START: Rodney Fong, President & CEO, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce

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What does it take to build a world-class startup ecosystem?

Rodney Fong's answer starts with connection.

As President & CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, he brings together founders, established businesses, policymakers, finance, technology, and the broader community - helping turn San Francisco’s density of talent into opportunity.

Through YES SF, the Chamber hosts 300+ events a year, creating a physical hub where ideas, industries, and people can collide.

Rodney’s philosophy is simple:

Put ambitious people in the same room. Make it easier to build. Give new ideas room to grow.
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🎙️ Rodney A. Fong, President & CEO, San Francisco Chamber of Commerc on Fondo START with Guest Host: Grace Gong, Founder @ Smart Venture Media
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01:01 SF Tech Week

01:48 the Chamber’s role and history

02:10 How YES SF connects founders and businesses

03:31 San Francisco’s comeback

04:50 Why SF’s talent density matters

06:10 YES SF’s 300+ annual events

06:53 Why this startup cycle feels different

07:35 A sea urchin startup idea

08:33 Robotics and everyday automation

09:13 The human side of technology