As AI reshapes the venture capital landscape, how are traditional VCs and corporate venture capital (CVC) investors adapting? Join leading faculty and investors for a candid discussion on emerging AI investment trends, what financial and corporate investors look for in startups, and how VCs and CVCs collaborate to accelerate innovation. The panel will also explore how Silicon Valley investors and corporate partners can tap into Taiwan’s innovation ecosystem, unlocking new investment opportunities, strategic partnerships, and access to global markets.
This panel is part of the Official TechCrunch Side Event, Real World AI: Connect, Invest & Scale in Taiwan, taking place on October 13 at 760 Market Street in San Francisco. View the Official TechCrunch Side Event
Corporates Are Back: How VCs and CVCs Are Co-Investing in the AI Era
Date: October 13, 2026
Time: 5:30PM
Location: 760 Market Street, San Francisco, CA
Physical AI is moving fast from software hype into the real world. In this episode of Silicon Valley Unplugged, Robot.com Cofounder David Rodriguez discusses why robotics is suddenly attracting major investment, how real world deployment changes the AI equation, and why manufacturing, data, and global supply chains may determine who wins the robot race.
Discover how Taiwan, the powerhouse behind the global AI revolution, is now bringing AI into the real world through robotics, intelligent hardware, and advanced manufacturing, with startup pitches, investor connections, and high signal networking. This official TechCrunch Side Event is hosted by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) and other prominent Taiwanese institutions, showcasing how Taiwan powered the AI revolution and is now bringing AI into the real world.
Connect, Invest & Scale in Taiwan
Date: October 13, 2026
Time: 5:30PM
Location: 760 Market Street, San Francisco, CA
Funders & Founders After Hours: Taiwan Innovation Meets Capital brings 15 Taiwanese startups to San Francisco for an evening of pitching, investment, and high signal networking during TechCrunch Disrupt week. At the IP² Scale Out Founders Pitch Night, founders will showcase technologies across AI, MedTech, space, energy, healthcare, and other frontier sectors. Meet emerging Taiwanese founders, discover new technologies, and connect directly with investors, corporate leaders, and strategic partners where Taiwan innovation meets Silicon Valley capital.
Taiwan Innovation Meets Capital
Date: October 13, 2026
Time: 6:30PM
Location: 760 Market Street, San Francisco, CA
What happens when the CIA goes shopping in Silicon Valley for the next technology breakthrough? In this episode of Silicon Valley Unplugged, In-Q-Tel Senior Partner Katie Gray reveals how cybersecurity, AI, venture capital, and national security are converging in the coming era of AI agents attacking and defending at machine speed. Watch the full conversation and discover how Silicon Valley is helping shape the future of national security.
The Sparknify Podcast explores how we navigate life in an age of rapidly emerging technologies—from artificial intelligence to breakthrough innovations — examining where they empower us, where they disrupt our world, and where the human spirit must lead.
The Sharks Garage
Youth Accelerator
This hands-on startup incubator invites young curious minds to explore entrepreneurship with Silicon Valley mentors, build real ideas, and pitch with confidence to actual venture capitals in a fun and supportive environment. Spots are limited. Join the next generation of innovators today.
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