Home » Community, In Person

“AI Agents & The Future of AI” VC Insights & Founder Pitches

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 - 5:30 pm | Cost: $25
Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP | 5 Palo Alto Square, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Event Details

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.

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
  • 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.)

 

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: $25
Categories: Community, In Person
Venue: Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP
Address: 5 Palo Alto Square, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

9:00 am   Japanese Tea Garden’s Free Admission Hour (Golden Gate Park)  FREE*
*Free from 9-10am on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; otherwise non-resident admission is $12 - $16 depending on the season. San Francisco residents are always free with valid ID
11:00 am   Free Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)  FREE
2:00 pm   Free Art Workshop: Surreal Portrait Collage  FREE
4:00 pm   SF’s Free 12th Annual Chinatown Night Out  FREE
4:30 pm   $1 Wing Wednesdays at Underdogs Cantina (SoMa)  FREE*
*No admission charge. Wings are $1 each.
5:00 pm   SF’s Superfest Disability Film Festival’s 40th Year (Sept. 9-13)  FREE*
*Free with RSVP at superfestfilm.org
5:00 pm   111 Minna Rising Tides Closing Party X Sketch Wednesday Fundraiser  FREE
5:30 pm   Presentation: Mapping Genocide with SF’s American Indian Cultural District  FREE*
*Free
5:30 pm   Joe McEwen with Joel Selvin – Tastykakes, Soul Songs & Shining Stars  FREE
6:00 pm   NetSuite User Group: The Enterprise Agentic Finance  FREE*
*RSVP required, subject to host approval
6:00 pm   VC / LP Happy Hour @ Free VC + LP Happy Hour: Curated Networking & Fundraising Panel (Millennium Tower) Tower  FREE
6:00 pm   Get Stuff Done with SFPL at Admin Night  FREE
6:00 pm   Storied: SF Season 9 + Intersections SF Launch Party (Madrone Art Bar)  FREE
6:00 pm   “Wiener Wednesday” Free Hot Dog Night at Rye (SF)  FREE*
*Every Wednesday, Free Hot Dogs with every Hornitos Cocktail purchase
7:00 pm   Angela Duckworth – Situated  $45*
*$45 Ticket includes signed book
7:00 pm   Black Hammer’s Free “Hopped Up” Trivia Night (Every Wednesday)  FREE
7:00 pm   The Laugh Boat: Local Brews & Free Comedy | SF  FREE
7:00 pm   Startup Networking San Francisco: Founders, Investors & Talent Mixer  $20*
*Tickets start at $20 for regular adult admission. RSVP/ticket purchase is required in advance. The event includes networking with founders, investors, and professionals, along with presentations and opportunities to connect. Attendees are responsible for their own food and drinks at the venue.
7:00 pm   Elew  $30
7:30 pm   Fugazi Funny Festival: Comedy in San Francisco’s North Beach  $27.50*
*$27.50-$44.00
7:30 pm   The Nature of Music 21: Marina Peterson  $10*
*$10-$30 tickets
7:30 pm   FREE Comedy Night (Every Wednesday) at The Function (SF)  FREE*
*Exclusive free tickets with Eventbrite RSVP. Otherwise $20-25 at door. Please note like most comedy clubs, there is a two drink minimum per person
8:00 pm   Rumbo Tumba Live at The Freight w/ El Pecado de Juana  $34*
*4 ticket bundles available
< Tuesday, September 8 Thursday, September 10 >