How the To Do List Summit Empowers Founders Without Expensive Agencies
Early-stage founders often face a frustrating reality: they’re told success requires expensive PR firms and flashy social media campaigns. But the To Do List Summit, a new invite-only event led by former Y Combinator (YC) and Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) insiders, aims to flip that narrative. Set for August 9, this summit will welcome 80 select startup founders eager to take control of their own press and social media strategy—without breaking the bank or giving away equity. Priced at $600, the event promises high-impact, hands-on training that mirrors the inside knowledge once reserved for YC startups.
Image Credits:Cluely
This isn't just another startup event—it’s a response to a growing problem. Founders are constantly bombarded with the idea that going viral or gaining media attention requires shelling out tens of thousands to PR agencies. But with the rise of platforms like X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and LinkedIn, a single well-timed post can lead to millions in funding or coveted accelerator invites. The To Do List Summit is designed to give founders the tools, strategies, and confidence to manage their own narratives, pitch journalists effectively, and grow an authentic online presence.
Why the To Do List Summit Matters in 2025’s Startup Ecosystem
In 2025, being a founder means more than building great tech—it’s also about storytelling and visibility. The To Do List Summit is a direct reaction to that reality. The event is spearheaded by the same team that once made YC's demo days and events the epicenter of startup culture. Despite their popularity, many of those team members were laid off between 2023 and last year. Now, they’re taking matters into their own hands by launching this summit with the belief that essential startup knowledge shouldn’t be gatekept or overpriced.
The goal is clear: help founders stop relying on hype machines and start building sustainable visibility. Attendees will learn how to craft compelling pitches, write viral threads, and build journalist relationships—skills traditionally taught behind closed doors. The summit also takes a strong stance against the “pay to play” PR culture, emphasizing do-it-yourself growth tactics that don’t cost equity or investor trust. With examples like Theseus and Rork—startups that secured millions from viral posts—the timing couldn’t be better.
What Founders Can Expect at the To Do List Summit
The To Do List Summit isn’t just about theory. It’s a hands-on, workshop-style event aimed at demystifying startup marketing. Participants will leave with actionable plans, templates for outreach, and personalized feedback from seasoned experts. From crafting irresistible headlines to understanding press cycles and trends, every session is tailored for founders in the trenches—those bootstrapping or navigating pre-seed and seed rounds.
Organizers also hope to address a growing frustration among founders: misinformation. Many are led to believe only those with massive budgets can get coverage or build online momentum. But the summit emphasizes that trust, relatability, and authenticity are what actually drive media attention in 2025. Founders will also hear real-world case studies, including how Cluely, Rork, and Theseus built traction without PR firms, and why personal founder stories often outperform polished corporate messaging.
The Future of Startup Visibility Starts With Founders
The To Do List Summit reflects a broader shift in how early-stage startups are building awareness in 2025. Gone are the days of relying solely on media gatekeepers. Today, founders who can pitch with confidence, post with purpose, and connect directly with their audience are the ones getting funded, featured, and followed. This event marks a rare opportunity to learn from the very people who helped shape the modern startup narrative through their work at Y Combinator and a16z.
As tech culture continues to evolve post-pandemic and amid a challenging funding landscape, control over your story is a strategic advantage. Whether you’re launching a new SaaS tool, breaking into AI, or growing a community-focused app, mastering your own PR and social presence can mean the difference between obscurity and opportunity. The To Do List Summit isn’t promising magic—but it is offering the skills to build your own spotlight, on your own terms.
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