What's actually happening at the frontier of AI right now? Founders building AI for robots and satellites sit down with investors and defense insiders. They'll go deep on what's being built and the challenges they face that other founders don't even think of!

FeaturingAshish Kapoor, Co-founder & CEO, General Robotics

Ashish co-founded General Robotics, which is building GRID, an intelligence platform for robots. Before that he spent 17 years at Microsoft, where he led autonomous systems and robotics research and created the AirSim simulator. He brings a builder's view of where AI is headed in the physical world.

Vikash Kodati, Founder & CEO, Godel Space

Vikash founded Godel Space, which builds AI that runs onboard satellites. He brings a founder's view from the frontier of space tech, where government is often the first customer, and how non-dilutive funding and venture fit together.

Chris Pavel, Founder & CEO, Rally Point Ventures

Chris founded Rally Point Ventures in 2025, a Seattle-based defense innovation advisory firm built by a team of veterans and industry leaders. Rally Point helps dual-use startups navigate the defense ecosystem, connect with the right buyers, and land non-dilutive funding and mission pilots. He brings a rare view of where emerging AI meets national security.

Kirby Winfield, Founding General Partner, Ascend

Kirby leads Ascend, a Seattle pre-seed fund backing enterprise AI and deep tech. His portfolio includes Overland AI, Endurance Energy, and Yoodli. He'll share what he's seeing in pitches and portfolios right now.

Agenda

  • 1:00 Panel discussion

  • Audience Q&A

  • Time to connect with the panelists after

Who should attend: founders building AI products, operators thinking about starting a company, investors, and anyone curious where AI is heading next.

📍 Thinkspace Seattle, 1700 Westlake Ave N #200, Seattle, WA 98109, on Lake Union

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Part of Seattle AI Week, hosted at Thinkspace in partnership with Skillsheet. Full calendar: https://luma.com/thinkspace

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