So You Have an AI Idea? What Founders Wish They Knew Before Launching ＠Vancouver
Presented by Elev X!
Join us for an exclusive happy hour gathering during Web Summit Vancouver – a curated side event designed for early-stage AI founders and early-stage VCs who are passionate about shaping what’s next in AI.
Whether you're ideating, prototyping, building your MVP, or securing your first paying pilot, this event offers raw, honest insights from founders who’ve been there – and from the ecosystem players who helped them get through it.
💡 In partnership with Alchemist Accelerator
🔥 Fireside Chat
What Founders Wish They Knew Before Launching
From idea to impact: how bold AI founders and ecosystem builders make it happen
In this candid conversation, you'll hear from both sides of the early-stage journey — the founder building at the edge of innovation, and the accelerator partner helping them push through.
Arthur Chen, Co-founder & CEO of Verdi – a climate-smart agritech startup backed by NEC X
Shannon Gavrilchuk, Program Manager at Alchemist Accelerator – one of the top accelerators for enterprise-focused startups
Moderated by Ryoko Hirano, Director of Venture Studio and Marketing at NEC X, this session will unpack the real challenges of building an AI startup from scratch: how to validate your idea, where to find the right partners, when to take on funding, and what early support actually makes a difference.
Expect honest insights, practical takeaways, and a rare glimpse into how founders and ecosystem builders work together to turn ideas into impact.
🗓️ Agenda
6:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Arrival & Welcome Drinks
Check in, grab a drink, and start meeting fellow founders and investors.
6:25 PM – 6:30 PM | Opening Remarks
Quick welcome and intro from the Elev X! team.
6:30 PM – 6:50 PM | 🔥 Fireside Chat
What Founders Wish They Knew Before Launching
From idea to impact: how bold AI founders and ecosystem builders make it happen
6:50 PM – 8:00 PM | Networking & Drinks
Relax, connect, and build meaningful relationships with other founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders. Light refreshments will be served.
🤝 Connect with Founders & Investors Who Drive Innovation!
This event brings together bold AI founders and early-stage investors in one room — offering a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, spark partnerships, and build meaningful relationships that move startups forward and help investors discover what’s next.
✨ This Event Offers You 4 Key Opportunities - S, P, I & N!
🔹 Startup-Centric
Engage with fellow founders, gain valuable insights from seasoned investors, and connect with industry experts from leading companies.
🔹 Present Your Startup
Showcase your vision and traction in conversations with investors and ecosystem leaders.
🔹 Investor-Connected
Engage with a curated network of active investors to explore funding opportunities — connecting with angel investors and early-stage VCs who are scouting promising AI startups and committed to building long-term partnerships from day one.
🔹 Networking
Build meaningful relationships with highly curated participants, including investors, mentors, and fellow founders, fostering potential collaborations and investments.
📢 About Elev X!
Elev X! is NEC X’s venture studio program, dedicated to investing in and scaling early-stage tech startups. Backed by NEC, a global tech giant with over $20B in revenue, presence in 50+ countries, and 250+ subsidiaries, Elev X! provides hands-on support with world-class resources to propel startups from idea to impact.
💡 Why choose Elev X!?
🔹 Backed by NEC: 125 years of tech innovation, $8B in R&D, and 45,000+ patents
🔹 Hands-On Support: Beyond funding, we provide deep collaboration with NEC engineers and business experts
🔹 AI & Deep Tech Focused: Elev X! invests in AI-driven startups pushing the boundaries of innovation
🚀 Elev X!’s Partners - Top Ecosystem Players
✅ Alchemist Accelerator – A top accelerator for enterprise startups
✅ SVG Ventures | THRIVE – The leading Agri-Food Tech ecosystem
✅ Sand Hill Angels – Leading Silicon Valley angel investors
✅ Carbide Ventures – Early-stage VC led by entrepreneurs who built multiple unicorns
✅ ERA (Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator) – One of NYC’s top startup accelerators
✅ Translink Capital – A top-tier VC with deep global networks
and more!