About us
OC Tech is a community of technology professionals in Orange County, California. With a network of nearly 8,000 members, the group provides a fun and supportive environment for embracing the startup culture, making new friends, finding investors, investing in companies, learning about cutting-edge technology, and generally being a good human being.
See ALL the startup events in Orange County at https://OCStartupCouncil.org
FREE TICKET OFFER: Join our free email list now for a promo code to attend our next workshop FREE: https://ocstartupcouncil.org/startup-news
Whether you're just beginning your startup journey or are a seasoned serial tech entrepreneur, there's something for everyone. OC Tech hosts a variety of events focused on tech and entrepreneurship, including educational panels, industry-relevant speaker series, social events for networking, and more.
Startups in the group's network have raised tens of millions of dollars, and speakers have come from virtually every industry, including AI, Virtual Reality, Blockchain, Web3, Nutrition, Information Technology, SaaS, and even Wine Making!
The group's mission is to connect entrepreneurs with investors, students with mentors, and job seekers with employers, creating a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who are driving the future of technology in Orange County.
If this sounds like a group for you, then join us, and we will see you at our next event.
Upcoming events
27
New Biotech, Quantum, Materials, & AI SBIR/STTR Phase I Awards 9/10/26
·OnlineOnlineFY26 Phase I - Genesis Mission
APPLY using the link - https://sbir-sttr.connectwerx.org/portfolio-items/fy26genesismission/
Active Solicitation | Submission Deadline: September 10, 2026 at 11:00AM (2:00PM ET)
IMPORTANT: This is a deadline for application only, not a live event. Mark your calendars to submit, not to attend!
ConnectWerx, a Partnership Intermediary of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), intends to open an initial Small Business Innovation Research – Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Phase I funding opportunity in collaboration with the Office of Technology Commercialization (OTC). As the first Phase I funding opportunity under OTC’s management of the DOE SBIR/STTR Programs, this Genesis Mission opportunity introduces a more streamlined, applicant-focused approach to the Phase I program. A broader Phase I funding opportunity covering additional technology topics will follow later this summer. Through the Genesis Mission opportunity, DOE intends to make approximately 40 awards totaling in $10M, representing up to $44M of cumulative SBIR/STTR funding over the projects’ lifecycles. Please note that total funding to be requested by a Small Business Concern in their full application should not exceed $250,000 (or $256,500 if the proposal includes a request for TABA).
Want more events? Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.
And, get startup events emailed to you automatically by joining the Free Startup Events Email List here: https://www.ocstartupcouncil.org/startup-news
7 attendees
Founders at Sunset: Building Smarter, More Sustainable Businesses 9/10/26
HanaHaus, 3366 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA, USJoin Stripe Newport Beach Community and Capitalista for an intimate, high-value gathering designed for founders, business owners, operators, and builders across Orange County.
RSVP using the link - https://www.hanahaus.com/events-1/2026/9/10/foundersatsunset
This event brings local entrepreneurs together for meaningful connection, honest business conversation, and peer learning — with a focus on growth, financial clarity, payments, systems, and building a business that scales sustainably.
Join them Thursday, September 10 from 5:30PM to 7:30PM at HanaHaus, 3366 Via Lido, Newport Beach, CA 92663.
Agenda
- 5:30 – 6:00 PM — Arrival, refreshments & networking
- 6:00 – 6:10 PM — Welcome & introduction to the Stripe Newport Beach Community
- 6:10 – 6:25 PM — Opening topic: Money, Marketing, or Mindset (inspired by the Good Morning, Money! podcast)
- 6:25 – 7:10 PM — Guided founder roundtable discussion
- 7:10 – 7:20 PM — Key takeaways & community reflections
- 7:20 – 7:30 PM — Closing, next steps & continued networking
Want more events? Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.
And, get startup events emailed to you automatically by joining the Free Startup Events Email List here: https://www.ocstartupcouncil.org/startup-news
5 attendees
Founder Beach Walk 9/11/26
Ticket 500, 2807 Villa Way, Newport Beach, CA, USLimon is switching things up this month — new venue, same great people.
RSVP using the link - https://partiful.com/e/CONmKnOq2fz6k6p6HmS8
Founder Beach Walk is a relaxed Friday morning for founders, builders, and creatives who want to meet good people and make real connections.
Join them Friday, September 11 from 9:30AM to 11:30AM at Ticket 500, 2807 Villa Way, Newport Beach, CA 92663. Paid street parking on Villa Way and surrounding Cannery Village streets.
No pitch decks. No name tags. Just movement, ocean air, and conversations worth having.
This month's theme: Distribution
What's one distribution channel that actually worked for you, and what did you learn from it?
Want more events? Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.
And, get startup events emailed to you automatically by joining the Free Startup Events Email List here: https://www.ocstartupcouncil.org/startup-news
5 attendees
RAIse Your Fundability Workshop | Fridays, 9/11/26 - 11/20/26
Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics, Argyros College of Business and Economics, Chapman University, 549 W. Palm Ave, Orange, CA, USImprove Your Venture Funding Readiness
RSVP using the link - https://22561610.hs-sites-na2.com/rasiseyourfundsession2
RAIse Your Fundability is a six-part, hands-on workshop series designed for founders and key team members of high-growth ventures that will need capital.
Join them every other Friday, September 11 to November 20, 2026 at Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics, Argyros College of Business and Economics, Chapman University, 549 W. Palm Ave, Orange, CA 92868.
Participants will use AI tools throughout the series to strengthen the capabilities that increase fundability, including value accounting, entrepreneurial finance, business structure, growth capital preparation, intellectual property strategy, and venture communication.
Want more events? Please see the full OC Startup Events Calendar here.
And, get startup events emailed to you automatically by joining the Free Startup Events Email List here: https://www.ocstartupcouncil.org/startup-news
6 attendees
Past events
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