Frontier in Action: Physical Intelligence

Overview：

This event is a part of #SFTechWeek—a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem. Learn more at www.tech-week.com

Physical Intelligence brings together the builders creating the next generation of physical AI systems and the investors backing the category. During this curated SF Tech Week gathering, founders, investors, and AI builders will explore how intelligence is moving off the screen and into the physical world — across robotics, embodied agents, world models, simulation, and real-world autonomy.

The afternoon is designed around product discovery and high-signal dialogue: ten curated physical AI startups will demonstrate what they are building, followed by a forward-looking VC conversation on where capital, defensibility, and value creation are emerging across the physical AI stack. Co-hosted with NXTVC (San Francisco Chapter), a national community for pre-partner venture capital investors, together with 500 Global, Sixty Degree, Spatial Frontier Club, and Mission Robotics, the gathering connects next-generation fund leaders with senior investors from leading Silicon Valley firms, with additional venture leaders joining as the lineup expands.

Expect candid discussions, working-product demonstrations, and meaningful connections between the builders creating the next wave of physical AI breakthroughs and the investors shaping their trajectories.

What to Expect

Startup Showcases: Ten curated Physical AI companies demonstrate working products across Humanoid & Mobile Robotics, World Models & Simulation, Embodied Agent Infrastructure, and Industrial Field Autonomy, followed by brief founder Q&A.

VC Panel: A forward-looking conversation featuring investors and ecosystem leaders on the future of physical AI, defensibility, and capital formation.

Networking: A relaxed, high-quality networking session with founders, funds, and ecosystem partners.

Agenda

1:00 – 1:40 PM | Arrival & Networking Check-in, light refreshments, and casual networking among founders and investors.

1:40 – 1:55 PM | Opening Remarks + Keynote Welcome and a brief introduction to FIG Studio and the Physical Intelligence theme — exploring how AI is stepping off the screen and into the physical world. A venture investor’s view on where capital and conviction are flowing in the physical AI era.

1:55 – 2:25 PM | VC Panel — “Investing in Physical Intelligence” A forward-looking discussion featuring investors and thought leaders from leading Silicon Valley venture funds.

2:25 – 2:35 PM | Break & Coffee Reset Quick refresh before the startup showcases.

2:35 – 4:15 PM | Startup Showcases Ten curated startups demonstrate working products and share short presentations, followed by brief founder Q&A. Focus areas include Humanoid & Mobile Robotics, World Models & Simulation, Embodied Agent Infrastructure, and Industrial Field Autonomy.

4:15 – 5:00 PM | Networking Reception Open networking with founders, investors, and ecosystem partners. Light drinks and casual conversations continue.

Who’s Attending

• Founders actively building in Robotics, World Models & Simulation, Embodied AI, and real-world autonomy

• VCs, CVCs, and angels actively exploring the next wave of physical AI, robotics, industrial, hard tech, and deep tech investments

• NXTVC members — pre-partner investors from leading North American venture firms

• Ecosystem partners across hardware, cloud, infrastructure, and innovation platforms relevant to physical AI deployment