In Palo Alto, the capital of global innovation, the future isn't just predicted – it’s created. For entrepreneurs and startup founders, this city provides a sneak peek into what’s next in technology, science, and business. Most recently, the StrictlyVC event series illuminated the industry's direction by gathering visionaries who are actively shaping the frontier of innovation.
As a serial entrepreneur from Europe immersed in tech and startups, I attended this event with great anticipation. What I discovered were not only transformative ideas but also practical lessons for anyone working in the world of entrepreneurship. This was a goldmine of knowledge and insights that deserve to be shared.
Key Innovators Revolutionizing the Future from Palo Alto
Having attended my fair share of innovation events globally, including Silicon Valley institutions like Startup Grind and TechCrunch Disrupt, I can confidently say StrictlyVC fostered conversations we shouldn't ignore as founders. Here are the standout moments:
1. Nicholas Kelez: Pioneering a New Era in Semiconductors
Nicholas Kelez, a particle accelerator physicist and founder of xLight, impressed the audience with his solution to one of the most pressing issues in semiconductor manufacturing. The U.S., as it turns out, sold its accessible chip-making technology to European firms years ago, leaving an $400 million Dutch company, ASML, to dominate the high-end chip market.
Kelez is creating advanced chip-making machines that regenerate America’s competitiveness in the sector. Aspiring innovators can learn a lot from Kelez's pursuit of innovation under geopolitical pressure. For any startup founder in logistics or manufacturing, his mantra was clear: owning verticals of your industry supply chain secures long-term sustainability. Whatever your product, explore the resources that enable you to go upstream – localizing the production of the tools you use might just spell survival in an increasingly protectionist world.
Learn more about the rising competition to break ASML’s monopoly through Thiel-backed chip efforts.
2. Mina Fahmi: Whispering a New Dawn for Wearable Computing
Sandbar’s founder Mina Fahmi introduced the Stream Ring, a wearable device that translates whispered thoughts into text. As someone constantly engaged in brainstorming and decision-making, I can see its immense potential in improving productivity while preserving precious time.
For startup founders navigating complex problems, this product presents a case study in identifying niche user pain points and conquering them, rather than designing technology for the sake of novelty. Fahmi, a former Meta engineer, emphasized their key focus was not on the gadget itself but on enhancing cognitive capacity. This reiterates an essential lesson: the end-user’s context and value derived from any product should guide your entire design and development philosophy.
Discover more about Mina Fahmi and the potential of Stream Ring by Sandbar.
3. Max Hodak: Rewiring Human Potential with Biohybrid Neural Interfaces
As a neuroscientist myself, I was captivated by Max Hodak, the Neuralink co-founder turned lead innovator at Science Corporation. His “biohybrid” brain interface project brings unprecedented opportunities. By integrating chips with stem cells, these devices promise to restore sight to the blind and enhance the lives of individuals with paralysis.
For entrepreneurs in healthtech and life sciences, Hodak’s work is a lesson in audacity and calculated risk. Don’t underestimate how deeply tech, biology, and ethics will intertwine. Be prepared for the long road; Hodak has invested years working on Neuralink and is now doubling down on merging biology with hardware. His story shows that moonshot ideas may take longer, but their payoff could change the world, and raise the bar for everyone else.
To dig deeper into how brain-computer interfaces are transforming innovation, check out these insights on Max Hodak’s bio-hybrid technology journey.
4. VC Contrarians: A New Approach to Startup Investment
Chi-Hua Chien of Goodwater Capital and Elizabeth Weil of Scribble Ventures offered fascinating insights into their methodologies. Both agreed that Silicon Valley is over-indexed on certain trends, like enterprise AI, and overly dismissive of unconventional bets. For new founders, the lesson here is to challenge the herd mentality.
Chien advocates for underestimated consumer-centered innovations, while Weil underscores the importance of personal networks in venture success. As entrepreneurs, it’s crucial to realize that the crux of real innovation often lies in predicting societal shifts instead of mirroring current trends.
See how Goodwater Capital is changing the venture capital game.
How Founders Can Leverage the Innovations Presented
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Diversify Applications of Existing Tech
Take a page from Mina Fahmi’s playbook: instead of focusing entirely on flashy technology or overhyped solutions, pair emerging tech with practical, real-world applications that genuinely solve user challenges. Consider underlooked or niche markets that align with your expertise. -
Stay Vigilant to Supply Chain Dynamics
The global landscape is defined by trade barriers and manufacturing monopolies. Ensure you're not beholden to one supplier or region. This is a risk particularly acute for hardware startups but echoed in SaaS, too, with reliance on single API providers or third-party tools. Always plan for alternatives. -
Leverage Bio-Engineering Opportunities
If your expertise overlaps healthtech, dig into how biotechnology intersects with AI and hardware. As Hodak showed us, there’s unparalleled power in proliferating tools that bridge tech solutions with biology. -
Be Bold Against Investor Trends
Don't feel compelled to chase valuations or trends. For European founders, especially, it’s tempting to emulate large Silicon Valley models. But real success often comes from going against the grain and focusing on deep pain-alleviating problems.
Common Mistakes Startups Should Avoid When Innovating
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Chasing Trends Blindly
As illuminated by the StrictlyVC session, Silicon Valley might sometimes invest its resources into fads. As a founder, don’t get swept up in these waves. Evaluate the problem you're solving deeply, ensuring a lasting value. -
Prioritizing Speed Over Analysis
While agility is critical, cutting corners in research can set you back. Kelez’s work in semiconductors shows the importance of intense foundational data validation and R&D. -
Failing Long-Term Vision
While short-term wins matter, Hodak teaches us that some ideas must mature. Stay the course, and find investors or partners who believe in your pursuit.
Why the Future Will Be Designed in Silicon Valley, But Built Worldwide
StrictlyVC’s Palo Alto event demonstrates the intensity and concentration of brilliance that persists in Silicon Valley. This matters for European startups, the region still leads as the center of both innovation and investment networks. However, the real opportunity arises in exporting prototypes from Silicon Valley and iterating with global resources. European entrepreneurs stand to gain by focusing on technology transfer, fostering relationships with U.S. industry leaders, and using innovative templates from places like Palo Alto to reshape local ecosystems.
Entrepreneurship, as I see it, isn’t just about technology or funding; it’s about never-ending curiosity and adaptation. Attending events like StrictlyVC reminds us that the stakes are higher but so is the potential to redefine the future. In a world dominated by disruption, staying ahead requires not only inspiration but thoughtful, calculated action. Entrepreneurs, let’s embrace this wave of change, leveraging these insights to ensure we too are shaping the future, not merely waiting for it to be explained to us.
FAQ
1. What is the StrictlyVC event and why is it significant?
The StrictlyVC series, hosted in innovation hubs like Palo Alto, is renowned for uncovering transformative innovations before they gain mainstream attention. It gathers top visionaries to share ideas that shape the future. Read more about the StrictlyVC event in Palo Alto
2. Who is Nicholas Kelez and what is his contribution to innovation?
Nicholas Kelez, founder of xLight and a pioneer in semiconductor manufacturing, is creating cutting-edge machines to address monopolistic supply issues, notably targeting ASML’s dominance. Learn about the semiconductor competition with ASML
3. What is Mina Fahmi's groundbreaking invention?
Mina Fahmi, founder of Sandbar, developed the Stream Ring, a wearable that translates whispered thoughts into text, designed to improve cognitive function. Explore Stream Ring’s potential in tech innovation
4. How is Max Hodak reshaping brain-computer integration?
Max Hodak, cofounder of Neuralink and lead at Science Corporation, is developing biohybrid neural interfaces such as retinal implants and brain-computer chips integrated with stem cells. Follow Max Hodak’s biohybrid journey
5. What investment trends are being highlighted by venture capitalists at StrictlyVC?
Chi-Hua Chien of Goodwater Capital and Elizabeth Weil of Scribble Ventures note that Silicon Valley tends to over-index on trendy sectors like enterprise AI, overlooking unconventional yet impactful innovations. Learn about Goodwater Capital's unique investments
6. How is Silicon Valley remaining a global innovation leader?
The region continues to drive technological advancements and venture investments while serving as a prototype hub for ideas destined to span globally.
7. What lessons can healthtech entrepreneurs learn from Max Hodak?
They can glean the importance of bold thinking, perseverance, and the synergy between biology and technology to tackle complex health issues. Hodak exemplifies the benefits of long-term investment in transformative ideas.
8. Why is understanding supply chain dynamics critical for hardware startups?
Nicholas Kelez emphasizes the importance of controlling your supply chain to enhance sustainability and mitigate risks, especially in a protectionist global market.
9. What does the future look like for wearable computing?
The focus of wearable devices like Sandbar’s Stream Ring is shifting from gadgets as novelties to tools aimed at improving productivity and cognitive capabilities.
10. How can European startups benefit from Silicon Valley innovations?
By leveraging Silicon Valley’s technical and investment network, European startups have the opportunity to adapt and scale these innovative templates within their own ecosystems for better growth.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.