Defense tech, AI, and fundraising take center stage at StrictlyVC Los Angeles on June 18

# Defense tech, AI, and fundraising take center stage at StrictlyVC Los Angeles | TechCrunch Source: [https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/04/defense-tech-ai-and-fundraising-take-center-stage-at-strictlyvc-los-angeles-on-june-18/](https://techcrunch.com/2026/06/04/defense-tech-ai-and-fundraising-take-center-stage-at-strictlyvc-los-angeles-on-june-18/) With just two weeks to go,[**StrictlyVC Los Angeles**](https://techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-los-angeles-2026/?utm_source=tc&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=svcla2026&utm_content=ticketsales&promo=post_agendaupdate_06042026&display=)is quickly approaching\. On Thursday, June 18, at The Aerospace Corporation Campus in El Segundo, investors, founders, and tech leaders will gather for an evening of conversation exploring some of the most consequential shifts taking place across venture capital, defense technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced industry\.[**Secure your spot here**](https://techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-los-angeles-2026/?utm_source=tc&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=svcla2026&utm_content=ticketsales&promo=post_agendaupdate_06042026&display=)\. For executives navigating a rapidly changing technology landscape, StrictlyVC offers something increasingly difficult to find: direct access to the people building, funding, and shaping the next generation of companies\. The conversations are candid, the audience is highly curated, and the insights extend far beyond what can be found in headlines, podcasts, or social media feeds\. [](https://techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-los-angeles-2026/?utm_source=tc&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=svcla2026&utm_content=ticketsales&promo=post_agendaupdate_06042026&display=)**Image Credits:**Slava Blazer Photography / TechCrunch## Who’s taking the stage in Los Angeles The evening begins with[**Ethan Thornton**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-thornton-74417024a/), founder of[**Mach Industries**](https://machindustries.com/)\. In his session, “Built for a New Era of Defense Technology,” Thornton will share his perspective on building a hard tech company at speed and how advances in autonomy, manufacturing, and national security are transforming the defense sector\. His story reflects a broader movement of founders tackling ambitious challenges in industries undergoing rapid change\. The conversation continues with[**Delian Asparouhov**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/delian-asparouhov-87447742/)of[**Founders Fund**](https://foundersfund.com/)and[**Saif Khawaja**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/saifnk/)of[**Shinkei Systems**](https://shinkei.systems/)\. Together they will discuss the rise of physical AI and how developments in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence are creating new opportunities to transform the physical world\. Their discussion will offer insight into what it takes to build and scale breakthrough technologies beyond software alone\. Also joining the lineup is[**Carter Reum**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/carterreum/), co\-founder and partner at[**M13**](https://www.m13.co/)\. In his session, “Finding the Next Big Thing,” Reum will explore how AI is reshaping industries and how investors are moving beyond short\-term hype to identify companies built for long\-term durability\. He will share his perspective on where innovation is creating the most meaningful opportunities and how venture investing is evolving as new categories emerge\. [](https://techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-los-angeles-2026/?utm_source=tc&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=svcla2026&utm_content=ticketsales&promo=post_agendaupdate_06042026&display=)**Image Credits:**Slava Blazer Photography /[Flickr\(opens in a new window\)](https://www.flickr.com/)Additional speakers and conversations will be announced soon as the StrictlyVC Los Angeles agenda continues to grow\.[**Stay updated on the latest speaker announcements and event news**](https://techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-los-angeles-2026/?utm_source=tc&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=svcla2026&utm_content=ticketsales&promo=post_agendaupdate_06042026&display=)\. ## Grab your pass and join the conversation Beyond the conversations onstage,[**StrictlyVC Los Angeles**](https://techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-los-angeles-2026/?utm_source=tc&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=svcla2026&utm_content=ticketsales&promo=post_agendaupdate_06042026&display=)is designed to bring together the people driving innovation across technology and venture capital\. Throughout the evening, attendees will have opportunities to connect with founders, investors, and operators in an environment that encourages meaningful discussion and the exchange of ideas\. Whether you are looking to expand your network, gain new perspectives, or discover emerging opportunities, the value of the event extends well beyond the scheduled sessions\.[**Secure your spot here**](https://techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-los-angeles-2026/?utm_source=tc&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=svcla2026&utm_content=ticketsales&promo=post_agendaupdate_06042026&display=)\. [](https://techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-los-angeles-2026/?utm_source=tc&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=svcla2026&utm_content=ticketsales&promo=post_agendaupdate_06042026&display=)**Image Credits:**TechCrunch *When you purchase through links in our articles,[we may earn a small commission](https://techcrunch.com/techcrunch-affiliate-monetization-standards/)\. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence\.*