​Note: This event is SOLD OUT! We will be approving additional signups only as folks change their RSVP's to not attending, due to the venue capacity. Looking forward to meeting you all!

​About the Event

​Join us for an inspiring evening during NYC #TechWeek, as Stanford Alumni in Startups NY presents "Building a Startup in 2024: Lessons From Founders."

​This event promises to be a trove of insights and experiences for anyone in the startup ecosystem. Learn from investors and founders who have been through fundraises, acquisitions, layoffs, and shutdowns in the recent tumultuous year. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned founder, or simply passionate about innovation, this session will be exciting and relevant for you. ​

​Hosted by SASNY, board member and startup founder Hillary Lin, MD will interview an intimate panel to highlight the unique challenges and triumphs of building a startup in the current year. Expect to dive deep into real-life stories, learn from the setbacks, and celebrate the victories of those who are navigating the startup journey. Panel to be followed by mingling over snacks and drinks. ​

​The exact location will be announced closer to the event date.

​
Early Bird Tickets ($10) end 5/21
General Tickets ($15)
Last Minute Tickets ($20) - don't wait!

​While this event is being hosted by Stanford Alumni Startups NY, all are welcome to attend the event.

​About the Speakers

​Vamsi Varanasi is Director of Growth at CLEAR Verified, where he leads product and growth strategy for CLEAR's digital identity SaaS product in financial services and fintech. This technology comes by way of CLEAR's acquisition of Sora ID, where Vamsi was cofounder and COO. Sora raised $6M from Greylock and General Catalyst and supported fraud and compliance teams at several fintech customers before being acquired by CLEAR in 2023. Vamsi holds a BS in Physics and an MS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.

​Ruben Amar is Co-Founder and President of Forum Brands and CEO of Brandable. Ruben started his career in investment banking at Credit Suisse, where he focused on M&A, fundraising, and market research in the technology space. Following Credit Suisse Ruben joined TA Associates, a $65bn growth private equity firm, driving buy-and-build, integrations, and acquisitions of companies in the consumer and technology sectors. Ruben has been an active advisor to several startups, providing counsel on business development and go-to-market strategy. Ruben holds a Master’s in Engineering from Ecole Centrale Paris and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

​Laura Chau is a Partner at Canaan, an early-stage venture fund that has raised over $7B in assets over the last 37 years to back industry-defining technology and bio-tech companies. Laura has been investing in consumer technology companies with Canaaan for the last decade and is on the board of Ollie, Clutch, MSCHF, and Mosey amongst others. She has also worked closely with the early teams of Kabam, Greenhouse, Branch Metrics, and Marie Kondo. She holds a B.S. in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University, and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

​Anna Chukaeva is a repeat entrepreneur and community innovator. Anna was trained in mathematics, computer science and economics. While on the trading floor at Credit Suisse, she started her first company in art education. While getting her MBA at Stanford, Anna started Carta Healthcare, where she identified a need to leverage AI in hospital data collection and proceeded to build the enterprise-scale product and enlist hospital systems to adopt her solutions. Her work at Alta Holdings includes spearheading LP investments in mid-size venture funds. Anna’s community building includes Female Founders Edge, an organization focused on supporting female founders. 

​Ruchir Shah graduated Stanford as an MBA class of 2018 and is a lifelong entrepreneur. He's started five companies to date, and he's learned the most from the companies that have failed. He is currently the Founder and CEO of SkillCat, an online, simulation training platform for skilled trade workers. 

​Moderator

​Hillary Lin, MD, is a Stanford-educated physician and serial entrepreneur with a background in neuroscience, oncology, and primary care. She completed her BS, MD, and Internal Medicine Residency at Stanford. She has been a board member of Stanford Alumni Startups NY (SASNY) for over five years and active in the digital and NYC startup community. She co-founded Curio, a VC-backed startup that evolved from tech-enabled psychedelic-assisted therapy to an AI-enabled patient navigation platform. Currently, Dr. Lin is developing Livora Health, a new longevity health company. Her mission is to drive medical evidence and transparency to empower people to live fulfilled lives.

​This event is a part of #TechWeek - a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem.

This event is sponsored by The Yard @theyard - a co-working and office space for startups and businesses of all kinds.