Top SF VCs Discuss Agentic & Vertical AI | EP 02

As we transition into agentic models, it’s evident there’s a blend of optimism and caution.

In this panel discussion, I was joined by Jon Chu (Khosla Ventures), Pranav Reddy (Conviction), Andrew Brackin (Gradient), Arash Afrakhteh (Pear VC), Alejandra Vergara (Bee Partners), and Nahim Nasser (Georgian) as we explored:

• why agentic AI will drive systemic shifts across various industries

• the need to define scalable, high-impact use cases for agent-driven solutions

• shifting dynamics of human-machine interaction

• how agentic AI is advancing in parallel with LLMs

• why regional disparities and emerging foundation models could profoundly shape future progress, and

• how value will accumulate for vertical companies beyond the API

Let’s jump right in.

00:00:00 Trailer

00:02:13 Introduction

00:11:47 Current State of AI

00:21:00 Investment Insights and Startup Pitfalls

00:30:49 Vertical vs Horizontal

00:42:09 Evaluating Business and Team Dynamics

00:51:19 Different ways to look at AI

00:58:06 The AGI Landscape

01:01:17 Outro

Connect with us here:

1. Jon Chu- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jchu/

2. Pranav Reddy- https://www.linkedin.com/in/pranavgreddy/

3. Andrew Brackin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbrackin/ 

4. Arash Afrakhteh- https://www.linkedin.com/in/arasha/ 

5. Alejandra Vergara- https://www.linkedin.com/in/alejandra-vergaral/ 

6. Nahim Nasser- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nahimnasser/