I’m just getting going for Day 3 of Upfront hospitality here in Los Angeles. Upfront puts together their summit for the benefit of their LPs, entrepreneurs, and broader ecosystem. They do a hell of a job.
It’s become a must-attend event for LPs and GPs alike. That’s saying something. You don’t get this many busy people on a plane multiple years in a row without dropping some real value on them. I see some of my favorite LPs here every year and I think that at least half my portfolio of current and future GP partners is here in the room too. Suster says that I can’t do “lobby con” but what does he expect when I see such a curated list of attendees? I literally sorted and found 105 people that I knew and wanted to see while here!
The reason you don’t just hang in the lobby is that the content is great. Upfront has really pushed the group to consider social and political issues that are sometimes uncomfortable but important beyond our personal economic interests. One example that really resonates with me is the Defy Ventures talk by Cat Hoke. This is a great way for us to use our experience to give back in a more meaningful way! I’m really proud of my partners, Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson, for getting involved and I can’t wait to go to prison with them. See more here.
Upfront also does a great job of supporting their local ecosystem here in Los Angeles. Today is all about the development of this community. Los Angeles deserves much of the buzz you’re hearing in tech circles and it feels like a place that LPs should have exposure to when they think about talent and ecosystems here in the US.
Many of us give Mark the public praise but I know it’s the whole group that gets behind this effort and, in particular, my man Stuart Lander that destroys himself over these three days. A huge thank you to Upfront for hosting us here. I should also add that I’m proud of them and happy to see the team growing and having success! #LongLA