TCVN Reimagines Startup-Investor Networking with The Investor Dating Game™

IRVINE, Calif. - Aug. 5, 2025 - PRLog -- Tech Coast Venture Network (TCVN), Southern California's longest-standing entrepreneur support organization, is thrilled to announce the inaugural launch of its newest trademark event: The Investor Dating Game™, taking place October 16, 2025 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at OneDigital in Irvine. Inspired by the original TV show, The Dating Game, from the 70's, and presented by Reed Smith LLP, this highly anticipated event reimagines traditional investor-founder matchmaking with a curated alternative to the standard pitch or speed-dating format.

How It Works
In each round of the game, a single investor sits behind the wall, asking curated questions to three spotlighted founders. After 10 minutes of focused Q&A, the investor selects their favorite founder for a 1:1 "date" — on the investor's dime — while the other two walk away with valuable prizes, connections, and insight.

Designed for quality over quantity, the event features only 15 founder spots and 5 investor rounds, creating an intimate environment for high-impact conversations. The entire evening is set against a 70s vibe, complete with cocktails, groovy 70's music by DJ KDK, delicious bites by OC's famous Evan's BBQ, interviews on The Little Blue Shag Rug, and a founder-first audience that knows how to have fun.

"This is TCVN putting the FUN back in FUNDable," said Tony Crisp, TCVN interim President. "Founders told us what wasn't working -- loud rooms, rushed conversations; so we flipped the script. This is not speed dating. It's a thoughtfully designed experience where real relationships can take root."

Tickets and Access
TCVN has opened ticket sales with early bird discounts (code: EARLY) available through August 31

• Founders ($150): Limited to 15 players
• Funders ($150): Limited to 5 host spots
• General Admission ($150): Includes access to the audience, networking, food, drinks, and entertainment
• TCVN Members ($75): Discounted GA access
• Sponsor Tables ($1,500): Demo space, VIP seating, and prominent brand placement

All tickets include food, drinks, and access to TCVN's most interactive networking event yet. Tickets for founders, investors, and startup enthusiasts are now open. To apply to pitch, join as an investor, or secure a sponsor table, visit lu.ma/investordatinggame.

Why It Matters
The Investor Dating Game is the latest proof of concept in a series of innovative experiences from TCVN, a nonprofit known for placing founders first. It follows the success of Survivor™ XI, and the upcoming Wingz™ First-Time Funder program — all designed to help Southern California founders become fundable.

About TCVN
Founded in 1984, Tech Coast Venture Network (TCVN) is a nonprofit organization on a mission to helping early-stage entrepreneurs become fundable. Hosting signature events: PitchPolish™ workshops, InvestorReady™ workshops, Survivor™ pitch event, Investor Dating Game™, Wingz™ become an angel investor program, and Rocky™ founders choice awards. TCVN's core values: founders first, relationships over transactions, and community over competition, guide everything it does. Join our mission and become a lifetime member at www.tcvn.org/join.

TCVN is Proudly Sponsored by Reed Smith LLP
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions and regulatory matters. Our team of 3,000 people (including more than 1,600 lawyers) operate across more than 30 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia to drive progress for our clients, for ourselves and for our communities. Our Emerging Companies and Venture Capital practice is a trusted partner for innovators at every stage of the venture life cycle, and we partner with founders, start-ups, and investors to help build the next generation of market leaders. Learn more at www.reedsmith.com