AI in the Wild: Founders Edition

Connect with LGBTQ+ founders and explore how AI is reshaping entrepreneurship during a guided walk though SF Botanical Garden. StartOut San Francisco Presents AI in the Wild: Founder Edition Part of the AI in the Wild signature series by Geode Lifeworks Sunday, March 14, 2027 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM San Francisco Botanical Garden – Main Entrance Step outside the startup grind, explore how AI is reshaping the way we build and lead, and leave with fresh ideas, connections, and energy. Founding and growing a company can be exhilarating, challenging, and surprisingly lonely. At the same time, AI is rapidly changing how founders build companies, make decisions, lead teams, and imagine what comes next. Join StartOut San Francisco for a relaxed morning of walking, conversation, and connection in the San Francisco Botanical Garden. With Salesforce's TrailblazerDX just behind us and NVIDIA's GPU Technology Conference kicking off, this is a chance to step away from the screens and into spring for a different king of AI conversation. Designed and facilitated by Geode Lifeworks, AI in the Wild: Founder Edition brings together LGBTQ+ founders, entrepreneurs, investors, startup leaders, and allies for thoughtful conversations about AI, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the realities of building today. No technical AI expertise is needed. This is not a training session. It’s an opportunity to step away from the hype, learn from one another, and explore the opportunities, questions, and tensions AI is creating for founders. We'll explore questions such as: • Where is AI already changing how you build, work, lead, or make decisions? • What part of your business are you most curious about rethinking with AI? • Where will human judgment, creativity, and relationships matter even more as AI becomes more capable? • What opportunities, challenges, or support are most important to you right now? Throughout the gardens, we’ll pause for facilitated conversations in pairs and small groups, giving you opportunities to meet new people, exchange ideas, and learn how others are navigating the changing startup landscape. You'll Leave With • New connections with founders, investors, and startup leaders • Fresh perspectives on AI and entrepreneurship • Practical ideas and questions to take back to your business • New ways to connect with StartOut programs, mentors, investors, and community Who Should Attend LGBTQ+ founders, entrepreneurs, investors, startup leaders, and allies interested in entrepreneurship, AI, innovation, and building more inclusive companies. Cost & Garden Admission StartOut event fee: $10 per person. Botanical Garden admission is separate and handled when you arrive: • San Francisco residents: FREE garden admission with proof of San Francisco residency • Non-San Francisco residents: $17 garden admission So, San Francisco residents pay $10 total for the StartOut event, while attendees from outside San Francisco should plan for the $10 StartOut event fee + $17 Botanical Garden admission. Meeting Location We'll meet just inside the Main Entrance of the San Francisco Botanical Garden, immediately past the admissions area in the gathering space to the left. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early so we can begin promptly at 10:00 AM. What to Bring Comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, layers for changing weather, and your curiosity about AI, entrepreneurship, and meeting new people. The experience follows accessible garden pathways at a relaxed pace with several stops for conversation. This is an easy stroll rather than a strenuous hike. Ready to Join Us? RSVP today and come explore what AI, entrepreneurship, and community can look like when we step outside the usual startup conversation. ****StartOut advises that by participating in this event you will give permission to share your registration information, day of photograph captured with StartOut and our event partners.**** About StartOut StartOut's mission is to increase opportunity and success for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs through programs, mentorship, education, community, and investor engagement. About Geode Lifeworks Geode Lifeworks helps leaders, organizations, and communities navigate uncertainty with confidence, curiosity, and courage. AI in the Wild is a Geode Lifeworks signature series that brings conversations about AI beyond the boardroom through thoughtful dialogue, movement, and shared exploration.