​Intro:

​“Software is eating the world but AI is eating software…and everything else.”

​Join us for a fireside chat with Richard Jhang and Summer Kim from StratMinds VC—a $100M+ SF-based VC firm, focused on Applied AI. Founded in 2018 as a response to the landmark “Attention is All You Need” paper, StratMinds invests at the intersection of next-gen AI and UX, backing companies like Anthropic, Augment AI, MaintainX, and Groq.

​StratMinds stands out not just for its capital but for its unique approach including a tech + human centric theses, AI-native tooling for their venture operations, and a strategic approach to LP relationships in Asia. They not only invest in AI, but have engrained it into their firm from founding thesis to operations. They’re global by default; living in Hawaii, with a LP base in Asia, and investing largely in SF.

​Who Should Attend:

​This event is highly relevant for NS members involved in AI, UX, venture capital and/or fundraising, and product development. However, all members with an interest in the evolving landscape of AI, design, technology and investment are welcome. NS member Michael (@michaelhawaii) will be moderating.

​What We'll Cover:

​During the session, we'll discuss the unique approach of StratMinds including:

• ​Tech + Human Centric Theses: The firm targets innovators at the forefront of next gen AI / computing tech, and those delivering exceptional UX or enabling others to do the same in a world vastly enabled by next gen AI.

• ​AI @ StratMinds: They’ve developed internal tools that leverage AI for research, analysis, CRM and deal flow for their venture operations.

• ​Strategic Capital Access: With a robust LP base comprising Asian corporates in addition to FOs and tech insiders, they offer unparalleled access to strategic markets in Asia and help incorporate their portfolio into the operations of their LPs.

• ​Deep UX & Strategy Expertise: Summer brings a wealth of experience from leading research and UX roles at WhatsApp, Google, Roblox, and Microsoft, ensuring that user experience remains central in their investment thesis. Richard brings extensive experience spearheading technology growth and expansion across F500s.

​...and dive deeper into:

• ​The StratMinds story and how AI is transforming venture—from thesis to operations.

• ​The role of UX in scaling AI product adoption to the world’s largest corporations.

• ​Insights into running a global firm, from Asia LPs to SF capital deployment.

​Expect a dynamic conversation, a peek into how StratMinds’ incorporates AI into their firm, and an interactive Q&A segment.

​Details

​🗓 Date: Friday, June 27, 2025
🕒 Time: 3:00 PM
📍 Location: TBA @ Network School
📷 Content Policy: To be announced prior.

​About Richard

​Richard Jhang is the CEO & GP of StratMinds, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm specializing in Applied AI, and a Partner at Andra Capital. Before founding StratMinds in 2018, he served as Chief Innovation Officer and Head of Applied AI at IBM. Earlier in his career, Richard was a senior partner at Strategy& (formerly Booz & Company) and PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he advised Fortune 500 companies and startups on corporate development and digital transformation. His expertise spans technology, financial services, and professional services sectors.

​About Summer

​Summer Kim is the UX Partner at StratMinds VC, where she also leads the firm’s Acceleration program for early-stage AI startups. Prior to joining StratMinds, Summer held leadership roles in user experience research at major tech companies. She was the inaugural Head of Research at Google Communications, WhatsApp/Facebook, and Roblox, where she built high-impact research organizations from the ground up. Her work has contributed to adding over a billion users across these platforms. Summer specializes in blending vision, research, design, and business acumen to create user-centric solutions and scale companies.