Raising a Glass to LA’s Startup Scene

With the world changing faster than ever before, we’re reminded of the fundamental need for human connection. After more than two years apart, we were grateful to recently reconnect in person with some of the founders, investors, advisors, influencers, operators, and other trailblazers who make us brighter together.

We also wanted to express our gratitude for those in the Los Angeles ecosystem—and beyond. Ever since Carter and Courtney Reum founded M13 in 2016, we’ve been humbled by the support and involvement of those in the M13 constellation.

Spencer Rascoff

Co-founder and Executive Chairman at dot.LA
(a M13 portfolio company)

“When I moved here five years ago [from Seattle], I didn't really know anyone in LA tech. So the first thing I did was I went to Techstars LA’s Demo Day, and I met Anna Barber…She just represented everything that was good about the LA tech ecosystem: welcoming, collaborative, designed to help lift us all up. From Techstars LA and now here at M13, she continues to embody what I admire about the LA tech ecosystem.”

Katie Ann Echevarria Rosen Kitchens

Co-founder and Executive Chairman at FabFitFun
(a M13 portfolio company)

“We started as a newsletter here in Los Angeles about 10 years ago and have evolved into a subscription service, a pretty robust e-comm platform, and a community of over 1 million women. And what I'm really thankful for is just the ability to build a business in Los Angeles. It really is the heart of everything, and the incredible diversity has given us access to so many amazing connections who are innovating in the health space, the beauty space, and of course the tech space.”

Minnie Ingersoll

Partner at TenOneTen Ventures
Host of the “LA Venture” podcast

“The culture of a startup is set by the early employees—and the same thing is true of a city. I grew up here and moved to the Bay Area to start my startup. And when I moved back here, I was so touched by the warmth, the welcoming, the positive energy, and the momentum of LA. And I truly believe we're still in the early days in the growth of LA tech, but also early days in the growth of M13.”

Robyn Ward

CEO at FounderForward

“Everything in LA—from Hollywood to every industry—comes together. It's the most diverse in industries. Look at this group. It did not used to be like this in 2008. I'm so excited where we're at, and I think M13 is leading us into the future. This is what the LA technology ecosystem looks like, and I’m fired up for it.”

The evening was also a chance for catching up with old friends—and making new ones.

M13 Co-founder Courtney Reum (right) with Cyrus Sigari, founder of jetAVIVA and UP.Partners

M13 Partner and Head of Brand Christine Choi (center) with Taylor Lorenz and Ji Lee

From left: Queen of internet culture (Washington Post columnist Taylor Lorenz) with queen of the metaverse (entrepreneur, artist, and advocate Paris Hilton) and queen of bitcoin (Lightning Labs CEO and Founder Elizabeth Stark)

M13 Partner and Head of Talent Matt Hoffman (right) with Spora Health Founder Dan Miller

HUG Co-founder Debbie Soon (left) with OPTE Founder Derrick Dinglasan

M13 Partner Anna Barber (right) with Joe Vezzani and Jon Farjo, founders of LunarCrush

We transformed M13’s parking lot into a garden oasis complete with custom cocktails and appetizers prepared by M13 portfolio company Savour, a marketplace of private chefs creating memorable in-home dining experiences.

Other portfolio companies got involved: Eliqs created branded cans of rosé and sparkling water, while guests couldn’t get enough of the red Shef delivery bags filled with dessert and samples from health and wellness companies Capsule, Rae, and RealSleep.

Looking back on the night of community and connection, we believe it’s a genuine privilege to wake up every day thinking about investing in the future. Our community remains the cornerstone of M13—and together, we remain hopeful for brighter days ahead.