All-star cast of technologists and investors convened over at Playground Global in Palo Alto. One occasion was a StrictlyVC event where they covered deep tech’s transformative potential. Among the speakers to share their ideas for Navigating the Future 2050 was Sam Altman, who predicted that the world will be unrecognizably different by 2035. His remarks truly set the stage for a visionary event. He underscored the blinding speed of change we can all expect from our technology and society in the next 10 years.
Altman, known as the creator of AI at OpenAI, discussed what the advent of deep tech inventions means for different industries. He warned that cutting-edge innovations in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and other fields would recast society’s expectations around work and leisure. His predictions reflect a broader sentiment among industry leaders regarding the pace of technological change and its societal impacts.
The four-day event featured an incredible array of thinkers and practitioners. Among them, Nicholas Kelez, a particle accelerator physicist with two decades of experience at the Department of Energy. Kelez provided a fascinating look at the scientific underpinnings of deep tech. He described how breakthroughs achieved through particle physics are going to fuel tomorrow’s technologies.
Chi-Hua Chien, managing partner at Goodwater Capital, was another major participant in the collaborative discussions. His expertise in venture capital provides insight into how deep tech startups can secure funding and thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. Chien discussed how making smart investments can drive innovation.
Our own Elizabeth Weil, founder of Scribble Ventures, recounted her angel investor experiences. Weil has completed more than 100 investments, and her inaugural fund has already generated fourfold returns. Her experiences became a godsend for aspiring entrepreneurs as they began preparing and pitching through the funding ecosystem. Her massive success should give any investor the potential financial returns with deep tech investments.
Max Hodak, founder of Science Corp and co-founder of Neuralink with Elon Musk, mesmerized the audience. His pioneering work in the field of biotechnology left them stunned. Hodak is passionate about restoring vision to people with retinal implants. He illustrates the practical applications of deep tech innovations to real-world situations. His contributions highlight the intersection of technology and healthcare, showcasing how deep tech can address pressing medical challenges.
Pat Gelsinger, the former CEO of Intel and current general partner at Playground Global, provided a seasoned perspective on the evolution of technology companies. Gelsinger’s experience in leading one of the world’s largest semiconductor companies allows him to analyze trends and shifts within the industry effectively.
The StrictlyVC event also initiated an invigorating discussion among all of the thought leaders in attendance. It as well offered a vibrant ecosystem to support connection and co-creation. Attendees had the unique opportunity to interact directly with the speakers, receiving actionable information that will help them understand and leverage new technologies.
