Palo Alto is set to host the final StrictlyVC event of 2025 this Wednesday evening at PlayGround Global. The gathering promises an unparalleled look into the future of technology, featuring a lineup of brilliant minds who are developing innovations that are poised to reshape our world.

The StrictlyVC series, operating under the auspices of TechCrunch, has journeyed globally, consistently bringing together pioneers working on truly significant advancements before they become mainstream. Memorable moments include Steve Case hosting in D.C., a discussion with Greece’s prime minister in Athens, and an event hosted by Kirsten Green at the Presidio in San Francisco. A standout moment from 2019 saw Sam Altman famously tell a StrictlyVC crowd that OpenAI’s monetization strategy was simply to "build AGI, then ask it how to make money." At the time, everyone laughed, but he wasn’t joking.

Meet the Visionaries Shaping Tomorrow

This year’s Palo Alto event boasts an exceptional roster of speakers:

Nicholas Kelez: Revolutionizing Semiconductor Manufacturing

Nicholas Kelez, a particle accelerator physicist, brings two decades of experience from the Department of Energy, where he built technologies previously deemed impossible. He is now tackling one of semiconductor manufacturing’s most pressing challenges: the reliance on $400 million machines that utilize lasers produced by a single Dutch company. Kelez is developing the next generation of this critical technology in America, leveraging particle accelerator expertise. While it sounds highly technical, its impact on global chip production is immense.

Mina Fahmi: Extending the Human Brain with Wearables

Mina Fahmi will introduce the Stream Ring, a device capable of capturing whispered thoughts and converting them into text. Fahmi and co-founder Kirak Hong, both former Meta employees, spent years developing this technology. The Stream Ring isn't merely a gadget; it aims to extend cognitive capabilities. Backed by Toni Schneider, the operator who scaled WordPress to a billion visitors and a partner at True Ventures (known for investments in Peloton, Ring, and Fitbit), Sandbar—Fahmi’s company—has just emerged from stealth and shows significant promise.

Max Hodak: Pioneering Brain-Computer Interfaces

Max Hodak, founder of Science Corp, a Time magazine cover subject, and Neuralink co-founder, has already restored vision to dozens of blind individuals using retinal implants. His current work involves "biohybrid" brain-computer interfaces, where stem cell-seeded chips integrate with brain tissue, enabling paralyzed individuals to control devices with their thoughts. Hodak believes this is just the beginning, envisioning a wildly different world by 2035, and he’s eager to share his insights.

Venture Capitalists on Overlooked Opportunities

The event also features two prominent VCs who have a knack for identifying future giants:

  • Chi-Hua Chien: Running Goodwater Capital, Chien believes Silicon Valley is fundamentally misinterpreting the current AI landscape, particularly with the widespread focus on enterprise AI. He will explain why the best consumer tech opportunities are often overlooked.
  • Elizabeth Weil: Founder of Scribble Ventures, with a background at Andreessen Horowitz and Twitter, Weil has made over 100 angel investments and boasts a first fund showing 4x returns. Her extensive network is legendary. Like Chien, she argues that significant consumer tech potential is being ignored, and she will elaborate on this perspective.

The event is hosted by PlayGround Global, alongside general partner Pat Gelsinger, the former CEO of Intel. Attendees can look forward to drinks, delicious food, and an atmosphere of innovation and merriment. Seating is limited, so those interested in attending are encouraged to act fast to secure their spot. For those interested in partnering with the StrictlyVC series in 2026, contact information will be available at the event or via TechCrunch.