​Got an AI idea and wondering where to begin? Whether you're still shaping your concept or just starting to build, this fireside chat brings together a group of ecosystem leaders who’ve seen what it takes to go from zero to one.

​Join us for a candid conversation on what early-stage AI founders actually need—before they raise money, write code, or hire a team. We’ll explore the challenges, the opportunities, and the support available for AI builders who are just getting started.

​Panelists include voices from AI2 Incubator and other leading players in the Seattle startup ecosystem, with perspectives from venture, academia, and accelerators. NEC X, a Silicon Valley-based venture studio supporting AI founders across the U.S., will also join the Seattle leaders and share how they help startups validate ideas and accelerate through their Elev X! program—open now for new applicants.

​Expect tactical advice, honest reflection, and space to connect with others building from the earliest stages.

​​🗓️ Agenda

​​4:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Arrival & Welcome Drinks
Check in, grab a drink, and start meeting fellow founders and investors.

​​4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | 🔥 Fireside Chat
What Founders Wish They Knew Before Launching
What’s Next? Real Talk for Early AI Founders from Ecosystem Leaders

​​5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Networking & Drinks
Relax, connect, and build meaningful relationships with other founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders. Light refreshments will be served.

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🔥 Fireside Chat

​
So You Have an AI Idea – What’s Next?
Real Talk for Early AI Founders from Ecosystem Leaders

​In this candid conversation, you'll hear directly from those shaping the AI startup journey—from incubation and funding to scaling and community support.

​Naoto Mizuguchi, CFO at NEC X – the Silicon Valley-based venture studio behind the Elev X! program

​Jacob Colker, CoFounder/Managing Director @ AI2 Incubator
Dhwani Patel, Associate Director at Creative Destruction Lab – supporting massively scalable, science-based startups through objective-driven mentorship
Ash Bhoopathy, Resident Expert at AI2 Incubator – a multi-time founder guiding early-stage AI startups toward success

​Moderated by Audrey Yun, House Manager at AI2 Incubator – supporting founders and operations at one of Seattle’s top AI incubators

​Expect honest insights, practical takeaways, and an inside look at how founders and local ecosystem builders work together to bring early-stage AI ideas to life.

​​📢 About AI2 & Elev X!

​AI2 Incubator is the startup incubator spun out of the Allen Institute for AI (AI2), a world-renowned AI research institute founded by the late Paul Allen. Based in Seattle, AI2 Incubator helps early-stage AI companies go from breakthrough research to real-world impact. With deep technical expertise, hands-on company building support, and a tight-knit founder community, AI2 Incubator has backed dozens of successful AI startups solving hard problems with cutting-edge technology.

​​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.