“AI Agents & The Future of AI” VC Insights• Founder 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
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Check-in, Dinner and Networking
6:00 – 6:20 PM
WeShine Welcome & Opening Remarks
6:20 – 6:40 PM Keynote Speakers
Andrew Maywah, Managing Partner @ Pacific Summit Ventures
Former co-founder of TDK Ventures ($350M) and Silver Tiger Capital ($300M), Andrew Maywah has extensive experience investing in early-stage deep tech and climate tech companies. A 2022 GCV Rising Star, his expertise spans AI, robotics, semiconductors, industrial automation, advanced materials, and clean technology. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from MIT and an MBA from The Wharton School.
Kun Peng, Founding Partner @ @xBuilders / Blockchain Builders
Founding Partner of xBuilders, Kun Peng is an investor focused on AI and fintech. He also teaches the Stanford OpenLab AI Seminar and Stanford’s MS&E 447 course, and founded a Stanford-based accelerator. He has supported nearly 100 startups that have collectively raised over $1 billion, including multiple unicorns.
James No, Vice President of Sales @ Arch Systems
With 15+ years of experience across SaaS, e-commerce, and AI, James builds scalable revenue engines that turn operational complexity into predictable growth. At Standvast, he built a $130M pipeline and helped drive $20M in ARR in under two years. He also scaled Ship.com to 18,000 customers and previously helped grow Rakuten revenue from $17M to $50M while significantly improving margins.
Benny Liao, Principal @ Acorn Pacific Ventures
A founder-turned-VC with 10 years of experience across AI, Enterprise SaaS, and consumer technology, Benny previously built and scaled a Southeast Asia fintech startup to 140+ employees, leading to a successful $30M exit. He is now a Principal at Acorn Pacific Ventures ($300M AUM), where he has backed 20+ companies in the past two years.
6:40 – 7:10 PM Panel Discussion:
Andrew Maywah, Managing Partner @ Pacific Summit Ventures
Kun Peng, Founding Partner @ @xBuilders / Blockchain Builders
James No, Vice President of Sales @ Arch Systems
Benny Liao, Principal @ Acorn Pacific Ventures
Roger Rappoport, Partner @Snell & Wilmer, Moderator
7:10 – 7:30 PM Pitch Session
4-5 Startup Pitches
7:30 – 9:00 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 Sept 4th
📢 Final selections announced on Sept 5th
👉 Apply Here: https://forms.gle/vJC3v2wxXu3jmmsH8
🎫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
Sponsors:
🌟Cohosts
Snell & Wilmer (Law Firm)
langrenusfund (focus on Web3 and AI, targeting investments in early-stage projects, incubation, and value-added services.)