Navigating the AI Gold Rush: Investor Perspectives on Startups
AI has come a long way in its present incarnation in the last ten years and has become the darling of the stock market and investors. The word “AI” spans a large range of technologies at different levels of the hardware and software stack - application, infrastructure, hardware, foundation models, scaling and so on. All these factors are impacted by the target market and could vary significantly. While some companies in the “AI” market have done well, others have struggled, and some even disappeared.
In this panel, we’ll hear from investors who have actively invested in AI over the years. We’ll hear their opinion about what levels of the hardware and software stack, and the application markets are still worth pursuing for a start-up. We’ll talk about the latest trends, investment opportunities, and the road forward.
Come join us at Snowflake offices at 135 Constitution Dr, Menlo Park on Sept 18, 2025 at 6 PM to hear more.
Speakers:
Harsha Kapre, Snowflake Ventures
Henry Huang, Micron Ventures
Dell Ventures
Speaker Bio:
Harsha Kapre, Director, Snowflake Ventures
Harsha Kapre is the Director of Snowflake Ventures where he focuses on investments that are driving innovation and unlocking new value on top of the Snowflake platform. A seasoned product management leader, he originally joined Snowflake in 2017 as a Senior Product Manager where he played a pivotal role in Snowflake’s partner ecosystem expansion. Prior to Snowflake, he spent 18 years at IBM with various roles across Master Data Management and data platforms. Harsha earned his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of California, at Berkeley.
Dr. Henry Huang, Investment Director, Micron Ventures
Dr. Henry Huang is an investment director with Micron Ventures, the $300 VC arm of the global leader in computer memory and data storage solutions. He focuses on deep-tech startups developing sustainable compute infrastructure and advanced AI/ML software solutions. Prior to Micron, he had led investments in computing and connectivity with TDK Ventures and extensive operational experience with AT&T, NextG Networks (acquired by Crown Castle), Tarana Wireless, and TTS Wireless (acquired by AMDOC). He holds an MBA degree from Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, a Ph.D. degree from University of Missouri-Columbia and a B.S. degree from University of Science and Technology of China (USTC).
Agenda:
6-630 PM: Pizza and networking
630 - 635 PM: Welcome and Introduction
635 - 805PM: Panel Discussion with audience Q and A
805 - 830 PM: Additional networking and wrap up