Beyond the Hype: Where VCs Are Actually Investing in Robotics & Physical AI

About the Event
Humanoid robots are everywhere in the headlines—but where is the real commercial traction today?
Which robotics sectors are already scaling? Which technologies still face major technical bottlenecks? And where are Silicon Valley investors actually placing their bets?
Join us for a fireside chat with leading Silicon Valley investors focused on robotics, deep tech, and physical AI.
In addition to the investor discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to meet a visiting delegation of more than 30 senior executives from Taiwan's robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing ecosystem, representing 18 leading Taiwanese companies across robotics, industrial automation, motion control, drones, components, system integration, and manufacturing.
Taiwan plays a critical role in the global hardware and manufacturing supply chain. For founders, investors, and industry leaders interested in robotics commercialization, manufacturing partnerships, and scaling physical AI products, this is a rare opportunity to connect directly with decision-makers from some of Taiwan's most influential robotics and automation companies.
We'll explore the current state of robotics and physical AI, discuss the gap between hype and reality, and examine where the next generation of venture-backed opportunities may emerge.

Discussion Topics
What's Working Today?
Industrial automation, healthcare robotics, logistics, food service, drones, and autonomous systems.
Humanoids: Reality or Hype?
What are the remaining technical, operational, and commercial barriers to adoption?
The Missing "Robot Brain"
Who is building the foundation models, world models, and AI systems that could unlock the next generation of robotics?
Who's Making the Biggest Moves?
What are companies like NVIDIA, Tesla, Google, Figure, and others doing that investors are paying attention to?
Where Are VCs Actually Investing?
How do investors evaluate robotics opportunities today, and which areas of physical AI are attracting the most attention?

Speakers
Bogdan Cristei
Founder, OPTIM | Venture Partner, SHACK15 Ventures

Fady Saad (Virtual)
Founder & General Partner, Cybernetix Ventures
Fady Saad is Founder and General Partner of Cybernetix Ventures, a leading early-stage robotics and physical AI VC firm in Boston with 28 investments across North America and Europe. Previously, he co-founded MassRobotics—the first and largest robotics and AI startup hub in the U.S.—where he built the corporate partnership model and forged 40+ partnerships with companies like Amazon Robotics, FedEx, and Mitsubishi. He serves on the boards of Cambrian Robotics, Enigma, and Bionomous, and is a frequent speaker and trusted voice on robotics, investing, and innovation. Fady holds a BS from the American University in Cairo and an MS from MIT.

Moderator
Uly Su
Director, Startup Island TAIWAN - Silicon Valley Hub
Uly Su is the Director of Startup Island TAIWAN – Silicon Valley Hub, a Silicon Valley platform supported by Taiwan’s National Development Council (NDC) that helps Taiwanese startups connect with U.S. investors, corporates, accelerators, and startup communities.
To date, the Hub has supported 100+ Taiwanese startups entering the U.S. market, organized nearly 100 startup and investor events, and built a network of 50+ Silicon Valley mentors and advisors. Uly is also a Partner at Addin Ventures, focused on early-stage AI and cross-border startups, and host of 《 矽谷在線》 (Chinese) and Startup Island Taiwan Podcast (English).
Prior to his current roles, he built experience across brand strategy, business development, venture investment, IoT, and technology media. He studied at National Chengchi University in Taiwan.

Who Should Attend?
Robotics founders
Physical AI startups
Hardware entrepreneurs
Manufacturing and automation leaders
Investors interested in robotics and deep tech
Engineers and researchers exploring the future of intelligent machines
Agenda
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Registration & Coffee Networking
10:00 AM – 10:10 AM Welcome Remarks
10:10 AM – 10:45 AM Fireside Chat
10:45 AM – 11:00 AM Audience Q&A
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Networking with Speakers, Founders, Investors, and Taiwan Robotics Industry Leaders

Organized By
Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robotics Association (TAIROA)
TAIROA is Taiwan's leading industry platform for robotics, automation, system integration, ICT, smart manufacturing, standards, and certification. It brings together robotics manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, and industrial partners to support global robotics innovation and commercialization.
Startup Island TAIWAN Silicon Valley Hub
Startup Island TAIWAN is a national initiative supporting Taiwanese startups expanding globally. Located in Palo Alto, the Silicon Valley Hub connects founders with investors, corporate partners, and innovation ecosystems while serving as a bridge between Taiwan and Silicon Valley.