Our History

Silicon Valley began as a bold experiment—a fusion of Stanford-led innovation, defense research, and entrepreneurial ambition that transformed orchards into the world’s most powerful technology hub. Over time, its influence expanded far beyond the Peninsula.

As the ecosystem matured, many professionals began seeking a more balanced way of life—more space, stronger schools, and a higher quality of living without sacrificing career growth. That search naturally led eastward into the East Bay, spanning Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, and now extending to Tracy and beyond.

This region emerged as a new frontier—where innovation meets open skies, and tech professionals can build world-class careers while raising families and enjoying the outdoors.

The East Bay has quietly evolved into one of California’s most dynamic regions, offering a rare combination of professional opportunity and lifestyle quality. Here, innovation coexists with vineyards, hiking trails, and close-knit communities.

• Vineyards throughout Livermore Valley and the scenic countryside stretching toward Tracy
• Extensive hiking and biking trails, including Pleasanton Ridge, Mount Diablo, Las Trampas, and Sycamore Grove
• Lakes and parks such as Del Valle, Shadow Cliffs, and Lake Chabot
• Vibrant downtowns in Walnut Creek, Danville, San Ramon, Pleasanton, and Livermore, filled with cafés, restaurants, and local art
• Top-rated schools and family-friendly neighborhoods across the Tri-Valley and Contra Costa regions
• Convenient access to Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and Central Valley technology corridors

The East Bay offers what few regions can: space to think big, live well, and stay connected to the pulse of innovation.

After 2019, the world of work changed permanently. Remote and hybrid work unlocked new freedom—professionals could now live where they thrived, not just where offices were located.

Thousands of technology professionals moved from San Francisco and the Peninsula to the East Bay, drawn by its balance of affordability, community, and natural beauty. Yet despite this growth, something was missing.

Most startup events, investor networks, and innovation forums remained concentrated in San Francisco or Silicon Valley. The East Bay lacked a consistent, local platform where founders, investors, and operators could meet, collaborate, and build together.

In 2025, three local leaders—Vishu Datla, Sugata Sanyal, and Pat Dutta—decided it was time to change that.

They hosted the first Silicon Valley East Bay Founders (SVEBF) gathering at the ZINFI Technologies lounge in Pleasanton. What was expected to be a small meetup quickly became something more. Over forty founders, investors, and technology professionals showed up, eager to connect, exchange ideas, and explore what could be built together.

That evening made one thing clear:
The East Bay was ready to write its own chapter of Silicon Valley’s story.

SVEBF was born as a community dedicated to connecting East Bay innovators and entrepreneurs with each other—and with global opportunities.

SVEBF is more than an organization. It is a movement.

It is about building together—creating a network of thinkers, dreamers, and builders who define the next generation of Silicon Valley from the East Bay outward. The mission, vision, and objectives of SVEBF were shaped from that first gathering, grounded in collaboration, learning, mentorship, and growth.

This is only the beginning.

The story of SVEBF continues with every meetup, every partnership, and every startup launched.

Stay tuned. Stay connected. And most importantly, get involved.

Together, we are shaping the future of innovation across Walnut Creek, San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, Tracy, and beyond.