Hard Tech in the AI Era: What Investors Really Look For + Networking
Details
Founders and innovators in AI, robotics, and other hard tech domains: join us for a morning of learning and networking with investors who have built, scaled, and now fund the next generation of deep tech startups.
REGISTER HERE
https://htApr26.eventbrite.com
Free event; registration required.
Raising capital in hard tech comes with unique challenges—long development cycles, deep technical risk, and capital-intensive development—but it’s also where some of the most exciting innovations are happening.
Meet investors with perspectives spanning corporate venture, founder-turned-investors, and specialist hard tech funds. We’ll explore how AI is reshaping hardware investing, what investors look for, and how founders can navigate the journey from lab to market.
Panelists
- Spencer Greene — General Partner at TSV Capital (TSVC)
- Muffi Ghadiali — Partner at i3 Ventures, (serial entrepreneur turned investor)
- Michael Harries — Partner at The Robotics Hub Fund (robotics-focused fund)
- Alexander Fries — General Partner at Ecosystem Ventures
- More panelists will be added.
Moderated by Andra Keay, Managing Director of Silicon Valley Robotics.
What We Will Ask the Investors
- How AI is influencing their hardware investment strategies
- Why hardware is regaining importance in the AI stack
- What they look for in hard tech founders and teams
- How to navigate technical risk, capital intensity, and time-to-market
- Differences across corporate VC, founder-led funds, and specialist investors
Agenda
- 9:00 AM - Registration and networking breakfast
- 10:00 AM - Program
- 11:00 AM - Networking
This session is hosted by IEEE Systems Council, a global technical community advancing systems engineering and complex technology integration, in collaboration with Brainstorming Lounge. The focus is on connecting founders, builders, and investors in the Hard Tech ecosystem.
Venue partner:
Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP
REGISTER HERE
https://htApr26.eventbrite.com
Free event; registration required