"LLMs War", "AI in Blockchain / Retail" keynotes + Startup Pitches
🚀 Event Overview
We invite you to an evening of curated connection at the intersection of science and venture. Explore the frontier of modern technology through brilliant pitches and candid fundraising insights alongside the industry’s leading minds.
🌟 What to Expect
Venture & Vision: Expert keynotes on investment trends and the latest scientific milestones.
Startup Showcases: Curated pitches featuring the next wave of advanced technology.
Live Feedback Loop: Direct insights from the judging panel and the announcement of winners.
Networking & Dinner: Meaningful dialogue and collaboration between the ecosystem's key players.
🕒 Event Agenda
5:30 – 6:00 PM
Check-in, Dinner and Networking
6:00 – 6:05 PM
WeShine Welcome & Opening Remarks
Ken Morris, Managing Partner & CEO @Chodify
6:05 – 6:30 PM Keynote Speakers
Haibing Lu, Co-Founder & CTO @ AIConform ｜Professor, @ Santa Clara University
Topic: "ChatGPT or Claude, which is better?""
Haibing Lu works at the intersection of AI research and real-world deployment, focusing on building reliable, scalable, and trustworthy AI systems. Bridging academia and industry, he brings insights into how cutting-edge AI moves from research to production—and what it takes to make it work in the real world.
Jorden Woods, Managing Partner @ StarChain Ventures
Topic: "AI x Blockchain, next big thing!"
Jorden Woods has advised startups that raised over $900M and generated $4B+ in value. His work spans data intelligence, enterprise blockchain, fintech, healthcare, and safe AI, with a strong focus on mission-driven innovation and scaling impactful technologies.
Pax Anthos，CTO @ XRC Ventures
Topic: "AI in Retail"
Pax leads XRC Venture’s internal product and technology development. He also advises XRC portfolio companies on product and technology. Prior, Pax was a Product Manager at CoVenture. Within two years, Pax built product with over 9 of CoVenture’s portfolio companies.
Bill Reichert, General Partner @ Pegasus Tech Ventures
Topic: "Getting to Wow!"
Bill Reichert focuses on early-stage venture investment and deep tech innovation, with extensive experience in building and scaling companies, bringing a global perspective on how breakthrough technologies evolve into impactful, scalable business.
6:30 – 7:00 PM Panel Discussion:
Bill Reichert, General Partner @ Pegasus Tech Ventures
Jorden Woods, Managing Partner @ StarChain Ventures
Haibing Lu, Co-Founder & CTO @ AIConform ｜Professor, @ Santa Clara University
Pax Anthos，CTO @ XRC Ventures
Roger Rappopart, Partner @Snell & Wilmer
7:00 – 7:30 PM Pitch Session
4-6 Startup Pitches
7:30 – 8:30 PM
Social Networking
💡 Startups – Apply to Pitch!
Want to get on stage and pitch in front of real investors and an engaged audience?
📥 Submit your pitch deck by May 8th
📢 Final selections announced on May 10th
👉 Apply Here: https://forms.gle/CJvsRqo2j1mMmcLd8
🎫WeShine Advisor/Judge Pass:
Investors, CEOs, Scientists, Journalists & large community partners are welcome to join WeShine Advisor Group to support early-stage founders. Benefits include:
✔️ Early access to top-tier pitch decks
✔️ Invited as the Guest Speakers or to private events
✔️ Complimentary pass to WeShine events, and receive community Impact Award from WeShine
👉 Interested? Please let us know. https://forms.gle/X5WdMbLphs1NgvHNA
🌟 Organizers
WeShine Entrepreneurship Organization
Bay Area–based nonprofit bringing together top entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, and business leaders. We facilitate investment opportunities, help businesses expand globally, and provide expert coaching. With 100+ pitch events & founder meetups hosted, our community truly lives by “We Shine Together.” WeShine Linkedin
Langrenus Fund: The Langrenus Fund was established by professionals with backgrounds at Google, Uber, and OKX, targeting investments in early-stage projects, incubation, and value-added services. With a focus on Web3 and AI, the team boasts global coverage and a track record of over 20 showcases, supporting founders from inception to launch and beyond. Connect with Langrenus.
🌟Cohosts
Snell & Wilmer (Law Firm)
langrenusfund (focus on Web3 and AI)