Something special happened last night at BLANKSPACES Santa Monica (929 Colorado Ave, Santa Monica). If you were one of the 100 people packed into the room, you felt it too. It wasn’t just the energy from the conversation; it was a feeling of momentum, a collective sense that something big is on the horizon. The fireside chat with Mike Jones of Science, Inc. and Dan Negari, founder of .XYZ, was more than just an event. It felt like the start of a movement to bring Silicon Beach back to its roots.

Thank you to the following folks for making this fireside chat amazing:

Dan Negari, founder of .XYZ (connect)
Mike Jones, co-founder of Science, Inc. (connect)
Jeffrey Chernick, 3x founder, advisor, author, and angel investor (connect)
Jerome Chang, founder of BLANKSPACES (connect)

Here’s a quick recap of the discussion and a look at the ambitious goal of revitalizing Santa Monica’s startup ecosystem. Let’s explore why this place holds such a significant chapter in tech history and talk about turning inspiration into action.

A Night of Sparks and Ambition

The air was electric. You could see it in the way people leaned in, nodding as Mike and Dan shared their vision. The conversation wasn’t just about nostalgia for a bygone era; it was a forward-looking roadmap. The central theme was clear: to reignite Santa Monica as the launchpad for the next generation of innovators, makers, and creators.

For those of us who have been around for a while, it was a powerful reminder of what this city once was. I remember when Santa Monica was the undisputed heart of Southern California’s tech scene. It wasn’t just a location; it was an identity. This was the place where you could bump into a future unicorn founder at a coffee shop or hash out a world-changing idea over lunch. The energy from last night felt like a direct continuation of that spirit, a promise to rebuild what made this community so unique.

The enthusiasm in the room was palpable. It wasn’t a passive audience absorbing a lecture. It was a group of entrepreneurs, developers, and creatives ready to roll up their sleeves. The Q&A session was dynamic, filled with insightful questions and a shared eagerness to execute on the ideas being discussed.

Echoes of Silicon Beach’s Golden Age

To understand the importance of this mission, you have to remember the giants who once walked these streets. Santa Monica wasn’t just another dot on the map; it was the epicenter of innovation. It’s where Ian Siegel launched ZipRecruiter at a Schmoozd event, forever changing how people find jobs. It’s where Ryan Hudson and George Ruin pitched his idea for Honey, the browser extension that helps millions save money online (which later sold to PayPal for $4B).

This is the city where BIRD scooters first took flight, transforming urban mobility. And let’s not forget the cultural phenomenon that was MySpace.com, with Mike Jones himself at the helm as CEO during a pivotal time. From Jason Calacanis’s Mahalo.com to countless other ventures, Santa Monica was the soil where ambitious ideas grew into household names.

Last night’s conversation wasn’t about living in the past but learning from it. Mike and Dan spoke about the unique blend of creativity, tech, and lifestyle that made Santa Monica a magnet for talent. They emphasized that the core ingredients are still here; they just need to be brought together again with purpose and intention.

Mike Jones summed up Los Angeles beautifully: “Los Angeles is the home of creativity. It’s where Hollywood is… no other place has the level of creativity that Los Angeles does.”

He pointed out that the city’s unique ability to blend innovation with artistic expression makes it unparalleled. From entertainment to technology, the cultural richness of Los Angeles continues to inspire individuals and businesses alike, fueling groundbreaking ideas and bold ventures.

Can Santa Monica Reclaim Its Startup Glory?

So, what happens now? The energy from one night can easily fade. But this time feels different. The collaboration between Schmoozd and BLANKSPACES is a concrete first step. The goal is to create a sustained effort, providing the space, community, and resources that startups need to thrive.

As Mike and Dan outlined, the plan isn’t about recreating the past but building a new future on its foundation. They spoke of fostering a culture where “building cool shit” is the primary objective. This means creating environments where founders can experiment, fail, and ultimately succeed. It means connecting established leaders with emerging talent and providing a platform for collaboration.

With a community of 30K subscribers through Schmoozd, we have a powerful network to tap into. The mission is to unite this network and channel its collective energy into tangible outcomes. This is about more than just networking events; it’s about building a support system for the entire startup journey, from ideation to launch and beyond.

Join the Movement

Last night was a declaration. It was a statement from two of the community’s most influential figures that they are committed to this cause. But more importantly, it was a gathering of 100 individuals who are ready and eager to join them.

The revitalization of Santa Monica’s startup scene won’t happen overnight, and it won’t be driven by just a few people. It will be the result of a united effort from everyone who believes in this city’s potential. Whether you’re a founder looking for your footing, an investor searching for the next big thing, or a creative eager to contribute your skills, there is a place for you in this movement.

The conversation has started. The spark has been lit. Now, the real work begins. Let’s build Santa Monica back, together.

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