Onbrand

I’m Aili Väänänen, a student at UC Berkeley, community builder and entrepreneur passionate about empowering early stage founders and driving meaningful innovation. My journey has taken me through roles in product management, venture capital, and startup growth, where I’ve worked alongside ambitious teams to launch new ideas and create impact. At UC Berkeley, I noticed a gap for student founders like myself, a need for a space where we could connect authentically, share real experiences, and collaborate beyond the typical networking events. That’s why I created SYNC, to bring together driven, creative minds in an environment built on trust, curiosity, and genuine support. I believe that when founders come together to connect deeply, the most impactful ideas and partnerships are born.