AGENDA
Day oneTUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2024
8:30 AM — 9:00 AMCHECK-IN AND BREAKFAST
9:00 AM — 10:00 AMROBOTICS Invest 2024 Opening remarks
Fady Saad
Cybernetix Ventures
Peter Haas
Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
Kelly McDonough
Silicon Valley Bank
Justin Krauss
J.P. Morgan
Jeffrey Roy
Massachusetts House of Representatives
10:00 AM — 11:00 AMROBOTICS AS AN INVESTMENT CLASS PART II
Robotics has evolved from "frontier tech" to one of the hottest topics in venture, with strong vertical use cases and macro market factors driving adoption. Building on last year's foundation, our expert panel will explore recent trends, successes, and challenges in robotics startups, dissecting key investing activities, rounds, and valuations. Panelists will examine supply chain dynamics, technology convergence, and shifting investment attitudes. Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, we'll provide an outlook on the future of robotics investing, equipping participants with strategies to thrive in this dynamic field.
Moderator
Kristina Nilsson
J.P. Morgan
Panelist
Fady Saad
Cybernetix Ventures
Panelist
Eric Paley
Founder Collective
Panelist
Udit Bhatnagar
McRock Capital
Panelist
Lane Bruno
Silicon Valley Bank
11:00 AM — 12:00 PMAI’S IMPACT ON ROBOTICS APPLICATIONS
This session will explore the powerful synergy between artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Discover how AI, including generative AI and technologies like ChatGPT, is revolutionizing robotics applications. Our expert panel will discuss how AI can enhance autonomy, decision-making, perception, and manipulation in robotics, exploring the implications for various industries. Gain valuable insights into the transformative potential of AI-driven robotics and uncover the opportunities they present for innovation and growth.
Moderator
Ani Kelkar
McKinsey
Panelist
Peter Wurman
Sony AI America
Panelist
Andrea Thomaz
Diligent
Panelist
Kanu Gulati
Khosla Ventures
Panelist
Juliette Chevallier
Scale Venture Partners
12:00 PM — 1:00 PMNETWORKING LUNCH
1:00 PM — 2:00 PMAFTERNOON KEYNOTE:
FIRESIDE CHAT
Keynote Speaker
Dean Kamen
FIRST Robotics, DEKA, ARMI
Interviewer
Mark Martin
Cybernetix Ventures
2:00 PM — 3:00 PMThe Critical Role of Robotics in Climate tech
This panel will showcase the vital intersection between robotics and climate technology, highlighting the transformative potential of robotics solutions in addressing environmental challenges. Bringing together top climate tech robotics investors and founders, the discussion will delve into how robotics innovations are revolutionizing sustainability efforts across various sectors. From autonomous drones for precision agriculture to robotic solutions for renewable energy infrastructure maintenance, participants will explore the diverse applications of robotics in mitigating climate change and fostering environmental stewardship. By spotlighting the pioneering work of both investors and founders in this space, the panel aims to inspire collaboration and innovation towards a more sustainable future.
Moderator
Abe Murray
Alleycorp
Panelist
Frank Kjerstein
Reblade
Panelist
Duncan Turner
SOSV
Panelist
Rebecca Hu
Glacier
3:00 PM — 3:30 PMNETWORKING BREAK
3:30 PM — 4:30 PMTHE ACQUISITION LANDSCAPE AND PUBLIC MARKETS FOR ROBOTICS COMPANIES
This panel will explore the intricate dynamics driving success or failure for robotics companies looking to exit, shedding light on the factors that influence investor sentiment and market performance. Participants will discuss how the significant "dry powder" amassed over the past year will be strategically deployed in the robotics venture landscape, examining potential investment strategies and growth opportunities. The discussion will analyze the historical trends of robotics acquisitions and assess the performance of the SPAC market. Additionally, the panel will offer perspectives from corporate entities, providing unique insights into their investment strategies, priorities, and the role they play in shaping the robotics acquisition landscape.
Moderator
Aaron Pressman
Boston Globe
Panelist
Firdaus Pohowalla
Cascadia Capital
Panelist
Jay Hofman
J.P. Morgan
Panelist
Nabil Malouli
DHL
Panelist
Addie Harris
Haventure
4:30 PM — 5:30 PMClosing Debate: Humanoids - Reality or Hype?
In the exciting conclusion to Day 1, we will tackle one of the most compelling debates in robotics: Are humanoids the future of robotics or the latest hype cycle? This thought-provoking session will bring together high-profile robotics leaders representing opposing viewpoints on the ongoing discourse surrounding humanoid robotics. Moderated by Amy Feldman, Senior Editor at Forbes, the debate promises to offer insight into the potential and limitations of humanoid robots in various industries and everyday life. From exploring the latest advancements to discussing the ethical and practical considerations, our panelists will engage in a dynamic exchange of ideas, challenging assumptions and pushing the boundaries of our understanding of this robotics application.
Moderator
Amy Feldman
Forbes
Panelist
Jeff Cardenes
Apptronik
Panelist
Aaron Saunders
Boston Dynamics
Panelist
Erik Nieves
Plus One Robotics
Panelist
Brad Porter
Collaborative Robotics
5:30 PM — 7:30 PMNETWORKING RECEPTION
Day Twowednesday, JUNE 12, 2024
8:30 AM — 9:00 AMBreakfast
9:00 AM — 10:00 AMDAY 2 KEYNOTE:
FIRESIDE CHAT
In this keynote fireside chat, we will get a deep dive into a real-world robotics venture story, including the macro factors driving the industry, the technology tailwinds and the challenges and opportunities during scaling. Our keynote speaker will share their entrepreneurial story from the initial spark of an idea to building and exiting a groundbreaking company that has transformed the landscape of robotics. Discover the challenges faced, innovative breakthroughs achieved, and strategic decisions made along the way. This engaging discussion will provide valuable insights into the entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of resilience, and the future of robotics innovation.
Keynote Speaker
Marc Raibert
The AI Institute & Boston Dynamics
Interviewer
Fady Saad
Cybernetix Ventures
10:00 AM — 11:00 AMDEEP-DIVE ROUNDTABLES: SESSION 1
All Roundtables will occur twice a day on Day 2. Session 1 from 10AM - 11AM will have all 6 roundtables, and Session 2 will have all 6 again.
New Financing and Revenue Approaches for Robotics Startups
Go-to-market and Scaling Strategies for Robotics Companies
Board of Directors Formation & Management
Scaling Operations in Line with Growth
Fundraising and Due Diligence Preparedness: Developing Your Moat
Spinning out Successful Robotics Companies from Academia
11:00 AM — 11:30 AMNETWORKING BREAK
11:30 AM — 12:30 PMDEEP-DIVE ROUNDTABLES: SESSION 2
All Roundtables will occur twice a day on Day 2. Session 1 from 10AM - 11AM will have all 6 roundtables, and Session 2 will have all 6 again.
New Financing and Revenue Approaches for Robotics Startups
Go-to-market and Scaling Strategies for Robotics Companies
Board of Directors Formation & Management
Scaling Operations in Line with Growth
Fundraising and Due Diligence Preparedness: Developing Your Moat
Spinning out Successful Robotics Companies from Academia
12:30 PM — 1:30 PMNETWORKING LUNCH
1:30 PM — 3:00 PM1:1 CURATED MEETINGS
All confirmed attendees should have received a meeting matching form, which can also be completed when you reserve your spot on the registration page. If you are attending and haven't received the form, please contact hello@roboticsinvest.tech.
3:00 PMevent concludes
To inquire about Robotics Invest 2024, please email hello@roboticsinvest.tech.