StrictlyVC Los Angeles to host defense tech and AI leaders on June 18

StrictlyVC Los Angeles is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 18, at The Aerospace Corporation Campus in El Segundo. With two weeks remaining until the event, the gathering is quickly approaching and will bring together investors, founders, and technology leaders. The evening is structured to explore shifts occurring across venture capital, defense technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced industry. For executives navigating these changes, the gathering aims to provide direct access to the individuals building, funding, and shaping companies across these emerging technology sectors.

The event’s speaker lineup features several industry figures addressing sectors beyond traditional software. Ethan Thornton, the founder of Mach Industries, will speak in a session titled “Built for a New Era of Defense Technology.” Thornton will discuss building a “hard tech” company—defined as technology based on scientific discovery or meaningful engineering innovation—at speed. His discussion will focus on how advances in autonomy, manufacturing, and national security are transforming the defense sector, reflecting a broader movement of founders tackling complex challenges in rapidly changing industries.

The program will also address the rise of “physical AI,” which refers to artificial intelligence applied to robotics and physical-world automation. Delian Asparouhov of the venture capital firm Founders Fund and Saif Khawaja of Shinkei Systems, a robotics and automation company, will discuss how developments in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence are creating new opportunities to transform the physical world. Their conversation will focus on what is required to build and scale breakthrough technologies that extend beyond software.

Additionally, Carter Reum, co-founder and partner at the venture capital firm M13, will participate in a session titled “Finding the Next Big Thing.” Reum will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and how investors are moving beyond short-term hype to identify companies built for long-term durability. He will share his perspective on where innovation is creating meaningful opportunities and how venture investing is evolving as new categories emerge. The event is designed to facilitate these candid discussions and encourage the exchange of ideas among founders, investors, and operators.

Why it matters

StrictlyVC Los Angeles provides a platform for direct engagement between founders and investors, offering insights into critical shifts in defense technology and artificial intelligence that are shaping the current venture landscape.