VC & Angel Funding in an AI-First Market (Berkeley Angel Network and Berkeley Haas - Silicon Valley Chapter)

​AI-native startups. Tighter capital. Higher expectations on efficiency. A more selective Series A market. 2026 is a different venture environment. BerkeleyHaas Alumni Network Silicon Valley Chapter and Berkeley Angel Network jointly invite you to this sharp, forward-looking discussion on how today’s macro climate, AI acceleration, and shifting liquidity dynamics are reshaping early-stage investing.

​Topics include:

• ​What’s actually getting funded in 2026

• ​How AI is changing capital needs and team models

• ​Seed → Series A realities

• ​Valuation discipline and exit pathways

​Whether you’re raising, investing, or advising, this conversation will offer a grounded perspective on where venture is headed next.

​Agenda:

• ​5:30pm - 6:15pm: Check-in and networking

• ​6:15pm-6:45pm: Welcome and introductions

  • ​George A. Willman - Senior Counsel, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, Co-Founder, Co-President, Berkeley Angel Network

• ​6:45pm: Panel discussion

  • ​Moderator: Prof. Jerome S. Engel - Faculty Director, UC Berkeley Venture Capital Executive Program

  • ​Panelists

    • ​Dr. Ronjon Nag - Founder and President of R42 Group; Adjunct Professor of Genetics at Stanford School of Medicine and instructor in AI at Stanford University; and advisor to the UC Berkeley SkyDeck and first investor in the inaugural Berkeley SkyDeck Fund; Director, MIT Alumni Angels of Northern California

    • ​Xan Wood - Investor, Canvas Prime; Founder, Built by Berkeley Newsletter

    • ​Navya Chitimireddy - Investment Partner, Abyro Capital; Chair, Events & Deal Flow, Berkeley Angel Network; Angel investor 

• ​8:00: Event wrap-up

​Ticket is required, appetizer and beverages will be served. Questions, please contact Lan Liu, [email protected]

​Event graciously hosted by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

​Pillsbury is a Forward-thinking Law Firm Helping Clients Thrive in an Environment of Intense Competition and Change. Whether advising entrepreneurs (throughout the U.S. and globally) working out of a garage or the world’s largest public and private companies, Pillsbury delivers exemplary client service and results, with highly regarded lawyers and business professionals operating across a diversity of leading practices. For more information please contact: [email protected]