Founder Salon: Building AI Products That Last
A candid conversation with Trojan founders on moving from an impressive demo to a durable, customer-led company.
USC AENAlumni Entrepreneurship NetworkThe Trojan network for founders
A home for USC alumni who start companies, back bold ideas, and help each other go further.
USC Photo / Gus RuelasUSC alumni identify
as entrepreneurs
Founder-to-founder.Trojan-to-Trojan.
On the calendar
A candid conversation with Trojan founders on moving from an impressive demo to a durable, customer-led company.
Five alumni-led ventures, fast feedback from operators and investors, and an evening built around useful introductions.
A small-format breakfast for founders and funders to compare notes on the next twelve months of building and backing companies.
Why AEN
From the first sketch to the next raise, AEN turns a vast alumni network into a close, useful community.
Our mission is to make the Trojan Network a working asset for entrepreneurs, investors, and operators.
Find your way in →Meet founders, investors, operators, and advisors from every USC school and every stage of the journey.
Community · Salons · Warm introductionsExchange practical experience across generations through mentorship, workshops, and candid conversations.
Mentorship · Education · Shared experienceFind the capital, talent, counsel, and alumni relationships that help ambitious companies move forward.
Capital · Talent · CounselThe people making it happen
Founders, investors, operators, and community builders working to create more value across the global Trojan ecosystem.
Founder, Rolli
Founder & Health Strategist
Syon Capital
Product & Community Leader
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur
From the network
MentorshipTwelve weeks. One well-matched Trojan mentor. Practical perspective for the founder journey ahead.
Read the story →
From USCIdeas move faster when operators, investors, and first-time founders share the same room—and the real story.
Read the story →
Member StoryA Trojan founder on customer obsession, resilience, and why the network around the work still matters.
Read the story →Your next introduction starts here
Get event invitations, founder stories, mentorship opportunities, and warm introductions to Trojans who can help you move forward.