Entrepreneurship grows strongest when experience, intent, and accountability come together. At TiE, every chapter exists to support founders who are building for the first time and leaders who choose to give back to the ecosystem. 

As part of TiE Global’s city-based chapter naming policy, TiE SoCal is now globally referred to as TiE Los Angeles. While the global name reflects a standardized chapter identity, the TiE SoCal brand continues locally across the same nine Southern California counties. The scope, mission, and commitment remain the same. 

What is changing is the clarity of focus. Every initiative, event, and decision is now evaluated through a simple question: 

Does this help a first-time entrepreneur or strengthen entrepreneurship? 

This principle acts as a decision filter. It shapes how programs are designed, how charter members engage, and how the chapter contributes to the wider TiE network across the Americas, India, MENA and South Asia, Europe, Australia, and Africa. 

TiE as a Global Entrepreneurship Network 

TiE is not limited to Southern California. It is a global organization with chapters across the Americas, India, MENA and South Asia, Europe, Australia, and Africa. Founders within the TiE ecosystem gain access to cross-border knowledge, capital, and mentorship that few networks can offer at this scale. 

TiE Los Angeles plays a critical role within this global structure. It connects Southern California’s startup community to a worldwide network of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. That global reach strengthens local impact and ensures founders do not build in isolation. 

A Community Built on Five Pillars 

TiE Los Angeles operates through five foundational pillars. These pillars guide strategy, program design, and member engagement. 

Mentorship 

Mentorship sits at the core of TiE’s mission. Experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders support founders through practical guidance rather than theory. The focus stays on real challenges such as scaling decisions, leadership growth, funding readiness, and market validation. 

Mentorship at TiE is not transactional. It reflects a long-term commitment to helping founders make better decisions at critical moments. 

Education 

Education at TiE extends beyond workshops and panels. Programs such as TiE University, TiE Nurture, and TiE Youth Entrepreneur focus on structured learning across different stages of the entrepreneurial journey. 

Founders gain access to curated knowledge, experienced instructors, and peer learning environments that support both early exploration and advanced execution. 

Networking 

Strong ecosystems grow through trusted relationships. TiE Los Angeles prioritizes meaningful networking over volume-driven interactions. Charter members, founders, investors, and partners engage through curated events and shared platforms designed to encourage collaboration. 

A unified annual calendar will now list chapter events, Southern California ecosystem activities, and TiE Global opportunities in one place. This clarity helps members engage more intentionally. 

Incubation 

Incubation efforts focus on preparing founders for long-term success rather than short-term visibility. Programs like TiE Nurture support emerging founders with structured guidance, mentorship, and ecosystem access. 

This pillar ensures founders receive support before they face the pressures of rapid scaling or fundraising. 

Investing 

TiE Angels continues to play a key role in connecting founders with early-stage capital and experienced investor insight. Investment at TiE remains founder-focused, emphasizing responsible growth, governance, and long-term value creation. 

Programs That Support the Full Founder Journey 

TiE Los Angeles continues to strengthen established initiatives while introducing new ones to address evolving needs. 

Key programs include: 

• TiE Women, supporting women entrepreneurs through mentorship, education, and access to capital 

• TiE University, offering structured entrepreneurial education 

• TiE Angels, enabling early-stage investment and investor-founder collaboration 

• TiE Youth Entrepreneur, encouraging entrepreneurial thinking at a younger age 

• TiE Nurture, supporting early-stage and first-time founders 

Each program aligns with the core question that defines TiE’s direction. Does this genuinely help entrepreneurs build stronger businesses? 

A Stronger Charter Member Experience 

Charter Members form the backbone of TiE Los Angeles. To ensure a high-quality and aligned community, the chapter is strengthening its Charter Member framework. 

This includes clearer onboarding processes, defined renewal structures, and shared expectations around engagement. The goal is not scale for its own sake, but alignment around values, contribution, and accountability. 

Charter Members are expected to be net givers. This means sharing time, expertise, networks, and capital to help entrepreneurs thrive. Leadership at TiE is measured by contribution, not visibility. 

TiE Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 

TiE Los Angeles operates with a clearly defined Code of Ethics that applies to all Charter Members and leaders. This code exists to protect founders, preserve trust, and maintain the integrity of the ecosystem. 

Core principles include: 

• Acting with integrity and professionalism in all interactions 

• Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information shared within the community 

• Avoiding conflicts of interest and undisclosed solicitation 

• Treating founders, members, and partners with respect 

• Complying with applicable laws, regulations, and TiE policies 

This framework ensures that founders engage in a safe, trusted environment and that TiE continues to uphold its global reputation. 

Communication and Engagement Through TiE Engage 

Clear communication strengthens communities. TiE Engage now serves as the primary platform for communication and networking across chapters. It enables Charter Members to share insights, collaborate across regions, and stay informed about opportunities. 

TiE Engage is complemented by regular email updates and website content, ensuring members stay connected without information overload. 

If you are a Charter Member, this is where meaningful conversations and collaboration happen.
Explore and engage with us HERE. And engage with the TiE community. 

Building the Future of Entrepreneurship Together 

TiE Los Angeles and TiE SoCal are moving forward with clarity, consistency, and purpose. The focus remains simple and demanding. Strengthen entrepreneurs. Build responsibly. Give back without expectation. 

For founders, this means access to mentorship, education, capital, and a trusted global network. For Charter Members, it means leading through service and contribution. 

Entrepreneurship does not grow through noise. It grows through aligned communities that show up, share generously, and build for the long term. 

If you believe in supporting founders and strengthening entrepreneurship, engage with TiE Los Angeles and become part of a global network committed to impact. 

Jerry Heikens

Executive Director of TiE Los Angeles with experience in venture capital, private equity, and the music and entertainment industries. I’ve built strong connections in the startup ecosystem—partnering with investors, founders, and accelerators while sharing insights on networking. Known for my approachable style and passion for community, I bring expertise in business development, philanthropy, and PR, backed by a B.B.A. in Public Relations from Walden University.