​🎤 Speakers: Shohei Yamada (CEO, SBI USA), Tak Kihara (Director, NEC X) · moderated by Aniket Naravanekar (Director, Founder Institute Seattle, CEO, Skillsheet)
✅ Food & drinks provided

​About the Event

​Selling into the enterprise is one of the hardest things an AI startup will do. Long sales cycles, complex stakeholders, security reviews, and procurement hurdles trip up even the strongest products. This session brings together corporate innovation leaders and operators who have been on both sides of the table to share what actually works.

​The evening features a fireside chat on how AI startups can break into enterprise accounts, navigate decision-making, and turn pilots into lasting partnerships, followed by a startup pitch session where founders connect directly with investors, partners, and collaborators.

​Come ready to share what you're building, exchange ideas, and make connections that count. Appetizers and beverages will be available.

​Who this event is for

​✅ Early-stage founders building in AI, especially those selling into or partnering with enterprises ​
✅ Investors and ecosystem leaders looking for their next opportunity - 4 of our top founders will be presenting at this event.

📋 Format

​🔹 Fireside Chat: Cracking enterprise, navigating partnerships, and creating long-term value ​
🔹 Startup Pitches: Selected founders pitch on stage (3 min each + 2-3 min Q&A) ​
🔹 Networking: Connect with founders, investors, and ecosystem builders

​📢 About NEC X

​NEC X is the Silicon Valley innovation arm of NEC, and home to Elev X!, a venture studio program that has helped launch and scale AI startups across the U.S. and Canada.

​💡 Why Elev X!?

​🔹 Backed by NEC: 125 years of tech innovation, $8B in R&D, and 45,000+ patents ​🔹 Hands-On Support: Deep collaboration with NEC engineers and business experts ​🔹 AI & Deep Tech Focused: Investing in AI-driven startups pushing the boundaries of innovation

​📢 About Founder Institute Seattle

​8,000+ companies launched. 200+ cities. $1.9B+ raised.

​Work with local Mentors and a dedicated team that helps you from incorporation to fundraising. We partner with communities, investors and other accelerators to create the right opportunities for your business to take off! Learn more at fi.co/seattle