​​Funders & Founders: State of the Market

​Thursday, October 29 · 3:00–7:00 PM
KSC Silicon Valley

​SEE CONFIRMED SPEAKERS BELOW

​Please join Five Star Bank, KSC Silicon Valley, and Band of Angels for an afternoon and early evening of insights, discussion, and connection with founders, investors, and operators shaping the future of innovation.

​Through a series of focused panel discussions, we'll explore how AI is transforming company building, venture investing, valuations, fundraising, scaling strategies, and exit opportunities. From pre-seed stage investing to liquidity markets, this program brings together leading voices from across the venture ecosystem to discuss the trends defining the next generation of start-ups.

​Highlights include a featured fireside conversation with former Calm CEO David Ko, investor panels exploring AI's impact across industries, start-up spotlight presentations, and conversations around fundraising, secondaries, and venture market dynamics.

​Whether you're building, investing, or advising high-growth companies, expect practical insights, candid perspectives, and meaningful opportunities to connect with leaders from across Silicon Valley.

​What to Expect

​🎤 Featured Fireside Chat
An exclusive conversation with David Ko, former CEO of Calm, former executive at Yahoo! and Zynga, and #1 bestselling author, on leadership, growth, innovation, and building enduring companies.

​📈 State of the Venture Market
Hear directly from leading investors on fundraising conditions, valuations, company formation, scaling strategies, exit environments, and where capital is flowing today.

​🤖 AI Across the Economy
Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming consumer experiences, enterprise software, healthcare, infrastructure, autonomy, cybersecurity, data platforms, and investment opportunities.

​🚀 Founder Spotlights
Meet emerging start-ups through a series of rapid-fire founder presentations showcasing innovative companies and new technologies.

​💰 Following the Capital
Learn how venture firms are navigating fundraising, liquidity challenges, secondaries, and evolving LP expectations.

​🤝 Curated Networking
Connect with founders, operators, investors, and ecosystem partners driving innovation throughout Silicon Valley.

​Confirmed Speakers:

• ​Jukka Alanen, Rebellion Ventures

• ​Shesh Amathnadu, SK Telecom

• ​John Barrus, Niobium

• ​Clint Chao, Moment Ventures

• ​Duncan Davidson, Bullpen Capital

• ​Jack Guedj, Band of Angels

• ​Jessie Jia Guo, Next Legacy Partners

• ​Yash Hemaraj, Benhamou Global Ventures

• ​David Ko, Former CEO of Calm

• ​Joncarlo Mark, Upwelling Capital (formerly CalPERS California Initiative, PE and VC Fund allocation)

• ​Ho Nam, Altos Ventures

• ​Brian O’Malley, Tactile Ventures

• ​Jeremiah Owyang, Blitzscaling Ventures

• ​Arpan Punyani, Garuda Ventures

• ​Mike Suprovici, Decile Group

• ​Frank Timons, Pier 88 Ventures

• ​Jennifer Vancini, Mighty Capital

• ​Jane Wang, MedMountain Ventures

• ​Ron Weissman, Band of Angels

• ​Warren Weiss, WestWave Capital

​Additional speakers and final agenda to be announced.

​Hosted By: Five Star Bank · KSC Silicon Valley · Band of Angels

​Space is limited. RSVP to join us.