Defense tech, AI, and fundraising take center stage at StrictlyVC Los Angeles on June 18
Original reporting by TechCrunch
StrictlyVC Los Angeles is set to convene on June 18, bringing together a highly curated assembly of investors, founders, and tech leaders at The Aerospace Corporation Campus in El Segundo. Far from the superficial discussions found elsewhere, this event promises direct, candid access to the innovators and financiers shaping the next generation of companies across venture capital, defense technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced industries. It offers a crucial platform for executives navigating today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, providing insights that cut through the noise to reveal substantive shifts and emerging opportunities.
Navigating New Frontiers
The evening’s agenda dives deep into pivotal transformations. Ethan Thornton, founder of Mach Industries, will explore the rapid acceleration of hard tech in defense, highlighting how autonomy and advanced manufacturing are redefining national security. Following this, Delian Asparouhov of Founders Fund and Saif Khawaja of Shinkei Systems will tackle the burgeoning field of physical AI, discussing how robotics and automation are extending artificial intelligence’s reach beyond software into the tangible world. Finally, Carter Reum of M13 will offer an investor’s perspective on identifying durable companies amidst AI’s reshaping of industries, moving past short-term hype to pinpoint meaningful innovation. Beyond the stage, StrictlyVC Los Angeles cultivates an environment for unparalleled networking, fostering connections that drive collaboration and discovery in these transformative sectors.
As StrictlyVC Los Angeles approaches, it stands as more than just a conference; it is a critical nexus for the conversations defining the future of technology and investment. By bringing together visionary founders, seasoned investors, and industry leaders, the event curates a rare environment for direct, unfiltered insights into fields as diverse as defense technology, physical AI, and the evolving strategies of venture capital. The discussions promised by speakers like Ethan Thornton, Delian Asparouhov, Saif Khawaja, and Carter Reum are not merely informative; they are designed to challenge conventional thinking and illuminate the foundational shifts occurring at the vanguard of innovation. This gathering underscores the enduring value of in-person dialogue in an increasingly complex and interconnected world, providing a unique platform for strategic engagement and the forging of vital connections.
Beyond the Hype Cycle
The insights gleaned from StrictlyVC Los Angeles extend far beyond the immediate discussions, offering a vital barometer for the broader tech ecosystem. The focus on 'hard tech,' physical AI, and defense innovation signals a profound reorientation of capital and talent towards tangible, real-world applications and national strategic priorities. This pivot suggests a maturation of the technology landscape, where investment shifts from purely digital plays to ventures demanding deeper engineering, longer development cycles, and significant societal impact. The emphasis on identifying 'long-term durability' over fleeting trends reflects a more discerning approach to venture capital, one that acknowledges the complexities and opportunities presented by technologies transforming the physical world. Ultimately, events like StrictlyVC are instrumental in mapping the next frontier of innovation, shaping not just portfolios, but the very infrastructure and capabilities that will define the coming decades of global technological advancement.