Future Maker Mixer - LA Tech Week

Welcome to an exclusive LA Tech Week mixer hosted by Matey that brings together the brightest minds in tech, entrepreneurship, and innovation. This is more than just another event—it's a unique opportunity to connect with fellow visionaries, creators, and investors who are shaping the future.
​Whether you're an entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea, an innovator pushing the boundaries of technology, or an investor looking to support the next big thing, this gathering is designed to inspire collaboration, spark new ideas, and build meaningful connections.
​We’re excited to feature 4 remarkable speakers—seasoned entrepreneurs who have successfully raised capital and navigated the startup journey. They’ll share their insights on how to fundamentally rethink the process of building products, breaking free from traditional hurdles like fundraising. This is your chance to gain fresh perspectives, engage in transformative conversations, and be part of a movement that could change the way we approach innovation.
​Join us for an evening where talent meets opportunity, and where the conversations you have could lead to the next big breakthrough. Let's celebrate the drive, creativity, and passion that define our community—together, we’re building something extraordinary.
AGENDA:
​6:00 – 7:00 pm
Join us for a welcome reception where you can connect with our incredible tech community! Enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers while meeting and mingling with fellow innovators and industry professionals.
7:00 – 7:45 pm
Enjoy an insightful fireside discussion led by Pablo Fernandez who will lead a talk on founder experiences and trends, navigating the VC climate and investment strategies, and share personal experiences.
7:45 – 9:00 pm
Continued reception – opportunity to meet some of the brightest minds in tech and investment landscape, network and learn about eachother, develop new meaningful connections.
SPEAKER LINEUP:
Mike DeVerna • CEO of Fit!, former COO of Wag! (Nasdaq: PET), where he helped raise over $400M. Backed by Tawani Ventures, the founders of Wag!, and strategic NBA and NFL investors, Fit! is positioned to drive innovation in the fitness space.
Sherif Kozman • Founder of NAYA, 25 years of experience across multiple ventures. As the CEO and Founder of NAYA, he's building the "AWS of financial services" an AI Financial operations platform to automate financial operations for fintechs and financial service providers. He’s also the founder of Extreme Solution a leading digital transformation company and google cloud partner and serves on the board of Tanmeyah, one of Egypt’s top financial solutions providers. Beyond his work, Sherif is a proud father of two and a dog lover, bringing the same passion for innovation and problem-solving to both his professional and personal life.
Steven Mann • As a key partner at Propertize Ventures, he has been a visionary force behind the downtown revitalization of Waco, Texas, inspiring and pushing the city's leadership toward realizing a transformative future. His strategic insights and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the $2 billion redevelopment plan, which spans over 60 acres of municipally-owned land in the heart of downtown. Steven has curated a team to collaborate with the City of Waco and private stakeholders, raising hundreds of millions to build the Ballpark District and other key components of this ambitious project. His work is helping to drive Waco’s resurgence, turning it into a vibrant, forward-looking urban hub.
Celine Lightfoot • Co-founder and CTO of Beni, where she leads the company’s AI-driven technology to revolutionize online resale shopping. With nearly a decade of software engineering experience, she’s passionate about building innovative tech that creates meaningful impact for a healthy planet. Under her leadership, Beni has raised over $5M and driven nearly $3M in GMV for major resale platforms.
Refreshments:
We will provide beverages and an assortment of food & snacks - healthy options as well!
​Venue Location:
Event will be held at a luxury modern lounge in the heart of Downtown Beverly Hills - location address will be provided closer to event date.
What is Matey?
Matey is a flexible design subscription service for tech companies, offering access to experienced designers without the commitment of full-time hires. Our clients easily scale or pause services, ensuring cost-effectiveness. With tools like chat support and Asana, Matey streamlines project collaboration, helping companies bring their creative visions to life efficiently.
Event Sponsor:
We are honored to have the support of Propertize Ventures, a key Matey investor - they are shaping the future of urbanization in the U.S. They invest in transformative urban projects, revitalizing underutilized assets in high-growth regions to create vibrant, entertainment-anchored communities.

Host or Publisher Nickolas Petticrew