TechCrunch Shenzhen - Technology Unbounded, coming up on Nov 9 - 12, 2019.
With the approach of the fourth industrial revolution, many technological breakthroughs in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, fifth-generation telecommunications networks (5G), nanotechnology and biotechnology, robotics, the Internet of Things, and quantum computing are on their way to change the future of mankind.
China, as an emerging technology leader and pioneer, has proven itself to be the world’s leading innovator. Great progress has been made in China’s manufacturing, digital platforms, application-based technologies to solve social problems, as well as the four big innovation breakthroughs in scientific research and development. More countries from around the world are switching their attention to the East, seeking common ground to collaborate, develop and explore opportunities.
At the upcoming TechCrunch International Innovation Summit 2019 in Shenzhen, there will be 60+ speakers presenting at the main stage of the summit. For a start, we are going to reveal the first batch of our guest speakers, four top Silicon Valley hardware investors from Playground Global, Techstars, SOSV / HAX, PCH International. Through fireside chats and panel discussion, we will be exploring the global trends in innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as finding out the explosive points of the upcoming technology revolution.
Peter Barrett,
Founder and CTO of Playground Global
Peter believes that the computing revolution — and arguably even the industrial revolution — hasn’t happened yet. He is drawn to the toughest challenges at the boundaries of deep tech and hard science. Peter’s passion is captured by projects that appear to most to have an outcome that falls somewhere between improbable and impossible.
Peter has been writing software since he was a teenager. At 19, his first security program caught the attention of the NSA and resulted in his move to the US from Australia. From his first company, Rocket Science Games, he’s had an adventurous career in technology from creating the first widely used video codec in the early 90s, building the world’s most popular IPTV platform at Microsoft, cloud intelligence for automotive at CloudCar and now quantum and optical computing, robotics and artificial intelligence at Playground. He holds over 100 patents.
Cody Simms,
Partner at Techstars
Cody is a Partner at Techstars – the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed – and works as a steward of Techstars’ equity investments and venture capital funds for one of the most active early-stage venture investors in the world, with approximately $550M USD under management. As of September 2019, Techstars is investing in ~500 companies per year and the Techstars Accelerator portfolio has gone on to raise over $8Bn USD in follow-on capital. Techstars Accelerator programs are the first investor in ~5% of all Series A financings in the USA. Cody works at the board level with companies including Two Bit Circus, StatMuse, WELL Health, Tasso, Voatz and more.
Previously, Cody was Executive Director at Techstars and head of Techstars accelerator investments and operations in North America, which grew to more than 20 locations across the region and ~200 investments per year during his tenure. Cody joined Techstars in 2013 to launch and serve as Managing Director for the Disney Accelerator, powered by Techstars, co-investing in 20 startups alongside The Walt Disney Company in 2014 and 2015.
Duncan Turner,
General Partner at SOSV / HAX
Duncan is General Partner at SOSV and Managing Director of HAX, the world’s first and largest VC backed program for hardware. He is responsible for the strategic direction of the program, operations, and investments. He has invested in over 100 tech companies, ranging from digital health to industrial robotics and consumer products.
Before joining HAX, he led design and consumer engagement strategy projects for Fortune 500 companies at global design and innovation firm IDEO. Duncan has a strong entrepreneurial background and deep experience of growing businesses in China, having taken numerous hardware products to market from first concepts through research, funding, design, development, manufacturing, and assembly to final sales. He has spent 12 years working in different parts of China, growing manufacturing operations, business development and investor relations.
Liam Casey, Founder & CEO at PCH International
Liam is recognized as a global thought leader in new product introduction, supply chain orchestration, sustainability, and startup initiatives. His clear vision of partnering with clients and industrial design studios to deliver sophisticated product development and intelligent end-to-end supply chain orchestration has ensured that PCH has stayed ahead of manufacturing, technology, business, and retail trends.
Liam believes there has never been a more exciting time to be in hardware. With 23 years of experience and expertise, PCH is uniquely placed to reduce the risks associated with hardware. In 2013, Liam co-founded Highway1, the world-renowned hardware accelerator.
Stay tuned for more speakers’ update.
TechCrunch Shenzhen 2019
Date:
November 9 – 12, 2019
Venue:
Shenzhen Software Industrial Base
Shenzhen Bay Venture Plaza ground floor
Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Based in Shanghai, Suzanne builds and promotes TechNode domestically and globally by designing and implementing online and offline marketing campaigns and events. A Global Studies graduate from St. Lawrence...
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