Startup Cafe: FounderLine with Josh Resnick ($860M exit)
☕️Startup Cafe: FounderLine with Josh Resnick ($860M exit)
Join Jeffrey Chernick and Alix Gitter, co-authors of High Five Energy, for the FounderLine Live — an in-person, interactive taping that’s redefining how founders get support.
Our special guest is Josh Resnick, co-founder of Pandemic Studios ($860M exit to EA), Sugarfina (named one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies”), and Managing Partner at Pure Imagination Brands. From building iconic gaming and consumer brands to investing in over 50 companies across tech, food, and retail, Josh’s journey reflects bold creativity, operational excellence, and a passion for founder-led innovation.
Agenda
8:45 - 9:30 am • Coffee and Socialize
9:30- 11:00 am • Talk and Presentation
January 7th, 2026
About: Josh Resnick
Josh Resnick is a serial founder and investor with a remarkable track record across industries. He began his career in gaming and was president and co‑founder of Pandemic Studios, the influential video game developer behind hits like Star Wars: Battlefront, Destroy All Humans!, Mercenaries, and Full Spectrum Warrior — which was acquired by Electronic Arts for approximately $860 million. After exiting the gaming world, Josh co‑founded Sugarfina, a luxury candy boutique that became widely recognized for innovation in retail and rapid growth between 2012 and 2019.
Today, Josh serves as Co‑Founder & General Partner at OpenSky Ventures, an early‑stage venture capital firm focused on the future of commerce — investing in technology, direct‑to‑consumer brands, and tools that help digitally native founders scale faster. In addition to OpenSky, Josh is Managing Partner at Pure Imagination Brands, a diverse portfolio supporting consumer, tech, and food & beverage startups where he applies his operating experience to help brands grow.
About: Jeffrey Chernick
Jeffrey is a 3x founder, advisor, angel investor, and former Wall Street wealth manager. He has been featured by more than 30 media outlets including Techcrunch, Forbes, and the LA Times. His company RideAmigos is the leading commute management platform, taking millions of cars off the road annually.
With over 20 million downloads and $12 million raised, his visual caller ID app, Vyng, boasts 5 billion videos played across 170 countries (acquired by Siprocal). Chernick is an inventor of 21 US Patents, 3x Emory Goizueta Business School Alumni Luminary, and both a guest lecturer and advisory board member at Pepperdine University's Entrepreneurship MBA Program. In his spare time, Jeffrey DJ's around the world with neon drum sticks.
🔗 WEBSITE
About: Alix Gitter
Alix is an American actress, writer, and producer from Los Angeles, California. Known for roles in television movies such as Blue Lagoon: The Awakening and The Bling Ring, and appearances in acclaimed series like GCB, Longmire, and Bones, Gitter has brought characters to life with humor and soul.
Beyond the screen, she is a storyteller fueled by curiosity, compassion, and the conviction that life — like art — is a collaborative effort, one where everyone’s role matters. With a passion for the creative process and deep reverence for those who dare to try, Gitter sees the world through a simple belief: creation is participation.
ABOUT The KINN
The KINN is a membership network, accelerator, and collaborative workspace for conscious entrepreneurs, based in Venice, CA. Running tailored inner development and business accelerator programs for startups, providing executive coaching, accountability, and access to a top-tier LA-based community of entrepreneurs, creatives, intrapreneurs, and investors. If you're interested in learning more about KINN Membership, please visit http://thekinn.co/apply
Pilot
Pilot provides outsourced finance and operations support for startups, including bookkeeping, tax, CFO, and COO services. We help early-stage companies scale from Pre-Seed to Series C with accurate financials, operational discipline, and investor-ready insights.
About Startup Coil
Networking for innovators to connect with like-minded individuals, startups, and entrepreneurs. startupcoil.com
About Nerds of LA
Join Nerds of LA—where LA’s most innovative minds collide! We’re building the ultimate network by connecting with other powerhouse groups in the area, expanding our reach across the city. If you’re ready to link up with founders, VCs, AI visionaries, and innovators shaping the future, this is the group you’ve been looking for.
Pick your platform and join the conversation with LA’s tech community. 🤝 🦾
Highlights from previous special guests
Building Businesses from the Heart with Lavinia Errico, Co-Founder of Equinox
How to Scale Consciously with Ryan Blair
Founder Mental Health Pledge with Brad Baum
Art Show with Denise Di Novi
Operating Incubators with Reuben Vollmer
Malibu Love Affair with Brigitte Londo
Live Through Love with Ruben Rojas
Finding Stillness with Henry Mitchell
Smarter with Science! with Science Stanley and Zen Zachary
The Science of Charisma: The 7 Secrets of Public Speaking with Richard Greene
Unveiling the Human Experience with Paul Vincent
Who wants to go to Japan! 🇯🇵
KINN member Jeffrey Chernick partnered with Japan’s largest travel site to launch Kabuk.com — a free travel booking platform that offers:
A personal Japanese Concierge to plan your dream trip
Monthly payment installments instead of one lump sum
Free cancellation or rebooking within 7 days of your trip
Access to unique experiences not found online
Through its parent company, Kabuk has direct partnerships with over 4,000 hotels in Japan, offering up to 40% off your stay.
Sign up at Kabuk.com, book your discovery call, and use the code KINN to receive $200 in travel credits if booked by October 31, or $100 thereafter.
Kloo is a Q Grader coffee sommelier-founded brand on a mission to decode the complexity of craft coffee.