Exploring the Future of Deep Tech at StrictlyVC Palo Alto
On December 3, 2025, Playground Global in Palo Alto hosted the final StrictlyVC event of the year, bringing together leading minds in deep technology to discuss groundbreaking advancements poised to reshape industries.
Event Overview
StrictlyVC events are renowned for delivering exclusive insights from Silicon Valley and the global venture scene, fostering meaningful connections among investors and entrepreneurs. This particular gathering continued that tradition by featuring intimate interviews and impactful conversations with industry leaders. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-palo-alto/?utm_source=openai))
Keynote Speakers and Discussions
The evening commenced with a session titled From Silicon to Startups, featuring Pat Gelsinger, General Partner at Playground Global and former CEO of Intel, alongside Nicholas Kelez, CEO and CTO of xLight. Moderated by Connie Loizos, Editor in Chief & General Manager of TechCrunch, the discussion delved into the race to reinvent the machines behind the world’s most advanced chips. Kelez, a particle accelerator physicist with two decades at the Department of Energy, is developing next-generation laser technology in the U.S., aiming to challenge the current dominance of a Dutch company in this critical field. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-palo-alto/?utm_source=openai))
Following this, Mina Fahmi, Co-founder and CEO of Sandbar, presented the Stream Ring—a device that captures whispered thoughts and converts them into text. Fahmi, along with co-founder Kirak Hong, previously worked at Meta on similar technologies. Backed by Toni Schneider, Partner at True Ventures, Sandbar has recently emerged from stealth mode, aiming to extend human cognitive capabilities through innovative hardware. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-palo-alto/?utm_source=openai))
Max Hodak, founder of Science Corp. and co-founder of Neuralink, discussed his work on biohybrid brain-computer interfaces. These interfaces involve chips seeded with stem cells that integrate with brain tissue, enabling paralyzed individuals to control devices with their thoughts. Hodak shared his vision for a radically different technological landscape by 2035, emphasizing the transformative potential of these advancements. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-palo-alto/?utm_source=openai))
The event also featured Chi-Hua Chien of Goodwater Capital and Elizabeth Weil of Scribble Ventures, both seasoned venture capitalists with portfolios including Twitter, Spotify, TikTok, Slack, SpaceX, Figma, and Coinbase. They provided insights into current investment trends, expressing concerns that Silicon Valley may be misreading the moment by heavily investing in enterprise AI, and offered perspectives on emerging opportunities in the tech landscape. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-palo-alto/?utm_source=openai))
Networking and Community Engagement
Beyond the presentations, the event offered attendees opportunities to network over drinks and hors d’oeuvres, fostering connections among investors, entrepreneurs, and technologists. The intimate setting allowed for candid discussions and the exchange of ideas, reinforcing StrictlyVC’s commitment to creating meaningful interactions within the tech community. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-palo-alto/?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
The final StrictlyVC event of 2025 provided a platform for exploring the future of deep technology, highlighting innovations in semiconductor manufacturing, human-computer interaction, and brain-computer interfaces. The insights shared by the speakers underscored the rapid pace of technological advancement and the importance of fostering dialogue and collaboration to navigate the evolving landscape.
