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 belong in this room? Reach out to roya@pear.vc by August 30, 2026.

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.

You’ll learn from Pear partners and visiting Persian icons across tech and venture. You’ll get hands-on with the tactics: GTM, fundraising, product-market fit, and AI strategy, that actually move companies forward. And you’ll leave with relationships that last well beyond the program.

Community first

A small, personally selected cohort of ambitious Persian founders building in AI—who become your peer board during the program and long after it ends.

Founder-led wisdom

Private fireside chats with leaders who have already built and scaled—sharing what they would tell their past selves, and what they see coming in the AI era.

AI-focused curriculum

Hands-on sessions on AI product strategy, GTM for AI companies, fundraising in the AI era, and building defensible moats—curriculum built for where the market is going, not where it has been.

Pear partner access

Direct access to Pear’s partners, network, and portfolio resources—including fundraising guidance, operator introductions, and the full Pear founder services platform.

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, please send their name, LinkedIn, and a brief note to roya@pear.vc. Nominations close August 30, 2026.

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, reach out to roya@pear.vc.

What is the time commitment?

The program begins with a two-day kickoff summit (October 16 to 17, 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.

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