SuperReturn Venture US West 2026 - PT (Pacific Time, -07:00)
Exploring the evolution of venture capital: how VC has transformed from its roots in hardware and software to new frontiers like AI, defense tech, space, and energy. Analyzing emerging investment trends, from sector-specific opportunities to geographic shifts. Sharing LP perspectives and capital sources: how has the LP base evolved in the recent years and how are LPs are adapting to new investment focuses and navigating the current market dynamics?
Future outlook: how GPs and LPs can innovate and build durable businesses in the face of rapid technological and market changes.
Keynote address followed by a panel discussion
A deep dive into how AI is reshaping industries such as healthcare, defense, e-commerce, and enterprise software. Discussing the rise of agentic AI, its role in operational efficiencies, and its implications for portfolio construction and startup creation. Addressing concerns about how agentic AI is replacing the workforce and discussing AI safety and governance.
Analyzing the emergence of secondaries as a critical tool for LP liquidity and portfolio management. How are secondaries evolving as a partial exit mechanism and what is their role in addressing liquidity challenges in venture capital? Drawing a distinction between liquidity for LPs and liquidity for portfolio investments and generating DPI and net IRR.
Examining the growing interest in defense tech and cybersecurity, driven by geopolitical factors and increased government investments. Highlighting innovations in civilian and military applications, including drones and cybersecurity solutions.
Exploring the intersection of AI, sustainability, and capital deployment in North American real estate. Discovering practical applications of technology, such as AI, IoT, and decarbonization solutions and addressing the urgent need for modernization and the impact of climate regulations on investments.
Examining the growing divide between large mega funds and smaller funds. Discussing the challenges faced by smaller funds and how larger funds respond to raising significant capital but often less than anticipated, reflecting broader macroeconomic pressures. How does AI impact capital needs of venture backed companies and what does it mean for VC? Exploring how longer fundraising timelines and higher revenue expectations are driving companies to do more with less, and the implications for VC firms. Analyzing the expected rise of spinouts from mega funds.
Examining the mixed exit environment, including the rise of IPOs and M&A activity, alongside challenges such as overhyped IPOs and valuation drops. Discussing the uneven impact of valuation resets, with AI, LLMs, and derivatives continuing to experience bubble-tier pricing
Sharing investor insights into the effectiveness of core-satellite model, performance concerns and emerging manager scrutiny. What liquidity and exit mechanisms prevail? Discussing opportunities in evergreen structures, enthusiasm for late-stage venture strategies and challenges presented by an evolving regulatory landscape.
Table 1: Healthcare & Life Sciences
Table 2: Information Technology & AI
Table 3: Fintech
Table 4: Energy & Climate Tech
Table 5: Deep Tech & Robotics