About
STIRR is an independent entity that connects early stage entrepreneurs with peers, senior entrepreneurs, and the ecosystem they need in their first 6-24 months of operations. STIRR is run by a dedicated group of volunteers and supported by a group of generous sponsors.
History:
In early 2006 a group of entrepreneurs decided it was time to create a networking environment targeted for founders that weren’t sit-down-and-listen affairs. We realized the most useful conversations we’d had were with fellow founders who we didn’t see or speak with as often as we’d like. Those discussions turned into STIRR.
In 2006 we started running the Mixer and Founders Table then in 2007 added PitchLab to the equation. In 2007 started moving away from the 60 second Stage Demo format we invented and started a new focus on bringing the best entrepreneurs to share short-form talks (the Hacks series and more).
Future:
STIRR will be holding its first major conference in late 2008. Stay tuned for details.
Team STIRR:
Sanford Barr, Chief Stirrer, Co-Founder (also: SocialDynamics)
Sean Ness, Chief Mixer, Co-Founder (also: Institute for the Future)
Dan Arkind, Chief Shaker, Co-Founder (also: JobScore)
Christine Herron, Pitchmaster, PitchLab (also: First Round Capital)
Melanie Sit, Lead Coordinator (The STIRR Network)
Laura Merling, Advisor (Former Exec Director of SDForum, now: Mashery)
Nathan Dintenfass, Pitchmaster Emeritus (now Redux)
Growth:
STIRR is international. If you’re in Canada, please visit STIRR Canada. If you’re a current founder of a high-tech startup or former startup member with a successful exit under your belt and you’d like to start a STIRR chapter in your region, please contact us.
Sponsorship:
STIRR consistently runs some of the highest-quality public networking events in the bay area with the largest percentage of founding teams in attendence. STIRR limits the number of vendors and non-founders in attendence. STIRR only accepts Sponsors that are relevant to early-stage startup companies.
Previous sponsors include: Sun Microsystems, Wilmer Hale, Gabriel Venture Partners, Square One Bank, Charles River Ventures, Shasta Ventures, Guidewire Group, Felicis Ventures, SoftTechVC, AboveNet, Pivotal Labs, and more.
Please Contact Us for sponsorship opportunities.