Organizational Transformation Using AI
Organizational Transformation Using AI
Co-Hosted With Innovate Bay & AI-Collective
Sponsored by Citi National Bank
Thursday, May 21, 2026 · 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
San Francisco Bay University
161 Mission Falls Ln, Fremont, CA 94539 · Mission Falls Business Park
The next phase of AI transformation isn't about the tools. It's about capital, go-to-market systems, and how companies build and deliver products.
Following our March session on organizational transformation, we're back for a deeper look at how AI is reshaping investment, go-to-market strategies, and software development.
This gathering brings together founders, investors, operators, and technology leaders to explore how companies are adapting to the AI era.
This isn't a one-off event. It's an ecosystem.
THE FRAMEWORK
The 4Cs of the Founder Ecosystem
Enduring companies are built where four forces intersect: Capital, Competencies, Customers, and Cities.
East Bay Founders exists to bring these forces together — creating the conditions for companies to start, scale, and succeed.
THE AGENDA
5:00 – 5:30 PM
Registration & Networking
Doors open. Meet founders, investors, operators, and builders from across the East Bay and Silicon Valley ecosystem.
5:30 – 5:40 PM
Welcome & East Bay Founders Overview
Introduction to the East Bay Founders community and the mission behind building a founder ecosystem across cities, capital networks, and technology operators.
5:40 – 6:15 PM
Panel 1 — From Idea to Incubation
A conversation with East Bay incubator and SBDC leaders on what incubators do, how AI has changed the game for early-stage founders, and what separates a real business from a polished demo.
Moderator: Jessie Chen — Co-founder, Seeji; AI Collective Chapter Lead, Tri-Valley
Panelists:
· Rohan Brown — Executive Director, Innovate Bay (San Francisco Bay University)
· Yolanda Fintschenko, PhD — Executive Director, i-GATE Innovation Hub (home of Startup Tri-Valley and Daybreak Labs)
· Nancy Mangold — Executive Director, East Bay SBDC (Cal State East Bay)
6:15 – 6:45 PM
Light Dinner & Networking
6:45 – 7:00 PM
Sponsorship Update
Featured remarks from Paul Single, Senior Economist, Senior Portfolio Manager, and Managing Director, City National Bank — on the macro outlook for founders and entrepreneurs.
7:00 – 8:00 PM
Panel 2 — GTM in the AI Era: AI Funnels & AI Ecosystems
AI is transforming how companies acquire customers and build partner ecosystems. This session explores emerging go-to-market models, including AI-driven funnels, ecosystem-based growth strategies, and new collaboration models between companies.
Moderator: Sugata Sanyal — Founder & CEO, ZINFI Technologies
Panelists:
· Alissa Lydon — VP of Marketing, Actively AI (Direct GTM)
· Rob Moyer — Founder, BlueThread.io; ex-Gong, Microsoft, TD SYNNEX (Hybrid / Ecosystem GTM)
· Tamer Osman — Global ISV Strategic GTM, NVIDIA (Indirect / Ecosystem GTM)
8:00 – 8:20 PM
EBF App Launch & Community Preview
Launch and demo of the East Bay Founders app and a preview of community programming ahead.
8:20 – 9:00 PM
Wrap-up and Networking
THE ROOM
Who Should Attend
· Founders building AI-driven companies
· Investors and venture partners
· Product and engineering leaders
· Go-to-market executives
· Ecosystem builders and operators
Light dinner and refreshments will be provided.
SPONSORED BY
City National Bank (CNB) is a relationship-driven, full-service financial institution built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. As a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada, CNB combines the agility of a boutique bank with the global strength of one of North America's largest and safest commercial banks.
CNB offers tailored banking, RSU-backed liquidity, and strategic financial guidance to help businesses and entrepreneurs scale with confidence. The approach is simple: provide strategic financial guidance, move quickly, and build long-term relationships that evolve with the company. Whether raising capital, managing burn, or planning for personal wealth, CNB is designed to support unique founder needs.
THE COMMUNITY
About East Bay Founders
East Bay Founders is a community connecting capital, colleagues, customers, and cities to help entrepreneurs learn faster, build smarter, and scale companies that last.
Where Founders Grow.
www.eastbayfounders.net