Aerospace Showcase & Happy Hour

vcIQ Founder Sessions is a curated, small-group conversation series designed to give founders direct access to leading venture investors in specific sectors. Each session brings together 2 to 3 active investors and a room of 15 to 20 founders for an interactive off-the-record discussion focused on how capital actually moves within the category. This is not a panel, and there are no formal presentations. The format is conversational, candid, and founder-driven. This session is hosted during DC Deep Tech Week. We will be joined by: Michael Luciani, Juniper VC Frank Taylor They will share perspectives from the front lines of deep tech investing, including: What is actually getting funded right now, and where investors have pulled back How they underwrite technical risk before the science is fully settled What counts as traction before revenue, and how non-dilutive capital factors in Whether venture timelines actually fit the technology, and what that means for how you raise Where real defensibility comes from in deep tech The mistakes deep tech founders make when they pitch like software founders Founders will have the opportunity to ask direct questions, pressure test positioning, and engage in open discussion with investors actively deploying capital in the space. Space is highly limited to maintain discussion quality. We will not be able to accommodate everyone but look forward to bringing together a strong and relevant group to the conversation. This event is part of Deep Tech Week. Create a free profile at deep-tech-week.com/register to help hosts approve your registration and build your schedule for the week.

One part science fair, one part bar crawl, one part scavenger hunt, one part networking event. Join us for the official Deep Tech Startup Crawl! Attendees will have rapid conversations with over 40 startups building right here in the DMV, gathering stamps along the way to exchange for drink tickets and their chance to win door prizes. From founders, scientists, and engineers demoing their technologies, government stakeholders and investors looking to see the newest innovations coming out of the lab and into the field, to those ready to take the plunge and join an early-stage company, this showcase welcomes all. Want to be one of the exhibiting companies? Energy, aerospace, biotech, quantum, robotics, materials, defense, we want to know! We're accepting applications through September 2nd at 11:59 PM ET. Head here to apply - https://forms.gle/FX84mZBrJGtiz1Cn8 - there is no cost to participate. This event has been organized in accordance with U.S. Department of Defense and Congressional guidelines for widely attended events and gatherings. --- Agenda 5:00 Doors open, startup crawl begins 7:45 Remarks from organizers 7:50 Door prize raffle drawing 8:00 Event concludes --- About Event Partners Squadra Ventures is a venture capital firm led by founder-operators that invests in early stage cyber and national security companies advancing the critical edge. By applying a growth-stage mindset at the seed stage and a commitment to building alongside entrepreneurs, Squadra empowers extraordinary teams to win and leave a lasting positive impact on the world. Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, is the bank of the world’s most innovative companies and investors. SVB provides commercial banking to companies in the technology, life science and healthcare, private equity and venture capital industries. SVB operates in centers of innovation throughout the United States, serving the unique needs of its dynamic clients with deep sector expertise, insights and

The High Frontier is the orbital economy of the Earth and the rest of the Solar System, where fundamental breakthroughs in science and engineering are enabling new limits in physical performance across energy, propulsion, materials, communications. The ability to establish permanent manned presences on the Moon and Mars requires humanity to transport the heavy industry of Earth in energy production, resource extraction, refining and manufacturing. This event will cover the science and engineering behind breakthrough tech in the space industry that enables new frontiers of industry and permanent human colonization beyond Earth. There will be a series of lightning talks by founders and scientists building tech in the High Frontier, followed by a panel with audience QA and a reception. This event is part of Deep Tech Week. Create a free profile at deep-tech-week.com/register to help hosts approve your registration and build your schedule for the week.