VC x Founder Panel + Beyond Japan Pitch Showcase: Building the Next Wave of Consumer Innovation
VC x Founder Panel + Beyond Japan Pitch Showcase: Building the Next Wave of Consumer Innovation
Presented by Q-Branch, in partnership with iFlyVC + Michael Best
Join us for an engaging afternoon of innovation and collaboration at Q-Branch, in partnership with iFlyVC and Michael Best, as we co-host a showcase and discussion highlighting the next generation of consumer and retail technology shaping the future of the market.
The program begins with pitches from six high-growth Japanese startups, each expanding into the U.S. through the Beyond Japan Accelerator, followed by a VC x Founder Panel featuring investors and founders driving innovation across the consumer sector.
From shifting consumer behaviors to evolving capital markets, this event brings together top voices in venture, retail, and product to explore what it takes to build and back enduring consumer brands in today’s environment.
Come for the insights, stay for the connections!
Event Details
🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, October 22 | 3:00–6:00 PM (Pitch Showcase + Panel)
📍 Location: Downtown Austin (Address provided upon registration)
🤝 Hosted by: Q-Branch x iFlyVC x Michael Best
🍷 Networking: Light bites & beverages following the session
Run of Show
3:00 PM – Doors Open + Guest Arrival
3:20 PM – Opening Remarks - Marcos Cervantes, CEO, Q-Branch
3:25 PM – Judge Introductions
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM | Beyond Japan Pitch Showcase (Japan External Trade Organization)
4:15 PM – 5:00 PM | VC x Founder Panel: Building the Next Wave of Consumer Innovation (Michael Best, iFly VC + Guest Panelists)
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Open Networking
VC x Founder Panel
Han Shen – Founding Partner of iFlyVC
Alex Cantwell – Founder & General Partner of Cartograph Ventures
Lindsay Lightman - Co-Founder & Producer of Consumer VC; Director of Venture Investments & Strategic Partnerships at Strategic Systems International
Aaron Barker – Managing Partner at Michael Best (Moderator)
What to Expect
How VCs and founders are adapting to a changing consumer ecosystem
Fundraising dynamics and capital strategy for modern consumer brands
How technology, culture, and community are redefining growth
Real lessons from investors and operators building in 2025 and beyond
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This event is part of Austin Tech Week—a five-day celebration bringing together the brightest minds in Austin’s tech ecosystem, happening October 20–24, 2025. Discover innovative ideas, connect with leaders and peers, and be part of shaping the future of tech in Texas. Learn more and grab your Austin Tech Week pass here with our 25% off discount code (ATWSatellite25Off) here: austintech.com.