StrictlyVC San Francisco 2026: Eclipse CEO Lior Susan Joins All-Star Lineup for Unmissable Venture Event

BitcoinWorld

StrictlyVC San Francisco 2026: Eclipse CEO Lior Susan Joins All-Star Lineup for Unmissable Venture Event

The first StrictlyVC event of 2026 is just a week away. Venture capitalists, founders, and tech leaders will gather at the Sentro Filipino Cultural Center in San Francisco on April 30 for an evening of deep conversations and high-impact networking. Organizers have just added a major speaker to the lineup: Eclipse founder and CEO Lior Susan. His firm recently raised $1.3 billion to back physical AI startups exclusively. This announcement has already generated significant buzz across the startup ecosystem.

StrictlyVC San Francisco 2026: What to Expect

StrictlyVC events are known for their intimate, informal atmosphere. Unlike large conferences, these gatherings prioritize candid discussions and genuine connections. Attendees include founders, investors, and industry experts who want actionable insights, not just surface-level pitches. The April 30 event continues this tradition with a carefully curated program.

The evening will feature several fireside chats. Each conversation targets a pressing topic in technology and venture capital. Speakers will share real-world experiences and strategic advice. This format allows for deep dives into complex subjects. It also creates opportunities for audience questions and follow-ups.

Eclipse CEO Lior Susan on Physical AI

Lior Susan brings a unique perspective to the stage. His firm, Eclipse, recently closed a $1.3 billion fund dedicated to physical AI startups. These companies build autonomous systems that operate in the real world. Examples include self-driving vehicles, industrial robots, and smart infrastructure. Susan believes the convergence of digital AI and physical systems will reshape entire industries.

Susan’s background strengthens his credibility. He served in the Israeli military and later led hardware investments at Flex. He has firsthand experience with industrial systems and emerging technologies. During his fireside chat with StrictlyVC venture reporter Marina Temkin, he will outline his vision for autonomy in the real world. He will also discuss the challenges and opportunities in scaling physical AI.

Why Physical AI Matters Now

The physical AI sector is gaining momentum rapidly. Global investment in autonomous systems reached $45 billion in 2025. Analysts project that figure will double by 2028. Startups in this space require significant capital for hardware development and real-world testing. Eclipse’s $1.3 billion fund positions it as a key player in funding this transformation.

Susan’s discussion will likely cover key themes: the role of operators in scaling new technologies, the importance of capital efficiency, and the need for innovative approaches to industrial challenges. Attendees will gain insights that can inform their own investment or founding strategies.

Replit’s Amjad Masad on AI-Driven Software Development

Another highlight of the evening is a conversation with Replit co-founder and CEO Amjad Masad. Replit is a platform that enables developers to build and deploy software directly from a browser. Masad will discuss how AI is transforming software development. He will explore the next era of programming, where AI tools assist in writing, testing, and deploying code.

This topic is especially timely. The software industry is experiencing rapid shifts in practices and employment. AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot and Replit’s own Ghostwriter are changing how developers work. Masad will address the implications for startups, enterprises, and individual programmers. He will also share his vision for the future of software creation.

Key Trends in AI-Assisted Development

• Increased productivity: AI tools can reduce coding time by up to 50% for routine tasks.
• Democratization of coding: Non-programmers can now create simple applications using natural language prompts.
• New roles: Developers are shifting from writing code to reviewing and refining AI-generated outputs.
• Quality concerns: AI-generated code requires careful testing to avoid security vulnerabilities.

Masad’s insights will help founders and VCs understand where the industry is heading. They can then adapt their strategies accordingly.

TDK Ventures President Nicolas Sauvage on Corporate Venture Capital

Nicolas Sauvage, president of TDK Ventures, will join Bitcoin World editor-in-chief and StrictlyVC founder Connie Loizos for a discussion on corporate venture capital (CVC). Sauvage’s firm is a strategic investor that backs early-stage startups in deep tech. The conversation will cover the ins and outs of CVC, including how startups can approach strategic backers.

Key lessons for founders include understanding the motivations of corporate investors. Unlike traditional VCs, corporate investors often seek strategic alignment with their parent company’s goals. They may offer access to distribution channels, manufacturing expertise, or customer networks. However, they may also impose restrictions on future exits or partnerships. Sauvage will share practical advice on navigating these dynamics.

What Founders Should Know About Raising from Strategic Backers

• Alignment is critical: Ensure the corporate investor’s goals match your startup’s long-term vision.
• Negotiate terms carefully: Strategic investors may request exclusivity or first-refusal rights.
• Leverage their network: Use the investor’s industry connections to accelerate growth.
• Maintain independence: Avoid becoming too dependent on a single corporate partner.

This session is invaluable for founders considering corporate investment. It provides a roadmap for building productive relationships with strategic backers.

Campbell Brown on Building Trustworthy AI Systems

Campbell Brown, co-founder and CEO of Forum AI, will bring her perspective on trust in artificial intelligence. Brown has a distinguished career. She served as Meta’s head of media partnerships and was a CNN host. She understands the challenges of maintaining accuracy and credibility in an era of information overload.

Forum AI focuses on building systems that prioritize transparency and reliability. Brown will discuss the growing skepticism around AI-generated content. She will also share strategies for ensuring that AI outputs are verifiable and trustworthy. Her interview with senior reporter Tim Fernholz will cover the ethical and practical dimensions of this issue.

The Trust Problem in AI

Public trust in AI is declining. A 2025 survey by the Pew Research Center found that only 35% of Americans trust AI systems to make fair decisions. This skepticism extends to AI-generated news, financial advice, and medical recommendations. Brown’s work at Forum AI aims to address these concerns by building systems that explain their reasoning and cite sources.

Her session will be particularly relevant for founders building AI products. They must prioritize trustworthiness to gain user adoption and avoid regulatory backlash.

Networking That Drives Outcomes

Beyond the fireside chats, the event offers ample networking opportunities. StrictlyVC events are designed to facilitate meaningful connections. Attendees can meet speakers, fellow investors, and founders in a relaxed setting. This environment encourages candid conversations that can lead to partnerships, investments, or mentorship.

The venue, Sentro Filipino Cultural Center, provides a welcoming atmosphere. It is located in the heart of San Francisco’s SoMa district, close to many startups and venture firms. The event runs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Thursday, April 30. Tickets are limited, and organizers expect a sellout.

Why You Should Attend StrictlyVC San Francisco 2026

This event is ideal for anyone involved in the startup ecosystem. Founders will gain actionable insights from experienced investors and operators. VCs can discover new trends and meet promising startups. Industry professionals can expand their networks and learn about emerging technologies.

The lineup covers critical topics: physical AI, AI-driven software development, corporate venture capital, and trustworthy AI. Each session provides depth and practical takeaways. The intimate format ensures that attendees can ask questions and engage directly with speakers.

What Makes StrictlyVC Different

• Curated conversations: Speakers are selected for their expertise and willingness to share candid insights.
• Actionable content: Discussions focus on real-world lessons, not theoretical concepts.
• High-quality networking: The attendee list includes decision-makers and innovators.
• Timely topics: Each session addresses current challenges and opportunities in the tech industry.

If you have never attended a StrictlyVC event, this is an excellent starting point. The San Francisco edition sets the tone for the year ahead.

How to Get Your Ticket

Tickets are available on the StrictlyVC website. Prices increase as the event approaches. Early registration is recommended to secure a spot. The event also serves as a preview for Bitcoin World Disrupt 2026, which takes place October 13-15 in San Francisco. Disrupt 2026 will feature 10,000+ attendees, 250+ sessions, and extensive networking opportunities.

Don’t wait. Block off your Thursday evening on April 30. Join the StrictlyVC community for an evening of insight, connection, and inspiration.

Conclusion

StrictlyVC San Francisco 2026 promises to be a landmark event for the venture and startup communities. With Eclipse CEO Lior Susan, Replit’s Amjad Masad, TDK Ventures’ Nicolas Sauvage, and Forum AI’s Campbell Brown, the lineup is exceptional. Each speaker brings deep expertise and a unique perspective on the forces shaping technology and business. The intimate format ensures that attendees leave with actionable insights and valuable connections. Grab your ticket today and be part of the conversation.

FAQs

Q1: When and where is StrictlyVC San Francisco 2026?
A1: The event takes place on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Sentro Filipino Cultural Center in San Francisco’s SoMa district. Doors open at 6:00 PM.

Q2: Who is speaking at the event?
A2: Confirmed speakers include Eclipse CEO Lior Susan, Replit CEO Amjad Masad, TDK Ventures president Nicolas Sauvage, and Forum AI CEO Campbell Brown. Each will participate in fireside chats with StrictlyVC journalists.

Q3: What topics will be covered?
A3: Sessions will focus on physical AI, AI-driven software development, corporate venture capital, and building trustworthy AI systems. Discussions are designed to provide practical insights for founders and investors.

Q4: How can I purchase tickets?
A4: Tickets are available on the StrictlyVC website. Prices increase as the event date approaches. Early registration is recommended due to limited capacity.

Q5: Is this event suitable for first-time attendees?
A5: Yes. StrictlyVC events are known for their welcoming, informal atmosphere. First-time attendees will find it easy to connect with speakers and other participants. The format encourages candid conversations and meaningful networking.

Q6: Will there be opportunities to ask questions?
A6: Yes. Each fireside chat includes a Q&A segment. Attendees can also engage speakers during the networking portion of the evening.

This post StrictlyVC San Francisco 2026: Eclipse CEO Lior Susan Joins All-Star Lineup for Unmissable Venture Event first appeared on BitcoinWorld.