The AI Demo Series: February Edition

Feb 27, 1:30 – 4:00 AM (UTC)

Silicon Valley, San Francisco Bay Area

Antler, 144 Townsend Street, San Francisco, 94107

Startup Grind Silicon Valley is continuing our a new monthly AI Demo Series—a high-energy showcase for the next generation of AI founders. Each month we rotate across leading SF tech HQs, bringing together the community where it’s strongest: in person. Watch 10 founders take to the stage and present what they're building in front of a packed house.

In-person event

About this event

Startup Grind Silicon Valley is continuing our a new monthly AI Demo Series—a high-energy showcase for the next generation of AI founders. 

Each month we rotate across leading SF tech HQs, bringing together the community where it’s strongest: in person.

This series is created in partnership with our new ecosystem partners: Founder Institute, AI Collective, Antler, Founder Social Club and Bay Founders Club.

⭐ What to Expect

  • x10 live founder demos in a 2-minute presentation

  • VC panel feedback from top AI investors

  • Partner spotlights, rapid intros, and product showcases

  • The best in AI: founders, VCs, angels, and ecosystem partners

  • Networking mixer with the Bay’s most active builders

⭐ How to Apply

  • Want a chance to present - complete this form and we'll be in touch

  • Can't make February or want to be considered for March and beyond - just let us know in the form 

  • Here is your chance to stand out as not just "another AI Startup in Silicon Valley"

⭐ Format

  • Each startup gets 2 minutes to present:

  • A product demo or live walkthrough, and a microphone.

  • The problem, solution, market insight, and traction

  • The “AI edge” behind the product

⭐ Who Should Attend

  • AI startups (Pre-Seed → Seed+) looking for exposure, feedback, or fundraising momentum

  • Investors scouting early technical talent

  • Corporate partners exploring pilots or AI innovation

  • Ecosystem builders supporting the founder community

⭐ February 26

  • Join us at Antler HQ as we continue the series with a curated selection of early-stage AI companies, live insight from investors, and a community that’s actively building the future.

  • We will be in touch in the coming weeks with the chosen presenters

⭐ Bonus Prizes

  • For x2 lucky founders in attendance each month, we'll be giving away a Full Access ticket to the Startup Grind Conference in April, 2026

  • A VC meeting will be offered to x2 lucky founders who apply (even if you're not presenting but in attendance)

  • x3 founders will get access to the next Founder Institute cohort

If you’d like to pitch, host a future month, or explore sponsorship, reach out — this series was designed to be built with friends.

Check out what happened

Judges

  • Rio Hodges

    Antler VC

    Early Stage VC

  • Bryan Liu

    Alumni Ventures

    Investor

When

When

Friday, February 27, 2026
1:30 AM – 4:00 AM (UTC)

Host

  • James Gee

    Startup Grind

    Global Sales Director & Silicon Valley Chapter Director

Organizers

  • James Gee

    Startup Grind

    Global Partnerships Manager

  • Derek Andersen

    Startup Grind

    Chapter Organizer

Global sponsor

Carta logo

Carta

Strategic

Chargebee logo

Chargebee

Wan logo

Wan

Partner

Antler logo

Antler

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