Mark your calendars: June 18 is set to be a must-attend event. StrictlyVC is excited to announce that Ali Partovi and Russell Kaplan will join us for an evening of engaging discussions at The Quad in Menlo Park, the heart of Silicon Valley. Ali Partovi, a seasoned investor and former operator, is currently causing a stir with Neo, a platform and fund that aims to identify emerging engineering and leadership talent before the broader tech community even recognizes their potential. Neo's approach is not merely about finding the next big thing—it's about systematically nurturing and supporting these talents to become future tech leaders. If there's one person who knows how to spot and develop the next generation of tech innovators, it's Partovi. Russell Kaplan, the president of Cognition—a highly anticipated coding assistant company—will also take the stage. Cognition recently achieved a valuation of $4 billion, and Neo was among its first backers. Their discussion will provide a unique insight into the investor-founder relationship, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges faced by today’s fast-moving AI startups. Adding to the lineup is Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood and now the founder and CEO of Aetherflux. Bhatt is leveraging his vast fintech expertise to tackle a new and ambitious project: launching a constellation of low Earth orbit satellites capable of collecting and transmitting solar energy directly to ground stations. Aetherflux, based in San Carlos, California, emerged from stealth mode last October and recently secured $50 million in Series A funding. This investment underscores the significant interest and confidence investors have in Bhatt's vision. These conversations are crucial because they connect visionary ideas with practical outcomes, translating ambitious concepts into tangible companies and products. This is precisely what StrictlyVC sets out to achieve—to bring together thought leaders, investors, founders, and tech enthusiasts to explore how technology is reshaping the world in real time. As we finalize more programming details, we extend a heartfelt thank you to Mayfield, a prominent early-stage venture firm cofounding this event with us. Their support is instrumental in creating an environment where meaningful dialogues can flourish. The Quad on Sand Hill Road provides an ideal setting for this evening of essential conversations, ample networking, and informal exchanges. Because sometimes the most valuable insights happen in the spaces between scheduled events, we’ll also have refreshments and snacks to ensure a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Stay tuned for additional speaker announcements. With such a distinguished lineup, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience. Register now to secure your seat—spots are limited and filling fast.