A Day at PitchForce: Real Talk on AI Startups

As I continue the hustle to raise $3 million for Bemodo , stepping through the doors of the PitchForce AI Startup Conference felt like entering a dojo of doers.

Why was I there? Simple. I am always looking for ways to stand out in the crowded sea of competition to improve and help my clients more. It's tricky terrain, but thanks to a mentor, Jordan Wahbeh , I got a nudge in the right direction – an introduction to Max Shapiro to be a part of Pitchforce.

San Francisco's Clarity Call - Unpacked

In investing, as in life, the right mentors and the right info are invaluable. And let me tell you, this trip was a home run thanks to an ensemble of thought leaders and time with the right people.

I met innovative entrepreneurs, had lunch with investors, and soaked in the wisdom of mentors wanting to make a difference.

The event kicked off with a panel discussion, "Funding AI Startups: Insights from Investors & Founders." Moderator Armando Viteri had a knack for digging deep, teasing out the wisdom that could only come from a panel of seasoned pros.

The Insights That Hit Home from the Panel

• Zamir Shukho 's Visionary Triple Threat: Innovation, enhancement, disruption. Shukho highlighted the profound ways AI can shape the market, making clear that to truly stand out, a startup needs to bring something game-changing to the table.
• Jukka Alanen 's Architectural Perspective: It’s not just about better solutions – it's about different architectures and different business models. Alanen's commentary on startup opportunities reaffirmed that thinking outside the box is actually about building a better box.

Why I'm Charged Up Post-PitchForce

• Benjamin Levy 's Deep Dive: Beyond revenue, it's a utility that counts. It’s a reminder that before we can count profits, we need to make a genuine difference to someone.
• Earl Sacerdoti 's Power-House Reminder: We're reminded that slapping 'AI' on a pitch isn't enough. It's about being a problem-solver through and through, where AI isn't your identity but your secret weapon.

Undoubtedly, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with such a sterling roster of panelists armed me with more than insights—it filled the sails of my ambition with winds of wisdom. Raising funds is an art and a science, and thanks to these masters of the trade, I'm taking home lessons that will truly make a difference.

It's not all about the delivered pitches or the business cards exchanged; it's about the collective charge of collective thought—the realization that, yes, it's tough out there, but with the right connections and the right approach, the tough get going.

So let's keep the conversations alive, not just by talking shop but by engaging with the community that will help shape our success. The road to $3 million is paved with tenacity, genuine solutions, and a network that believes in your vision—thanks for letting me walk with you for a day.