PearX

We are cultivating the next generation of
AI-native Persian Founders.

Fall 2026 AI cohort—by invitation

A selected community of founders, researchers, and academics building AI-native companies—and a shared heritage that makes the room unlike any other.

Know someone who belongs in this room? Submit a nomination.

Pear Persian Founders Circle

The Pear Persian Founder Circle (PFC) is a premier community for founders building the next generation of AI-powered companies. Anchored by an immersive two-day kickoff summit and sustained through curated programming, PFC gives you something rare: a room full of people who share your roots, understand your drive, and are building at the same pace you are.

Fall 2026 Kickoff Summit

On December 11-12, the Fall 2026 PFC AI cohort will gather in the Bay Area to kick off the program. The goal for this select group of Persian AI founders, operators, and researchers is simple: learn from those who have built what you are building, connect deeply with peers, and leave with tactical insights you can use immediately.

You’ll get honest stories about what worked, what didn’t, and what these builders would do differently today. Crucially, the schedule builds in real time to talk and connect, because that is where the strongest relationships in this community always start.

Designed for the journey

The Pear Persian Founder Circle is built for the realities of early-stage building: a tight-knit peer network paired with tactical support when you actually need it.

Kickoff summit

Two intensive days (Dec. 11-12) in the Bay Area alongside builders who have scaled companies from zero to IPO.

Targeted programming

A handful of focused sessions over the following weeks, timed to fit around your schedule. Pear’s partners and mentors give direct, hands-on feedback on your immediate hurdles, from GTM and fundraising to critical AI engineering hires.

An enduring community

Beyond your cohort, you gain instant access to an active network of 150+ PFC alumni who call on each other for advice, intros, and gut-checks.

Learn from visionary leaders and founders.

  • I’ve been so fortunate to partner with amazing Persian founders—Dropbox, Guardant Health, AppLovin, SoundHound, and others— and I’m thrilled to watch the community we’ve built with PFC into something so special. The next generation of Persian tech founders is here, and they’re building with AI at the center.

    Pejman Nozad

How to join the Fall 2026 AI cohort

Fall 2026 | AI-Focused | By Invitation

The Fall 2026 cohort is a personally selected community of founders, researchers, and academics building AI-native companies.

There is no application process. The PFC Fall 2026 AI cohort is intentionally built entirely through direct outreach and community nominations.

If you know a founder, academic, or researcher who belongs in this room, submit a nomination.

Frequently asked questions

Who participates in PFC?

PFC brings together Persian founders who are actively building AI-powered companies, from early stage to researchers with deep AI expertise. Participants are nominated by Pear partners, PFC alumni, and respected leaders across the community. The Fall 2026 cohort is focused on founders whose companies will meaningfully build the next category-defining AI-companies.

Do I need to be in the Bay Area to participate?

PFC offers a hybrid experience, with both in-person and virtual opportunities to accommodate founders. While we encourage in-person participation for optimal networking, we understand that it may not be feasible for everyone.

What can I expect from the PFC experience?

The Fall 2026 cohort is anchored by a two-day kickoff summit, followed by two to four weeks of curated programming—workshops, small-group office hours with Pear partners, and a founder spotlight session. The curriculum is built around AI company-building: product-market fit, GTM, fundraising, and executive presence. Past participants describe PFC as a crash course in entrepreneurship, with the added power of a community that shares your roots.

How does the nomination process work?

The Fall 2026 cohort is invitation-based. Participants are nominated by Pear partners, PFC alumni, and trusted leaders in the Persian tech community. There is no open application. To nominate a founder, complete a submission here.

What is the time commitment?

The program begins with a two-day kickoff summit (December 11-12, 2026), followed by two to four weeks of programming. Sessions are designed to be high-impact and respectful of a founder’s time. Full details are shared with participants upon joining the cohort.

Will there be opportunities for networking?

Absolutely! The PFC emphasizes building a strong community. You’ll have opportunities to connect with fellow founders, mentors, and industry leaders through various events and workshops.

Is there a cost to participate?

Participation in PFC is free of charge. Our goal is to support and empower founders through community building.

Do you have another question?

To nominate a founder or learn more about the Fall 2026 cohort, reach out to roya@pear.vc.

Sponsored By