What VCs Want to See From AI Founders | TechCrunch Sessions

The Shift in AI Investment Landscape

Artificial intelligence has demonstrably captured a significant portion of investment capital in recent years. Funding directed towards the AI sector experienced a substantial increase of 62%, reaching $110 billion in 2024. This growth occurred despite a concurrent 12% decrease in overall startup funding.

The "AI" Naming Strategy and Investor Focus

Some startups might believe that incorporating "AI" into their company name will automatically attract investment. However, the initial excitement surrounding foundational AI models is evolving.

Currently, investors are prioritizing practical applications, AI agents, and demonstrable long-term profitability. They are actively seeking ventures capable of translating technical innovation into consistent and measurable progress.

TechCrunch Sessions: AI – Insights from Leading VCs

TechCrunch Sessions: AI, scheduled for June 5th at Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley, will feature a panel of prominent venture capitalists.

Zeya Yang (IVP), Jill Chase (CapitalG), and Kanu Gulati (Khosla Ventures) will provide detailed insights into their investment criteria at various funding stages.

Their discussion will cover evaluations from initial seed rounds through to Series C funding, drawing upon their extensive investment experience and practical knowledge.

The panel will delineate the specific qualities they seek in startups, offering valuable guidance to entrepreneurs navigating the current investment climate.

Introducing Our Esteemed Speakers

Zeya Yang is a seasoned investor with successful ventures including Grammarly and Figma to her name. She is known for collaborating closely with founders to optimize product-market fit and accelerate expansion.

Jill Chase spearheads CapitalG’s investments in innovative companies like Magic, /dev/agents, Motif, and Abridge. Her recent focus has been on the evolving applications of AI and ML, alongside data infrastructure and enterprise-level technologies.

Speaker Backgrounds

Kanu Gulati has provided crucial backing to prominent AI companies such as PolyAI, Kognitos, and Moonhub. He possesses a decade of experience as a research scientist, having contributed at Intel and Cadence.

Prior to his investment work, Gulati was an early engineer at Heavy.ai, Spyglass, and Nascentric, further solidifying his technical expertise.

• Zeya Yang: Focuses on refining product strategy and growth acceleration.
• Jill Chase: Specializes in emerging AI/ML applications and enterprise tech.
• Kanu Gulati: Combines research science background with engineering experience in AI.

These speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront, offering valuable insights into the current landscape of technology and investment.

Their combined expertise spans across various facets of the industry, from foundational research to strategic growth initiatives.

Engage with the Future of AI at TC Sessions: AI

Secure your place at TC Sessions: AI, taking place on June 5th at Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley. This event offers a unique opportunity to understand the specific criteria venture capitalists employ when evaluating AI-focused startups.

Don't miss out on substantial savings – Early Bird ticket pricing is currently available, allowing you to save up to $210. Registration can be completed at this link.

Discover VC Expectations for AI Startups

TC Sessions: AI is designed to provide attendees with invaluable insights into the minds of investors. Learn firsthand what VCs are seeking in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

• Gain a deeper understanding of investment trends.
• Network with leading figures in the AI industry.
• Explore the latest advancements and challenges in AI technology.

The event will feature discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities, all geared towards bridging the gap between AI innovators and potential funders.

Act quickly to benefit from the Early Bird discounts. This is a prime chance to position yourself and your ideas within the AI ecosystem.

Sponsorship Opportunities at TechCrunch Sessions: AI

Companies seeking to sponsor or exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI are encouraged to connect with our dedicated sponsorship sales team.

Interested parties can initiate contact by completing this form.

Why Sponsor TechCrunch Sessions: AI?

• Gain visibility among a highly engaged audience of AI professionals and enthusiasts.
• Showcase your company’s innovative solutions and thought leadership.
• Network with key industry players and potential partners.
• Generate leads and drive business growth.

TechCrunch Sessions: AI provides a unique platform to connect with the forefront of artificial intelligence development.

Don't miss the opportunity to elevate your brand and establish a strong presence within the AI community.

Reach out to our team today to explore tailored sponsorship packages.

How to Get in Touch

The primary method for inquiring about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities is through the provided form.

Our sponsorship sales representatives will then contact you to discuss your specific needs and objectives.

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