We will begin the evening with Ethan Thornton, founder of Mach Industries. In his session called “Built for a New Era of Defense Technology,” Thornton will discuss what it means to build a hard tech company at speed and why defense innovation is undergoing a structural shift as autonomy, manufacturing, and national security become increasingly interconnected. His perspective reflects a new generation of founders choosing to operate in industries once considered slow-moving, now rapidly reshaped by technological acceleration.

Next, the conversation turns to backing the next frontier of physical AI, featuring Delian Asparouhov of Founders Fund and Saif Khawaja of Shinkei Systems. Together they will explore how advances in AI, robotics, and automation are beginning to reshape not just software systems but also the physical world and what it takes to move breakthrough technologies from concept to real-world deployment at scale.

Additional speakers and conversations will be announced in the weeks ahead as the StrictlyVC Los Angeles agenda continues to take shape. Stay updated on new speaker announcements and event developments.

As the evening unfolds, the room becomes the real value of the event. Conversations continue beyond the stage in a setting defined by access, focus, and proximity to the people actively shaping the next generation of companies. It is an environment where introductions turn into insight, and insight often turns into opportunity. Secure your spot here.