Ansir Cowork

Eric Westreich, founder of Epic Footprints, shared how his new venture is helping nonprofits thrive—regardless of economic conditions—by transforming how they engage and retain volunteers. Through the Nonprofit Catalyst Engine, Epic Footprints provides a low-cost, low-overhead system that empowers nonprofits to: • Recruit more volunteers • Keep them engaged long-term • Reduce the burden on internal teams • Drive more funding, better services, and lower operating costs Eric’s mission is rooted in decades of experience as a founder, board member, volunteer, and advocate across organizations like Startup San Diego, PlugFest, the Maritime Alliance, and AFCEA. His goal: to equip nonprofits with the tools they need to become resilient, adaptive, and impactful in any environment. Epic Footprints offers: • The Nonprofit Catalyst Engine – sparks engagement through weekly appreciation and team-building • The Digital Compass – helps nonprofit teams focus on what matters most • The Execution Link – bridges strategic priorities with operational systems and delivery The Ask: • Volunteers for an 8-week validation study on volunteer motivation • Feedback on branding and product direction • Warm introductions to nonprofits that could benefit from the Catalyst Engine • Technical support for version 2 of the platform Learn more or join the volunteer impact study. https://lnkd.in/gEcgatKs #1MillionCups #EpicFootprints #NonprofitInnovation #VolunteerEngagement #StartupSanDiego #AnsirCowork #SocialImpact #CatalystEngine

Robin Park, founder and CEO of BiomixX, presented a new frontier in AI-powered drug discovery at 1 Million Cups San Diego. With a background that includes leading roles at Scripps Research and founding Integrated Proteomics Applications (acquired by Bruker), Robin is now applying decades of domain expertise to solve one of biotech’s biggest problems: fragmented biological data. BiomixX accelerates early-stage drug discovery by using specialized AI agents to integrate and interpret massive datasets across proteomics, genomics, metabolomics, and literature. What typically takes scientists weeks—or months—can now be done in minutes. The platform is designed to: • Unite scattered omics data into a cohesive biological narrative • Mine tens of thousands of disease-specific papers for relevant insights • Generate project-ready, disease-focused AI agents, not generic models • Help researchers focus on discovery rather than data wrangling The opportunity: • Targeting pharma, research institutions, and clinical partners • Global CRM market TAM estimated at $115–$235B • Initial traction with domain-specific AI workflows for early discovery teams The ask: • Seeking investment to expand development and team • Open to partnerships with pharma, research labs, and scientific collaborators Learn more at biomixx.net #1MillionCups #Biomixx #AIinBiotech #DrugDiscovery #LifeSciences #SanDiegoStartups #Bioinformatics #Omics #AnsirCowork

Michael Ma, founder of SixAI Codex Fund, presented a new approach to forecasting turnaround stories in the stock market—by modeling them through the lens of the Hero’s Journey narrative framework. Just as classic stories like The Odyssey, Star Wars, or Batman Begins follow a recognizable arc of departure, trials, and return—so do some of the most notable turnaround companies. SixAI is building models that learn from historical stock behavior and market cycles to detect these story patterns in real time. Companies modeled include: • AMD • Domino’s Pizza (DPZ) • Carvana (CVNA) • Chipotle (CMG) • Sony Key themes in the approach: • Story-driven signal discovery • Pattern recognition based on classic narrative structure • Forecasting inflection points using AI-informed models The ask: • Feedback on the storytelling + data hybrid approach • Connections to investors, fund partners, and collaborators interested in narrative-based forecasting • Continued refinement of signal accuracy through new data sources Learn more: sixhq.ai #1MillionCups #SixAI #NarrativeInvesting #HeroJourney #QuantFinance #StartupSanDiego #AnsirCowork #StockMarketAI

Another fun and filling First Friday at Ansir Cowork / Yummy House. Thanks for coming out: Prashant Anilkumar Jasmine Montilla Micah Kearns Ford Davis Ping Wang Greg Pilarowski Jeremy Launder Rob Carroll Ella Napata Steven Fouskarinis, MBA Vanya Boardman Kelley Carr Bill Li Aaron Nigro Lena Skliarova-Mordvinova Katerina Kohlwes Eric Westreich

Brennan Weinstein, co-founder of UniContacts, presented his mobile-first CRM built for fast-moving B2B teams looking to simplify contact management and increase productivity—starting with real estate and service-based professionals. UniContacts is designed to meet the needs of modern small and medium businesses and freelancers with tools that prioritize speed, accessibility, and simplicity. The platform empowers users to manage relationships, streamline workflows, and access everything on the go—right from their pocket. Key differentiators include • Mobile-first design • Fast contact import—up to 300,000 records, something not offered by typical CRMs • User analytics and performance tracking • Built-in security features • Free version available with one free export • Affordable pricing designed for freelancers and small teams Market opportunity • Global CRM market estimated between $115B–$235B • Designed to serve a wide serviceable market, with plans to layer in AI for lead scoring and prioritization The ask • Hiring a full-time CTO at a $250K salary • Connections to small business operators and real estate teams • Feedback on early adoption and market fit Learn more or sign up: uni-contacts.com #1MillionCups #UniContacts #MobileCRM #RealEstateTech #B2BTools #ContactManagement #StartupSanDiego #AnsirCowork

Micah Kearns, founder and CEO of The Breathing Light, introduced a unique approach to holistic wellness at 1 Million Cups San Diego—designed to reduce stress and anxiety through immersive, light-based biofeedback. The Breathing Light is a dynamic LED lamp that visually guides users to slow, rhythmic breathing patterns known to calm the nervous system. It offers a non-medicated, scientifically validated method to support mental wellness, sleep, and emotional regulation. Key features include: • Customizable breathing patterns and color modes • Pairing with smart wearables for real-time biofeedback • Freemium mobile app with AI-driven personalization • Designed to support individuals and wellness spaces Micah shared his mission to bring calming, accessible tools to a $78 billion market where 62% of adults struggle with stress and anxiety—especially millennial women, parents, veterans, and those seeking non-pharmaceutical relief. The ask: • Currently raising a $1M pre-seed round in 4 stages via SAFEs with a 20% discount • Seeking introductions to wellness partners, wellness-focused communities, and early adopters • Looking for support in marketing, IP, and team expansion Learn more or connect: Website: thebreathinglight.com #1MillionCups #WellnessInnovation #TheBreathingLight #AnxietyRelief #HolisticHealth #SanDiegoStartups #AnsirCowork #Biofeedback #StartupFunding

✅ Matthew Zimmer, founder of SidePC, introduced a smart solution for a growing problem in the AI-powered workspace: repeated workflows, copy/pasting prompts, and disjointed user experiences. SidePC is an AI prompt launcher—giving users one-click access to their most used AI workflows. Whether you’re writing, coding, or analyzing, SidePC keeps your best prompts ready to go, cross-platform and fully customizable. Key features: • Lightweight and intuitive • Works across devices and operating systems • Customizable for individual workflows and team needs Built on three truths: • Chat is the ideal interface for AI • AI outputs are shaped by inputs • Prompt engineering works The ask from the community: • Beta testers for feedback and new use cases • Input on expanded services • Developer help to build cloud-enabled features Learn more or sign up at sidepc.app #1MillionCups #SidePC #PromptEngineering #AIWorkflow #ProductivityTools #StartupSanDiego #AnsirCowork

The WordPress Meetup is back and it’s Ansir Cowork. Mark your calendar for Nov 20th and make sure to RSVP if you plan on attending.

Aaron Nigro, founder of ScheduleUp, introduced his platform at 1 Million Cups San Diego—an all-in-one scheduling and business management solution built specifically for service-based businesses. ScheduleUp was created to address the pain points many providers face: • Lost revenue due to no-shows and payment issues • Disconnected tools with high fees and unreliable support • Generic reporting and limited customization • Overpriced and outdated systems built on legacy tech ScheduleUp offers: • Integrated scheduling, payments, and reminders • Seamless in-app payments with tip and rescheduling support • A client portal that empowers customers to manage their own appointments • Custom reporting and support for multiple calendars • Transparent pricing with no bloated fees or non-U.S. support headaches Aaron’s mission is rooted in trust, respect, and impact—aiming to prove that a customer-first software company can thrive without greed or complexity. The ask: • Help refine messaging for broader reach • Connect with service-based businesses ready for a better solution • Spread awareness of the platform’s launch Learn more at scheduleup.app #1MillionCups #ScheduleUp #ServiceBusinessTools #StartupSanDiego #SchedulingSoftware #SmallBusinessGrowth #AnsirCowork

After 5 years+, we were excited to host the return of the WordPress Meetup at Ansir Cowork. Great turnout, great conversations, and we’re always happy to provide a space for the community to connect and grow. Looking forward to hosting more meetups and continuing to support the San Diego tech and creative community. Many thanks to Devin Walker to bringing back the WP meetup.