Beyond Hype: VC Insights + Fundraising Panel (Palo Alto)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Event Overview

Fundraising is more than a pitch—it’s a process that tests clarity of vision, quality of execution, and alignment between founders and investors. Many promising startups struggle not because their ideas lack merit, but because avoidable fundraising mistakes quietly undermine momentum.

At this upcoming event, we’re bringing together investors, founders, and experienced professionals for an evening focused on practical fundraising insight, honest conversation, and meaningful connection.

What to Expect

The evening will begin with two VC partners sharing firsthand perspectives from the other side of the table—how they evaluate opportunities, what raises red flags early, and which founder behaviors consistently build (or erode) trust during a fundraise.

This will be followed by a panel discussion that dives deeper into the most common fundraising mistakes seen across stages—from early traction misalignment and unclear narratives, to valuation missteps and investor targeting—and, more importantly, how founders can avoid them.

Rather than abstract theory, the discussion will focus on real scenarios, real decisions, and real consequences, offering attendees actionable insight they can apply immediately.

Event Agenda

5:30 – 6:00 PMCheck-in, Dinner and Networking

6:00 – 6:15 PMWelcome & Opening Remarks

6:15 – 6:30 PM Keynote Speakers

Jordan Wahbeh, Managing Partner @ SV Venture Group

SVVG/seed/Pre-A (Late Seed) – syndicate Focused on improving the human condition. B2B, B2B2C, where technology, existing and new, will enable an improved state of living and life.

Stages: Series A, Pre-A, and occasionally seed. • – Tech-centric, Deep Tech. -Sectors – widely include (where X=Tech). (ENT SW, wide range Fin, Ag, Health, Digital, AI, Logistics/Xportation, Dual Tech Use, IoT and Manufacturing, Space, and its components, Climate, Carbon, and Energy

Sue Xu, Managing Partner @ Amino Capital.

Topic: Beyond the Hype: Building Defensible “Data Moats” in the Age of Generative AI

Sue is an angel investor in nearly 20 unicorns; postdoc and entrepreneurship mentor at Stanford University; founding CEO of Stanford spin-offs CandyHouse and CyteSi; UNGA 2024 speaker advocating AI for combating human trafficking; guest lecture at HBS, Cornell, Georgetown and more; recipient of the Outstanding Asian American Woman Who Dared award (2025)

6:30 – 7:10 PM Panel Discussion: Common Fundraising Mistakes—and How Founders Can Avoid Them

Jordan Wahbeh, Managing Partner @ SV Venture Group

Sue Xu, Managing Partner @ Amino Capital

Vince Kohli, Strategic Advisor @ Google Deepmind, Startup Advisor & Judge @YC, Stanford, MIT

Roger Rappoport, Partner @ Snell & Wilmer

Lawrence Lou, General Partner @ Serendipity Ventures

7:10 – 8:30 PMSocial Networking

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 OrganizationBay 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

Cohosts

Snell & Wilmer (Law Firm)

​Tanka.ai

langrenusfund (focus on Web3 and AI)

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.