Hard Tech Mixer & Panel #SoCalDeepTech
Future Frontiers: Hard Tech
Come to an LA tech community happy hour, where you will meet founders, investors, and operators excited about emerging technologies that will change the future of industry and space exploration.
Speakers for our discussion will be leaders building in hard tech: space, robotics, drones, hardware, XR, semiconductors, energy & climate.
📆 Agenda
5:30p: Check-ins
6:30p: Panel on "The Future of Hardtech"
7:00p: AMA questions from audience
7:30p: Last call & leave
🎤 Discussion
Hear how emerging technologies will shape the future of developing hard tech & deep tech within the thriving South Bay area of LA.
Carrie Hernandez (Founder | Rebel Space): As the CEO and co-founder of Rebel Space Technologies, Carrie led a startup founded in 2020 that specializes in delivering AI-powered software solutions for security, observability, and trusted autonomy in modern air and space operations. With over two decades of experience, she has a proven track record in the commercial space and defense industries, focusing on developing and deploying cutting-edge software to address the most challenging problems in space and cyber domains.
Aaron Myrick (Sr. Project Engineer | The Aerospace Corporation): Aaron Myrick is a highly experienced Senior Project Engineer at The Aerospace Corporation, based in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. With over 18 years of professional experience, he specializes in embedded software design and development, collaborating with both hardware and software teams. His expertise extends to embedded systems, where he prototypes new systems and solves complex technical challenges across multiple projects.
Aaron holds a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California (USC) and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Felix Bustos (Founder | ATRX): Felix Bustos III is an accomplished entrepreneur and investor specializing in deep tech and health innovations. He co-founded ATRX, a company developing advanced space planes, and ZB Technologies, a health tech startup focused on using AI to combat cancer. ZB Technologies, incubated at Harvard Innovation Labs, aims to revolutionize cancer prevention through a global digital health ecosystem. Felix has also held key roles at companies like Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works, and BAE Systems, contributing to major aerospace projects.
In addition to his entrepreneurial work, Felix serves in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, providing technical expertise in artificial intelligence and space technologies at the Defense Innovation Unit. He holds advanced degrees from Harvard University, Stanford University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and was recognized among the Top 100 Harvard Alumni in Technology
✅ Ticket Required
Suitable for founders, investors, and operators
We will provide free parking (validation) & food bites.
Cash bar drinks during happy hour
👉 Notes to Guests
Check-in: Tickets required and will not be sold at door. Open QR code upon arrival to check in.
Parking: We recommend ride-sharing, ample parking in garage (be sure to get our validation)
This event is a part of SoCal Deep Tech Week - a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to build community in the Deep Tech ecosystem in Southern California.
About the Hosts:
Emerging LA is an IRL community for Los Angeles events around VC, startups, and tech, focusing on bringing good people together! (Subscribe here for event updates & invites)
Sunset Ventures is an early-stage LA & SF based venture fund that invests in the new frontier of consumer internet
XSamsung is a network of Samsung alumni helping each other advance our ambitions in startups, venture capital, & corporate leadership.