So You Have an AI Idea? What Founders Wish They Knew Before Launching @Palo Alto
Presented by Elev X!
Join us for an exclusive, high-impact gathering designed for early-stage tech founders, active investors, and corporate innovators shaping the future of AI and deep tech. This is more than just a networking mixer — it’s a strategic platform to pitch, connect, and spark meaningful conversations with investors and industry leaders who are actively scouting the next big thing.
🔥 Fireside Chat
AI That Matters: Use Cases, Founders, and What It Takes to Stand Out
What does real impact look like when building with AI?
In this candid conversation, you'll hear from Albert B. Chu, an experienced innovation leader with a global perspective, and Naoto Mizuguchi of NEC X, as they unpack what separates hype from substance in the world of AI startups.
Together, they’ll explore:
High-impact use cases of AI in real-world settings
What savvy partners and investors look for in early-stage founders
The red flags that signal “fake AI”
What first-time founders should really focus on in their earliest months
With decades of experience driving technology and collaboration across markets, Albert offers practical insights on how to create AI that delivers true value — to users, partners, and society.
Whether you're building your first AI product or scouting your next investment, this session is designed to spark new thinking you won’t find on the internet.
🎤 Albert Chu
CEO, SOMPO Digital Lab
Albert Chu is CEO of SOMPO Digital Lab, the Silicon Valley innovation hub for SOMPO Holdings, where he has led the group’s global digital initiatives since 2020. A veteran of Silicon Valley with four decades of leadership across Apple, AT&T, PalmSource, and ACCESS, Albert brings deep expertise in product strategy, startup advisory, and emerging technologies including AI, blockchain, and insurtech. A frequent public speaker and guest lecturer, he shares insights on startup culture, digital innovation, and entrepreneurship. He also serves as Managing Partner at Poppyseed and Advisor to the President of Tohoku University.
💬 Ask Me Anything
Behind the Scenes - Startup Lessons from the Founder Journey
Building an AI startup? Thinking about joining an accelerator? Or wondering what really happens when you take the leap?
In this AMA session, you’ll hear directly from founders who’ve been through the Elev X! program. They’ll share what changed for them, what kind of support made a real difference, and what they wish they’d known earlier in their journey.
Whether you're just starting to explore an idea or already building your MVP, this is your chance to ask real questions — and get honest, behind-the-scenes insights from founders who’ve walked the path before you.
🎤 Pitching Startups
3 selected early-stage startups will take the stage to pitch their ventures. 🙌
🟡 Viber Alert
🟡 Metapyxl
🟡 Ambrosia Systems Inc
🕰️ Pitch Format: 3 minutes pitch & 2 minutes Q&A per startup.
🗓️ Agenda
4:00pm–4:15pm: Registration & Networking
4:15pm–4:20pm: Welcome
4:20pm–4:40pm: Startup Pitch
4:40pm–5:00pm: Fireside Chat
5:00pm–5:20pm: Ask Me Anything
5:20pm-6:00pm: Networking
🤝 Connect with Founders & Investors Who Drive Innovation!
This event brings together bold AI founders and early-stage investors — offering a rare opportunity to exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and build relationships that move startups forward and help investors discover what’s next.
✨ This Event Offers You 4 Key Opportunities - S, P, I & N!
✅ Startup-Centric
Engage with fellow founders, gain valuable insights from seasoned investors, and connect with industry experts from leading companies.
✅ Present Your Startup
Showcase your vision and traction in conversations with investors and ecosystem leaders.
✅ Investor-Connected
Engage with a curated network of active investors to explore funding opportunities — connecting with angel investors and early-stage VCs who are scouting promising AI startups and committed to building long-term partnerships from day one.
✅ Networking
Build meaningful relationships with highly curated participants, including investors, mentors, and fellow founders, fostering potential collaborations and investments.
📢 About Elev X!
Elev X! is NEC X’s venture studio program, dedicated to investing in and scaling early-stage tech startups. Backed by NEC, a global tech giant with over $20B in revenue, presence in 50+ countries, and 250+ subsidiaries, Elev X! provides hands-on support with world-class resources to propel startups from idea to impact.
💡 Why choose Elev X!?
🔹 Backed by NEC: 125 years of tech innovation, $8B in R&D, and 45,000+ patents
🔹 Hands-On Support: Beyond funding, we provide deep collaboration with NEC engineers and business experts
🔹 AI & Deep Tech Focused: Elev X! invests in AI-driven startups pushing the boundaries of innovation
🚀 Elev X!’s Partners - Top Ecosystem Players
✅ Alchemist Accelerator – A top accelerator for enterprise startups
✅ SVG Ventures | THRIVE – The leading Agri-Food Tech ecosystem
✅ Sand Hill Angels – Leading Silicon Valley angel investors
✅ Carbide Ventures – Early-stage VC led by entrepreneurs who built multiple unicorns
✅ ERA (Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator) – One of NYC’s top startup accelerators
✅ Translink Capital – A top-tier VC with deep global networks
and more!