Founder & Funder Hike & Lunch
- Date
- 2026-05-01
- Location
- Mill Valley, CA, USA
- Host
- Funded: Founders & VCs
About this event
If your best conversations rarely happen across a conference table, this event is built for you. Founder & Funder Hike & Lunch brings together people building companies and people backing them in a setting that makes it easier to talk candidly, think clearly, and form real relationships. Instead of forcing networking into a loud room or a rushed coffee line, this gathering creates space for conversation while moving through Mill Valley and then continuing over lunch. It’s social, useful, and intentionally simple: good people, fresh air, and time to connect without the usual event friction. About the Event This is an in-person meetup designed for founders, funders, and adjacent members of the tech community who value thoughtful conversation over transactional pitching. The format is straightforward: meet in Mill Valley, spend time hiking together, and continue the discussion over lunch. The combination matters. A hike changes the rhythm of a conversation in a good way: people settle in, open up, and move beyond surface-level intros. Lunch then gives everyone a natural chance to deepen the most promising conversations, reconnect with someone they met on the trail, or get to know a few new faces in a more relaxed setting. This event sits at the intersection of community, networking, and social connection. It’s for people who want to widen their circle in a way that feels grounded and human, whether that means meeting potential collaborators, hearing how others are navigating the current market, or simply spending a Friday with smart, curious people. What to Expect Expect a welcoming, low-pressure flow from start to finish. The day begins with an in-person meetup in Mill Valley at 11:15 AM PDT on Friday, May 1, followed by a group hike and lunch. There’s no need to prepare a formal pitch or presentation; this is a conversation-driven gathering. A likely rhythm for the event includes: Arrival and introductions so people can quickly get oriented A group hike with plenty of natural opportunities for one-on-one and small-group conversation Lunch together to continue the discussion in a more settled setting Open networking throughout, with room to meet both familiar faces and new ones Because the format is mobile and social, conversations can range widely. You might talk about fundraising strategy, product direction, go-to-market lessons, hiring, community building, or what you’re seeing across the tech landscape. Just as important, you’ll have room for the kinds of informal discussions that often lead to stronger relationships than a standard networking event can produce. You should also expect a more balanced energy than a typical industry meetup. The hike gives the event momentum without making it overly programmed, and lunch gives it structure without making it stiff. That mix tends to attract people who are thoughtful, engaged, and genuinely interested in meeting others. Why Attend For founders, this is a chance to spend time with funders and peers in an environment where the conversation can be more honest and less performative. You’re more likely to leave with a few meaningful connections than a stack of forgettable introductions. For funders, it’s a strong way to meet founders outside the usual formal settings and get a better sense of how they think, communicate, and engage with others. You’ll also meet other investors and community members, which can be just as valuable as the founder conversations themselves. More broadly, this event is useful because it removes some of the barriers that make networking feel inefficient. Walking side by side is often easier than making your way around a crowded room. Lunch creates a shared endpoint that helps conversations continue rather than getting cut short. A few reasons this event stands out: Better context for real connection than a standard mixer Natural conversation flow instead of forced networking Cross-pollination between founders, funders, and the broader tech community A setting that supports candor, curiosity, and stronger follow-up after the event If you care about meeting the right people in a format that feels more productive and more enjoyable, this is a smart way to spend part of your Friday. Practical Details This is an in-person event in Mill Valley, USA. The setting is part of the appeal: it offers a comfortable backdrop for walking, talking, and then sharing lunch without the distractions of a conventional venue. The event starts on Friday, May 1 at 11:15 AM PDT. Since the format includes a hike followed by lunch, plan your day accordingly and arrive ready for an active, social gathering rather than a seated program. A few useful things to keep in mind: Wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable for walking Come ready for both casual conversation and professional connection Expect the event to be collaborative and social rather than heavily structured Be prepared to introduce yourself clearly, but keep it natural This is a simple format with a lot of upside: show up, walk, talk, share a meal, and leave with stronger connections than you’d likely make at a more conventional meetup.
Who should attend
This is for people who want stronger conversations than a typical networking event usually delivers. - You’re a **founder** who wants to meet funders and peers in a setting that feels more natural than a formal pitch event. - You’re a **funder or investor** who values getting to know founders through real conversation, not just polished intros. - You work in the **broader tech ecosystem** and want to build genuine relationships with operators, builders, and backers. - You prefer **small-group, conversation-driven formats** over crowded mixers, noisy venues, or highly scripted programming. - You’re looking for **quality connections, perspective, and follow-up potential**, not just more names in your contacts. - You enjoy the idea of combining **time outdoors with thoughtful professional networking** and a shared lunch. If you like meeting ambitious, engaged people in a format that makes it easier to talk honestly and connect quickly, you’ll likely feel at home here.