Our Investor Partners: Who Are They?
At demodayLA, we are proud to have the support of a select group of investors who believe in our mission and share our passion for fostering a supportive community for entrepreneurs. These individuals are not only experienced and successful investors, but they also value building genuine relationships with founders and bringing innovative ideas to life.
We have had the privilege of getting to know these investors over the years through our work at Schmoozd and demodayLA. They bring a wealth of knowledge, resources, and connections to the table that can help take your startup to the next level.
… a little background
Since 2009, from the very beginning of Schmoozd, I have built a vast network of connections spanning many industries—developers, marketers, digital creators, authors, lawyers—you name it. Chances are, I know one or two professionals in those areas or can quickly connect with them. This also applies to investors. Whether they are Angel Investors, family office investors, or venture capitalists, I likely know them personally or they’ve at least heard of Schmoozd or one of the startups I’ve mentored over the years.
Through my years of networking, I’ve cultivated an extensive and diverse group of colleagues, friends, and collaborators. In doing so, I’ve built honest and transparent relationships with some truly remarkable individuals within the LA tech ecosystem. It’s this foundation of trust and reciprocity that has allowed me to meet and work with many investors whom I respect, admire, and enjoy collaborating with. So, when I launched demodayLA with its concept in mind, all of these individuals showed up for me. Why? Because I have been showing up for them consistently since 2009. Relationships like these are built over time, through consistent effort and mutual trust.
Of course, not all connections happen instantly. Along the way, I’ve been introduced to new investors, many of whom I’ve taken time to get to know. Whether over coffee, lunch, or even a casual game of pickleball, I take the time to vet these relationships. Building meaningful relationships takes time—plenty of time—to truly understand someone, trust them, and see if there’s alignment between your values and goals. It’s not something you can rush.
And that brings us to the core of what makes demodayLA so special: the collective of investors who support the initiative isn’t just a random list of names. They are friends, colleagues, and trusted business partners who have proven their integrity and reliability over time. These are people I’ve worked with, laughed with, and built something meaningful alongside. But don’t get me wrong—while friendship is key, business is business. It’s important to keep things professional, clean, and balanced. Strong friendships may open doors, but professionalism is what sustains the relationship in the long run.
So, when you see the network of investors supporting demodayLA, know that they are not just random names on a list. They are a reflection of years of effort, trust-building, and mutual respect—a testament to the power of genuine relationships in the tech and startup world.
… why Investor Partners
Why do we refer to our investors as our partners? Well, for one, we don’t view our relationship with them as purely transactional. They are much more than that—they are a dedicated support group for demodayLA.
Our investors provide their time, expertise, and investment dollars to help the startups in our program thrive. They’re not just writing checks; they’re actively mentoring, advising, and guiding the entrepreneurs we work with.
We value building long-lasting relationships with our investors, just as we do with our fellow entrepreneurs and community members.
For us, it’s about fostering collaboration and mutual growth, not competition. By working together, we create a network of support that strengthens both the startups and the broader innovation ecosystem.
John
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