This month, we had the privilege of hosting two intimate founder’s dinners (one in Los Angeles and one in New York City) bringing together visionary leaders across insurtech, healthtech, AI, and fintech for evenings rooted in connection, conversation, and community.
At T Palmer Agency, we believe the most meaningful ideas don’t just come from conference stages or pitch decks, but from candid conversations shared over great meals. These dinners were designed to create space for exactly that.
Los Angeles: January 13th, 2026 at Alba
Our West Coast gathering took place on Tuesday, January 13 at Alba in Los Angeles and marked an important milestone for us: the first founder’s dinner T Palmer has ever hosted in Los Angeles. Welcoming 25 founders into the room made the evening feel especially meaningful as we expanded our founder community on the West Coast.
Against Alba’s warm, refined backdrop, founders spanning insurtech, healthtech, AI, and fintech connected over shared experiences navigating growth, fundraising, hiring, and the realities of scaling in today’s market.
Conversations flowed easily between first-time founders and seasoned operators, with discussions ranging from responsible AI adoption to the evolving expectations of enterprise customers. The LA dinner reinforced something we see time and again: when founders are given the space to speak honestly, collaboration naturally follows.
New York City: January 20th, at Butter
One week later, we brought that same energy to the East Coast. On Tuesday, January 20, 31 founders gathered at Butter in New York City for our NYC founder’s dinner. The room buzzed with energy as leaders across insurtech, healthtech, AI, and fintech exchanged insights shaped by the unique pace and pressure of the New York ecosystem.
From navigating regulatory complexity to standing out in crowded markets, conversations reflected both ambition and advice. Founders spoke candidly about what’s working, what’s not, and where they see opportunity in the year ahead. While the industries varied, common themes emerged: the importance of clarity in storytelling, the need for smarter growth strategies, and the value of building relationships that extend beyond transactions.
The NYC dinner felt like a genuine reminder that even in one of the world’s busiest cities, founders are still eager for moments of genuine connection.
Looking Ahead
Both evenings underscored why we continue to invest in founder-first experiences at T Palmer Agency. Whether in Los Angeles or New York, the appetite for thoughtful dialogue and peer connection is clear. These dinners focused listening, learning, and building community among visionaries shaping the future of their industries.
We’re grateful to every founder who joined us and helped make these evenings memorable. This is what building founder community looks like, and we can’t wait to do more of it in 2026.
