​SIT SV Hub × WI HARPER GROUP - Block Party!

​Expanding into global markets is one of the biggest milestones and challenges for startups. But what exactly are investors looking for when evaluating companies pursuing cross-border growth?

​Join Startup Island TAIWAN - Silicon Valley Hub and WI Harper Group for an evening of conversation with investors and founders who have navigated international expansion and cross-border scaling.

​This Block Party session will explore how venture capital evaluates global opportunities, what signals investors look for when startups expand beyond their home markets, and how founders can position themselves for international growth.

​Expect candid insights from experienced investors and operators, followed by networking with founders, investors, and ecosystem partners across the Silicon Valley community.

​What to Expect

​Investor Perspectives on Global Expansion
Learn how venture capital firms evaluate startups entering international markets and the key factors that influence investment decisions.

​Founder & Investor Dialogue
Hear real insights on scaling across borders, market entry strategies, and the challenges of building globally competitive companies.

​Interactive Q&A
Bring your questions and join the discussion with investors and founders.

​Community Networking
Connect with Silicon Valley investors, founders, operators, and ecosystem leaders working at the intersection of Asia and global innovation.

​Who’s Attending

​• Venture capital investors and angel investors
• Startup founders exploring international markets
• Tech operators and ecosystem builders
• Cross-border innovation leaders from Taiwan and Silicon Valley
• Members of the SIT community

​Why Attend

​Understand what investors look for
Gain firsthand insight into how venture capital evaluates cross-border opportunities.

​Learn strategies for global expansion
Hear lessons from founders and investors who have scaled companies internationally.

​Build meaningful connections
Meet founders, investors, and industry leaders in a relaxed Block Party environment.

​Agenda

​6:00 PM – 6:10 PM | Opening Remarks
Welcome from SIT SV Hub & WI Harper Group

​6:10 PM – 7:00 PM | Panel Discussion
Cross-border expansion and what investors look for

​7:00 PM – 7:20 PM | Q&A Session

​7:20 PM – 7:30 PM | Closing Remarks + Group Photo

​7:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Open Networking + Food & Drinks

​Panelists

• ​(Moderator) Uly Su: General Partner at Addin Ventures, focused on early-stage AI investments. He is also the Deputy Director at SIT SV Hub. With 20+ years of experience, he advises companies on cross-border growth, fundraising, and M&A between Taiwan and the U.S.

• ​(Banker) Calvin Cheng: A veteran in Silicon Valley’s banking and venture finance ecosystem. He has worked across startup banking, large financial institutions, and venture and growth-stage funds. His experience spans both operating and investing sides of the tech ecosystem.

• ​(Investor) Amy Chen: GTM leader and AI investor specializing in scaling B2B SaaS companies. She has driven growth from 0→1, $1M→$20M ARR, and supported companies from Series A to IPO.

• ​(Founder) Allan Ko: Founder & CEO of Influenxio, a DCM-backed AI agent company helping creators monetize through automated brand deals. He previously built a creator marketplace adopted by 20,000+ creators and is now leading Influenxio’s U.S. expansion.

• ​(Founder) Ian Chen: President of APMIC U.S., leading North America growth and strategic partnerships. With adual background in engineering and analytics, he connects technical innovation with business strategy in enterprise AI.

​About WI Harper Group

​WI Harper Group is a cross-border venture capital firm founded in 1993, with offices in San Francisco, Beijing, and Taipei. The firm invests in early- and growth-stage companies across the U.S. and Asia, with a focus on AI, healthcare, biotech, fintech, and deeptech. With over 30 years of experience, WI Harper has backed more than 400 companies and achieved 100+ IPO and M&A exits, helping founders scale globally through its capital, network, and hands-on approach.

​​About Startup Island TAIWAN - Silicon Valley Hub

​​Startup Island TAIWAN is a national initiative supporting Taiwan startups expanding globally. It connects founders with international investors, corporate partners, and innovation ecosystems while showcasing Taiwan’s strengths in technology and entrepreneurship.

​​Located in Palo Alto, the Silicon Valley Hub serves as a bridge between Taiwan’s startup ecosystem and Silicon Valley, accelerating cross-border collaboration and helping Taiwanese companies scale in the U.S. and beyond.