AI Founder Meetup: Los Angeles Startup Night Sparks Discussion on the Future of Digital Commerce

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By: Richard Ren / LAPost

Los Angeles, Oct. 15, 2025 — The Silicon Valley-based early-stage investment fund UpScaleX successfully hosted the “AI Founder Meetup – LA Digital Commerce Night” on Oct. 15 in Culver City, Los Angeles, as part of a16z TECH WEEK. The event brought together more than 60 entrepreneurs and investors from Southern California and Silicon Valley, as well as young founders who flew in from Singapore and Chicago, to explore the future opportunities and innovation trends in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital commerce.

(Group photo of speakers and attendees. Photo by: Richard Ren / LAPost)

Co-organized by UpScaleX, Gensmo AI co-founder Kevin Zhang, Moxy co-founder Lanzhu Jian, and Asteroom CEO Eric Tsai, the event featured a lineup of influential entrepreneurs who shared their startup journeys, industry insights, and visions for the future.

UpScaleX Partner Alan Zong moderated the fireside chat, joined by Cordelia Xiao, founder of Midas Touch; Jay Yue, serial DTC entrepreneur; Lanzhu Jian, co-founder of Moxy; Kevin Zhang, co-founder of Gensmo AI; and Eric Tsai, co-founder of Asteroom. Speakers discussed how social media and live commerce are driving brand growth, how AI-powered systems are transforming e-commerce, and how 3D and AI imaging technologies are reshaping the real estate data ecosystem through partnerships with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

(Fireside chat panelists from left: Alan Zong, Eric Tsai, Lanzhu Jian, Cordelia Xiao, Kevin Zhang. Photo by: Richard Ren / LAPost)

The discussion centered on three key topics — the transformation of digital commerce, the real-world impact of AI, and how founders can adapt to the new era.

Speakers agreed that social commerce platforms such as TikTok Shop are redefining global retail by merging content, transactions, and influence into a closed loop, shifting brands from one-time sales to long-term user engagement and community building.

On the AI front, panelists emphasized that artificial intelligence is empowering every stage of business — from content creation and smart recommendations to supply chains and creator collaboration. AI not only reduces operational costs but also drives personalized consumer experiences and data-informed decisions, becoming the core engine of digital innovation.

When asked about the mindset of future founders, speakers highlighted the importance of being “AI-native” — combining technical fluency with aesthetic sensibility and content intuition, while embracing experimentation, agility, and creativity.

The evening also included networking and open discussion sessions, where participants exchanged insights on how AI is reshaping digital commerce and enhancing consumer experiences.

“Los Angeles is a city of creativity and inclusivity, with a vibrant innovation ecosystem and diverse consumer market,” said Alan Zong, Partner at UpScaleX. “We believe LA founders will leverage AI to create groundbreaking innovations in digital commerce.”

Headquartered in Palo Alto, UpScaleX focuses on early-stage investments in AI and digital commerce startups, supporting next-generation tech leaders through capital and strategic resources. Co-organizer Moxy, a leading LA-based digital marketing agency, specializes in brand-creator partnerships and is pioneering AI-native approaches to influencer collaboration. Gensmo, an emerging AI search and recommendation company, has raised over $60 million in early funding.

The event not only fostered meaningful dialogue between AI founders and investors but also became one of the most talked-about startup gatherings during #LATechWeek.