready or pitch-curious, come practice, learn, and connect.
We’ll also have networking, food, and opportunities to connect with everyone in the startup community space. If you’re not pitching, come support local founders do their thing and chase their dreams.
Come for the pitch. Stay for the people. Leave with power.

Pitch-A-Friend @ Good News Bar - Dry January Event in Hillcrest!
2026-01-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Good News Bar, 3821 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA, 92103, United States
🎉 Join Us for some Fun, Connections & Laughter! We’re celebrating DRY JANUARY at Good News Bar! Whether you’re pitching a friend or just here to mingle, this event is all about meeting amazing singles and having a fantastic time.
🎤 Want to pitch your friend?
Sign up in advance. Spots are limited, so don’t wait!
Prepare a quick, light-hearted presentation about:
What makes your friend awesome
What they’re looking for in a partner
Presenters get a complimentary drink at the event!
*Request to pitch your friend here: [url=https://www.pitch-a-friend.com/sandiego ]https://www.pitch-a-friend.com/sandiego [/url]
💬 Just want to attend and mingle?
No problem – come join the fun! Bring your friends, relax, and enjoy meeting other amazing singles. It’s all about making new connections and having a great time. No RSVP needed.
🥂 After the Presentations:
Stick around for our Single Mingle Mixer! This is your chance to chat, make connections, and maybe see if sparks fly.
🎟 Cost
FREE to attend!
To keep up to date with the latest events follow:

Pitch-A-Friend San Diego – @pitchafriend.sandiego

Pitch-A-Friend @ Puesto - Mission Valley
2026-01-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Puesto Mission Valley, 5010 Mission Center Rd, San Diego, CA, 92108, United States
🎉 Join Us for some Fun, Connections & Laughter! Whether you’re pitching a friend or just here to mingle, this event is all about meeting amazing singles and having a fantastic time.
🎤 Want to pitch your friend?
Sign up in advance. Spots are limited, so don’t wait!
Prepare a quick, light-hearted presentation about:
What makes your friend awesome
What they’re looking for in a partner
Presenters get a complimentary drink at the event!
*Request to pitch your friend here: [url=https://www.pitch-a-friend.com/sandiego ]https://www.pitch-a-friend.com/sandiego [/url]
💬 Just want to attend and mingle?
No problem – come join the fun! Bring your friends, relax, and enjoy meeting other amazing singles. It’s all about making new connections and having a great time. No RSVP needed.
🥂 After the Presentations:
Stick around for our Single Mingle Mixer! This is your chance to chat, make connections, and maybe see if sparks fly.
🎟 Cost
FREE to attend!
To keep up to date with the latest events follow:

Pitch-A-Friend San Diego – @pitchafriend.sandiego

North SD — The Power of Network + 555 Pitch
2026-01-08 09:00 - 11:00 | Kiln, 17190 Bernardo Center Dr Suite 200, San Diego, CA, 92128, United States
From Pain to Promise: Pain–Solution Matrix & 555 Pitch
In January, the North San Diego Business Club kicks off the year with one thing every founder needs: a clear, testable story about the pain they solve and the promise they make.
This first session of 2026 is about orientation in your market. We will move beyond vague ideas into a validated Pain–Solution Matrix, using the Bright Business Operating System as our backbone.
Why Attend?
We will help you define one real, local customer and their felt pain. You will learn to articulate what actually changes for them—moving from confusion and wasted time to speed, clarity, and control. You will leave with:
* A validated Pain–Solution Matrix for a specific client segment.
* A simple validation plan with 2–3 concrete questions to test your solution in the real world.
* A usable pitch for local meetups, investor calls, and warm intros.
We close the matrix work with one core sentence: “For [specific WHO] who struggle with [PAIN], we provide [SOLUTION] so they can [DESIRED OUTCOME] without [BIG TRADE-OFF].”
⚡ Bright Business 555 Pitch™
Five Slides. Five Minutes. Five Voices. We feature five presenters delivering their problem, solution, proof, and call-to-action. It’s fast-paced, high-value, and full of opportunities for leads, partnerships, and fresh ideas.
🚀 Why Join Bright Business Club?
Joining means you’re not just attending events—you’re joining a community of leaders. We provide the structure, environment, and connections that help real businesses grow through actionable frameworks and real collaborations.
✅ Action Steps
1. Register for the event.
2. Apply to pitch in the Bright Business 555 Pitch™ (limited to 5 presenters).
3. Invite your network—be intentional and expand our community together.
Disclaimers
Bright Business is not a party to, does not broker, or endorse any transaction among participants. You are solely responsible for due diligence and negotiations. Bright Business does not guarantee income, ROI, or business success. Programs are educational; consult your qualified advisors for legal, tax, or financial advice.

Gather & Grow Business Networking
2025-12-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Ansir Innovation Center, 7670 Opportunity Rd #255, San Diego, CA, 92111, United States
Looking to grow your business through meaningful, local connections? If you’re tired of surface-level networking and ready to engage with professionals who are serious about referrals, collaboration, and business growth, this group is for you. Join a community that values consistency, trust, and shared success—where every meeting is designed to move your business forward.
About the Event:
Gather & Grow Networking is more than just a meet-up — it’s a professional community designed to help local business owners and entrepreneurs thrive. We believe in the power of strategic networking, warm referrals, and shared knowledge to drive long-term business success. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a growing small business, this group offers a collaborative space to learn, share, and grow together.
Why Attend?

Connect with driven professionals across diverse industries
Learn from experts during short-format talks
Share your business, request referrals, and generate warm leads
Strengthen your skills through focused development topics
Enjoy light refreshments in a welcoming environment

Meeting Format (1st & 3rd Wednesdays @ 11:00 am):

11:00 – 11:05: Open Networking
11:05 – 11:15: Business Development Topic or Question
11:10 – 11:20: Referral Updates & Announcements
11:20 – 11:35: Guest Speaker #1
11:35 – 11:45: Guest Speaker #2
11:45 – 11:55: Member Elevator Pitches
11:55 – 12:00: Fun Fact or Business Quote

Membership Details:

Annual Fee: $50
Lead Requirement: 2 warm leads or 1 lead + 1 guest/month
Attendance: Only 1 excused absence per quarter
Profession Exclusivity: One professional per category

Perks:

Half-day coworking access each month at Ansir Cowork
15% off all coworking memberships
Complimentary coffee, water, and light snacks

Industries We’re Looking For:
We’re actively seeking professionals in fields such as:
Real Estate, Financial Services, Insurance, Legal, Marketing, Health & Wellness, Trades, Technology, Coaching, Media, and more. (See full list on our Gather & Grow)
Ready to grow your business through powerful local connections?
Join us for our next session and experience a community committed to mutual success.
Parking: Ansir Cowork Parking

Dec. 16 - HOLIDAY GALA brought to you by SPARK STUDIOS!!! Our Monthly Event
2025-12-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Spark Studio Soundstage, 8283 Ronson Road, San Diego, CA, United States
Merry days, Members!! This month’s FilmNet event is going to be a grand holiday gala thrown by none other than our esteemed host, Spark Studios Soundstage. We’ll be celebrating this month on Tuesday, December 16 to avoid a scheduling conflict with San Diego Media Pros. Stay tuned for more details!!!
ATTN CREATORS!!! Get your 1-2 minute pitches ready for the “Improve your Pitch” panel of industry experts at the FilmNet holiday gala on Tuesday, Dec. 16 (email me back to get on the list).
Our tenth monthly gathering will start as usual with a red carpet and photo stations, brought to you by Tony Amat and R3 Productions. The gala will offer “Spark Super Networking” activities led by co-host David Kamatoy to help local film professionals meet the people they need to connect with. Festivities start with a grand tour of the studio facilities at 4:30 pm, red carpet at 5:00 and the meeting itself a half-hour earlier than usual, at 6:00. Drinks will also be for sale, and food service will start at 8:00 pm.
While everyone will have the opportunity to connect and pitch one-on-one during our networking hour, we are kicking off the night with a special “Improve Your Pitch” Panel for a select group of 6–10 attendees. Get on the list in advance! Any additional openings will be on a first-come, first-served basis at the check-in table. Whether your goal is honing a soundbite, perfecting an elevator pitch, or refining your product language for media coverage, this panel is designed to elevate your messaging. The goal is to refine their language—whether they are looking for the perfect soundbite, elevator pitch, media coverage, or describing a product.
In the holiday spirit, admission will be on a donation basis only. Here’s the schedule for the evening:
4:30 PM: Behind-the-Scenes Tour
5:00 PM: Red Carpet
6:00 PM: “Improve Your Pitch” Panel
7:00 PM: Spark Super Networking
8:00 PM: Food Service & Networking
************************************************************
Filmmakers Network San Diego’s Monthly Event is back!!! At long last we’re starting up monthly networking events again to support the local film community. It’s going to be even more hands-on, interactive and productive this time. Besides networking and hosting guest speakers, we will showcase short films and promo material, work on pitches and invite industry gatekeepers to hear them, put on fun games and contests as well as many more enriching activities. Networking includes supporting local producers, creators, actors, crew and film professionals in their effort to assemble teams and develop content and marketing opportunities, along with original FilmNet content and a documentary of our group, events, participants and their projects.
Karl (858) 752-9985 (text)

Reverse Demo Day @ The Brink SBDC
2025-12-10 17:30 - 18:30 | Virtual
Don’t miss your chance to hear directly from the leaders of San Diego’s early-stage investment funds at The Brink’s Reverse Demo Day.
Instead of startups pitching for capital, investors will present their theses, criteria, and share examples of companies they’ve already selected. You’ll also have the rare opportunity to ask the questions founders don’t typically get to ask investors directly.
Event Details: Reverse Demo Day
When: December 10, 2025
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Where: Virtual – Zoom

Consumer Goods Symposium
2025-12-03 13:30 - 20:00 | 10918 Technology Pl, San Diego, CA 92127, 10918 Technology Pl, San Diego, CA, 92127, United States
The Consumer Goods event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to explore the evolving landscape of consumer products. This event will feature expert panels, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities focused on the latest trends, market insights, and innovations in the consumer goods sector.
Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on consumer behavior, product development, and strategies for driving growth in a competitive market. The event will also cover topics such as sustainability, digital transformation, and the future of e-commerce, offering a comprehensive look at how consumer goods are shaping the way we live and shop.
Whether you’re in product development, retail, or marketing, this event provides a platform to connect with industry experts and stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly changing world of consumer goods.

SD — The Power of Inner Leadership + 555 Pitch
2025-11-25 09:00 - 11:00 | Downtown Works – Coworking Office Space San Diego, 550 W B St 4th Floor, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States
This November at Bright Business, we’re focusing on Inner Leadership — how we lead ourselves from the inside out. After exploring Business Operating Systems, strategy/action planning, and purpose in August–October, we’re turning inward. Why? Because businesses rarely fail for lack of frameworks; they falter when leaders are misaligned within. To build purpose-driven companies that generate sustainable financial results and meaningful community impact, we must first elevate the inner leader.
Inner Leadership is how we guide our inner world — thoughts, emotions, physiology, energy, and will — through ongoing, dynamic practices that help us self-actualize, live our values, and flourish in healthy, sustainable ways. The ancient Greek idea of Arete — excellence expressed moment to moment — captures this spirit. Instead of chasing outside-in fixes, we’ll learn to lead from within.
Why It Matters

You can’t lead others effectively until you can consistently lead yourself.
Better self-leadership improves decision quality, emotional regulation, priorities, and behavior.
When you grow first, your business model and operating system can truly move you from current state to future state.
The more grounded and purpose-centered you are, the less stress you place on short-term outcomes — and the more profit and impact follow.

Core Themes We’ll Explore

Self-awareness, self-knowledge, self-management, and self-improvement
State of being: understanding and optimizing your inner landscape in real time
Navigating triggers and stress: shifting from limbic hijack to thoughtful response
Practicing “Response-Ability”: choosing aligned, values-driven actions
Inner work pillars: mindfulness, self-regulation, positive emotion, courage and will, emotional intelligence, and psychological flexibility
Qualities of great leaders turned inward: integrity, accountability, empathy, humility, vision, positivity, communication, influence, competence, and continuous growth

Who Should Attend

Founders, owners, managers, and emerging leaders
Anyone seeking to align purpose, profit, and personal wellbeing
Teams wanting a shared language for inner work and better decision-making

⚡ Bright Business 555 Pitch™
Five Slides. Five Minutes. Five Voices.

5 presenters
5 minutes each
Deliver your problem, solution, proof, and call-to-action

It’s fast-paced, high-value, and full of opportunities for leads, partnerships, advisors, customers, and fresh ideas.
🚀 Why Join Bright Business Club?
Joining means you’re not just attending events — you’re joining a community of leaders:

Build trusted, local business relationships
Connect directly with owners, decision-makers, and investors
Gain actionable frameworks each month
Move beyond “contacts” into real collaborations

We don’t promise shortcuts or endorsements — instead, we provide the structure, environment, and connections that help real businesses grow.
✅ Action Steps

Register
Apply to pitch in the Bright Business 555 Pitch™ (limited to 5 presenters)
Invite your network – be intentional and expand our community together

_________________________________________________________________________________________
Earnings and Results Disclaimer
No guarantees. Every business is different; individual results vary. BRSINESS does not guarantee income, savings, ROI, sales, leads, or business success. Programs and tools are educational and may or may not apply to your situation. We do not provide legal, tax, accounting, financial, investment, or medical advice—consult your qualified advisors.
Transactions Between Participants; No Endorsement; Due Diligence
BRSINESS is not a party to, does not broker, supervise, or endorse any transaction, engagement, referral, or relationship among participants (including between members and non-members). BRSINESS does not receive commissions, fee-splits, or other financial interests from private transactions among participants. You are solely responsible for due diligence, negotiations, contracts, payments, performance, and outcomes. Any contracts are strictly between the contracting parties, who bear all risks and responsibilities.

The Inside Track to Fundraising: Lessons from 200+ Pitches & Company Evaluations
2025-11-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Join us as we sit down with seasoned investor and healthcare leader Jeff Berman for a candid, data-driven look at how investors really evaluate founders — and what separates the startups that get funded from those that don’t.
After reviewing 200+ company pitches & evaluations, Jeff has seen every version of the “next big thing.” Now he’s sharing what works, what fails, and how founders can build their fundraising advantage in one of the toughest capital markets in years.
Moderated by Leah Villegas, Co-Founder of Aquillius, this live discussion will uncover the investor mindset, highlight key founder blind spots, and preview how Big Tree’s new Start Up Academy helps founders close those critical gaps.
‍
Reserve Your Seat Now — space is limited for this high-energy, insider conversation. Don’t miss your chance to hear how top investors think — and learn how to create your founder advantage heading into 2026.
***This webinar will be recorded***

Vibe Demo Day
2025-11-15 11:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
​Ready to turn your brilliant idea into a funded reality?
​​Imagine having the resources to launch your project even without a traditional tech background. Now, that vision can take a major step forward!
​​Apply your project today!
​​👉 Venture Miner Vibe Coding Fund 👈

​​From Idea to Pitch
​👉 Apply to pitch using this form 👈
​Use this opportunity to get your project in front of a crowd of top-tier judges and gather precious feedback to help you in your journey.
​If your project can gather enough community engagement, you can get curated for our next Artizen Season, and receive match funding from a pool of up to $30k in grants.

4-Hour In-Person Practical Workshop: Master Pitch Preparation, Investor Relations & Revenue Scaling
2025-11-14 11:00 - 16:00 | Ansir Cowork, 7670 Opportunity Rd, San Diego, CA, 92111, United States
Join our 4-Hour In-Person Practical Workshop in (Partnership with Ansir) and benefit from the expertise of mentors who have launched over 2,000 companies, helped 200+ accelerators, and invested in hundreds of founders.

How do you currently prepare for investor meetings, and what do you feel is missing?
Have you pitched multiple times and never heard back from investors?
Can you identify the key bottleneck slowing down your revenue growth?
What investor questions do you find most difficult to answer confidently?
How do you tailor your pitch to different types of investors or audiences?

Receive tailored, face-to-face feedback on your pitch, learn why it might not connect with investors, identify what’s missing, and prepare confidently for the key questions investors will ask.
You will get feedback from active investors, insights from serial entrepreneurs and prepare for fundraising!
Elevate your pitch, investor relations, and revenue scaling skills in one transformative in-person session.

Refund policy

You can cancel your paid ticket and get a refund up to 12 hours before the event starts. Refunds exclude platform and processing fees.

🔥 THE PITCH PIT 🔥 Pitch Practice and Feedback for Founders - HOLIDAY EDITION
2025-11-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Aquillius, 10918 Technology Place, San Diego, CA, 92127, United States
Welcome to The Pitch Pit—a no-fluff, high-energy pitch practice night designed for founders, dreamers, builders, and hustlers to sharpen their stories and perfect their pitch. Whether you’re prepping for an investor meeting, applying to an accelerator, or just getting your idea out of your head and into the world, this is your arena.
📍 Aquillius, San Diego
📅 November 5, 2025
🕠 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Step into the Pit to present your pitch in front of a supportive, engaged audience of peers, mentors, and community members. Get real-time feedback, build your confidence, and level up your delivery—without the pressure of a high-stakes room.
No winners. No losers. Just founders helping founders. Whether you’re pitch-ready or pitch-curious, come practice, learn, and connect.
We’ll also have networking, food, and opportunities to connect with everyone in the startup community space. If you’re not pitching, come support local founders do their thing and chase their dreams.
Come for the pitch. Stay for the people. Leave with power.

San Diego Bright Business Club —The Power of Purpose + 555 Pitch
2025-10-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Downtown Works – Coworking Office Space San Diego, 550 W B St 4th Floor, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States
Bright Business Monthly Meetings – October 2025

Theme: The Power of Purpose in Business
This October, Bright Business Clubs across Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Costa Mesa will focus on the power of purpose in business. Purpose is more than a mission statement — it is the driving force that shapes culture, inspires teams, attracts partners, and creates lasting impact.
Florin Diumea — sharing the purpose can shift the business paradigm from having more to being more.
Bright Business meetings are not transactional networking. They are collaborative spaces where entrepreneurs connect, brainstorm, and support each other’s growth.
👉 Join us in October to be inspired, connect with purpose‑driven leaders, and take your business to the next level.
What is the Bright Business Operating System?

At Bright Business, we believe every great business starts with purpose. Our unique approach—the Bright Business Operating System—places your company’s core purpose at the center, then builds out the essential components for sustainable growth. This August, we’re launching our annual cycle (August 2025–July 2026) to help you strengthen every key element of your business system, from vision and strategy to execution and measurement.
Why Attend?

Interactive Sessions: Hands-on workshops to map and improve your business systems.
Expert Insights: Learn from top business experts, founders, and investors.
Networking: Connect before and after the event with high-quality, driven entrepreneurs and business leaders.
Community: Build meaningful, long-term relationships—not just transactions. We’re here to support each other’s growth, not just exchange business cards.

Who Should Attend?

Business owners & founders ready to scale and systematize their business
Subject matter experts, consultants, and service providers
Executives and decision-makers at local companies
Professionals exploring leadership and community-building
Startups eager to pitch, brainstorm, or find partners and investors

If you’re serious about taking your business to the next level, this is the event for you. And if you’re new to Bright Business, your first two visits are complimentary—come experience the energy, the quality of our community, and the value of building a network of ambassadors for your business.
Bright Business 555™ Pitch Session
After the workshop, we introduce our trademark format:
✨ Five Slides. Five Minutes. Five Voices.™

5 presenters
Each presenter has exactly 5 minutes to show their problem, solution, proof, and call-to-action.

It’s fast-paced, impactful, and creates real opportunities for leads, partnerships, advisors, customers, and new ideas.
Why Join Bright Business Club?

Be part of a trusted local business community — far more than just an event.
Connect with decision-makers, business owners, investors, and experts.
Gain business insights and practical growth frameworks every month.
Build long-term collaborations, not just quick contacts.

At Bright Business Club, we don’t promise easy wins or endorsements — instead, we provide the environment, structure, and trusted connections that help real businesses grow.
Seats are limited, and only 5 monthly pitch spots are available.
✅ Register now, apply to pitch, or come ready to connect and grow
________________________________________
Earnings and Results Disclaimer
No guarantees. Every business is different; individual results vary. BRSINESS does not guarantee income, savings, ROI, sales, leads, or business success. Programs and tools are educational and may or may not apply to your situation. We do not provide legal, tax, accounting, financial, investment, or medical advice—consult your qualified advisors.
Transactions Between Participants; No Endorsement; Due Diligence
BRSINESS is not a party to, does not broker, supervise, or endorse any transaction, engagement, referral, or relationship among participants (including between members and non-members). BRSINESS does not receive commissions, fee-splits, or other financial interests from private transactions among participants. You are solely responsible for due diligence, negotiations, contracts, payments, performance, and outcomes. Any contracts are strictly between the contracting parties, who bear all risks and responsibilities.
