Exit Hours x Biola University
Hello Friends,
Our UC Irvine gathering was a huge success, sold out and buzzing with energy at the ANTrepreneur Center. Thank you to everyone who showed up, pitched, hosted breakouts, and helped make it one of our strongest events yet. Special thanks to Ryan Foland for bringing his signature TEDx-style spark 🎤.
Over the last few weeks, the ecosystem has been alive with LA Tech Week, SF Tech Week, and LB Tech Week. We’ve loved seeing many of you, especially those hosting your own packed, high-quality events. Southern California’s founder community is moving with real momentum 🚀.
Now, we’re excited to return to Biola University for another afternoon of connection, learning, and founder-driven energy.
We're bringing something special to Exit Hours: an opportunity to explore what gives founders and leaders a competitive edge in an increasingly AI-driven world, with insights from a newly released book that's challenging how we think about relationships, influence, and success.
🎤 Featured Presentation
The New Social Code: Why Relationships Are Your Greatest Competitive Advantage in the Age of AI
As AI transforms how we work, build, and connect, what gives founders and leaders a lasting edge? The answer may be more human than you think.
Join Dr. Michael Arena, organizational network scientist, former executive at Amazon Web Services and General Motors, and co-author of the newly releasing The New Social Code, for one of the first in-person presentations following the book's launch.
Drawing on decades of research and executive leadership, Dr. Arena will explore five powerful relational advantages that help us uncover opportunities, build trust, gain insights, capture attention, and expand our influence.
✨ Special Guests
Dr. Silvia Mah
Venture capital investor, ecosystem builder, two-time TEDx speaker, and founder of Stella Foundation. Having invested in more than 200 early-stage companies, Dr. Mah brings a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, founder resilience, and building meaningful connections that drive innovation.
Joshua Lee
Managing Partner of Gumshoe Ventures, serial entrepreneur, and investor with deep experience building, scaling, and exiting startups. Joshua is the founder of Ardius, acquired by Gusto, and a recognized leader in Southern California's startup ecosystem. Drawing on his experience as both a founder and investor, he brings practical insights into startup growth, venture building, and successful exits.
🚀 Founder Spotlights
A dynamic group of operators and builders. Final lineup announced soon.
⭐ Why You Can’t Miss This
🤝 100+ Community: Connect with founders, investors, operators, students, and ecosystem leaders.
🧠 Curated Breakouts: Join peer groups in Product, Funding, Growth, Exits, Legal, Benefits, BAM, and more.
🎤 Inspiring Keynotes & Spotlights: Hear real stories of exits, pivots, growth spurts, and lessons learned.
🗓️ Event Schedule
💻 1:30 PM — Pre-program Coworking & Meetups
🤝 3:00 PM — Registration & Networking
🎙️ 4:00 PM — Official Program Start + Breakouts + Networking/Social
🏁 7:00 PM — Event Concludes
🎟️ Secure Your Spot
Early Bird: $15 through November 4
General Admission: $25
Door: $40
Space is limited. RSVP via Luma is mandatory and strictly enforced. Once capacity is reached, you’ll be added to the waitlist.
📩 Questions & Requests
Want to pitch or host a breakout? Email mike.okabayashi@exithours.com
Registration or logistics? Contact jack@exithours.com
🚗 Parking instructions will be shared with all registered guests.