Robotics Invest 2024
June 10-11, 2025 | Invite Only
Artists For Humanity | Boston, MA
2024 Keynote SPEAKERS
Dean Kamen
Founder
FIRST Robotics & DEKA
Interviewed by:
Mark Martin
General Partner
Cybernetix Ventures
Interviewed by:
Fady Saad
General Partner
Cybernetix Ventures
Marc Raibert
Executive Director, The AI Institute
Founder, Boston Dynamics
2024 Panelists
Aaron Saunders
CTO
Boston Dynamics
Aaron Pressman
Reporter
Boston Globe
Abe Murray
General Partner
Alleycorp
Addie Harris
CEO
Haventure
Amy Feldman
Senior Editor
Forbes
Andrea Thomaz
CEO & Co-Founder
Diligent
Ani Kelkar
Partner
McKinsey
Brad Porter
CEO & Founder
Collaborative Robotics
Duncan Turner
General Partner
SOSV
Eric Paley
Managing Partner
Founder Collective
Fady Saad
General Partner
Cybernetix Ventures
Erik Nieves
CEO & Founder
Plus One Robotics
Firdaus Pohowalla
Managing Director Investment Banking
Cascadia
Frank Kjerstein
CEO
Reblade
Jay Hofmann
Co-Head M&A North America
J.P. Morgan
Jeffrey Cardenas
CEO & Co-Founder
Apptronik
Juliette Chevallier
Principal
Scale Venture Partners
Kanu Gulati
Partner
Khosla Ventures
Lane Bruno
Managing Director
Silicon Valley Bank
Nabil Malouli
SVP eCommerce & Returns Global
DHL
Kristina Nilsson
MD Tech Investment Banking
J.P. Morgan
Peter Wurman
Director
Sony AI America
Udit Bhatnagar
Vice President
McRock Capital
Rebecca Hu
Founder & CEO
Glacier
BROUGHT TO YOU BY 2024 UNDERWRITERS
AGENDA
DAY ONE: TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2024
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM : CHECK-IN AND BREAKFAST
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM : ROBOTICS INVEST 2024 OPENING REMARKS
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM : ROBOTICS 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.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM : AI’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.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM : NETWORKING LUNCH
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM : AFTERNOON KEYNOTE: FIRESIDE CHAT
Keynote Speaker
Dean Kamen
FIRST Robotics, DEKA, ARMI
Interviewer
Mark Martin
Cybernetix Ventures
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM : THE 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.
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM : NETWORKING BREAK
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM : THE 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.
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM : CLOSING 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.
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM : NETWORKING RECEPTION
DAY TWO: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2024
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM : BREAKFAST
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM : DAY 2 KEYNOTE: FIRESIDE CHAT
Keynote Speaker
Marc Raibert
The AI Institute & Boston Dynamics
Interviewer
Fady Saad
Cybernetix Ventures
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM : DEEP-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 AM : NETWORKING BREAK
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM : DEEP-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 PM : NETWORKING LUNCH
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM : 1:1 CURATED MEETINGS
3:00 PM : EVENT CONCLUDES