V1 Startup Fair is right around the corner! We’ve lined up some of the best minds in the startup world to share their insights and experiences with you.
Our guest speakers, who are industry leaders and experienced engineers, will share their experiences, insights, and valuable advice to help you navigate the challenging yet rewarding world of startups. Whether you're a startup enthusiast or a budding engineer, this event is a fantastic opportunity to learn, network, and get inspired.
So… who’s coming to speak?
Introducing our keynote & guest speakers
Keynote Speaker
Ari Steinberg: Navigating the world of Tech
Meet our Keynote Speaker, Ari! With deep expertise at the nexus of technology and startups, Ari boasts a remarkable track record, having worked with industry giants like Facebook, Flock, Microsoft, and, most recently, Airbnb. Ari is also the proud founder of Vamo, an innovative multi-city trip planning service that was later acquired by Airbnb. During his keynote, Ari will offer a peek into his journey as both a founder and an engineering director. Furthermore, he'll provide invaluable insights on how to navigate the ever-changing world of tech successfully.
Guest Speakers
Eliam Medina: Before The Startup
I'm the cofounder of Telora, a six month fellowship for ambitious hackers. Previously, I was the founder of Willing (YC S15), which made it easy to make wills online without a lawyer and was acquired by MetLife. Our technology now powers the world’s largest consumer legal service.
Talk Overview: Eliam will work you through how you can take advantage of your college experience to make sure you are equipped with the necessary tools to succeed in the world of startups!
Caelin Sutch: Engineering for Iteration
Hi I'm Caelin, one of the cofounders of Cue, where we build software to help teams operationalize their data. Before Cue, I built and scaled a previous startup Plots to over $300k in GMV over 3 months on a TestFlight and worked at several early stage companies as an engineer and designer. Outside of work, I run half and full marathons, play sax in a funk band, and enjoy reading.
Talk Overview: Going over lessons learned from building software from 0 to 1 at 5 different early stage companies that are rapidly growing and pivoting.
Heather Henderson: Overcome Imposter Syndrome in the Recruitment Process
Hi! My name is Heather. I'm a tech recruiter in the San Francisco Bay Area and the author of Be Present: The Art of Living Life Fulfilled. After my last burnout in 2020, I crafted a solution that took me from simply-surviving to fully-thriving. Now I share how you too can be more calm, connected, and content in your daily life.
I have a passion for helping people and travel, as well as exploring wellness gadgets, relaxation rituals, and thought-leadership. I'm proud to be from California where I was born and raised. When taking a break from work, you can find me walking with my pup Ziggy or soaking up sunshine in Los Cabos, Mexico.
Talk Overview: Are self-doubt and insecurity holding you back from acing interviews and securing your dream job? Heather Henderson, Principal Recruiter at Uber, will guide you through practical steps and expert insights to help you not only excel in interviews but also find lasting confidence in your professional pursuits. Don't let Imposter Syndrome stand in the way of your success—attend this session and unlock your full potential in the world of recruitment and beyond!
Max Heinritz: Building startups for complex industries
I'm a software engineer at Loop. My focus is scaling our technical system and team as the business grows. Prior to Loop, I worked at Flexport for four years and Google for five years. I enjoy writing software that solves real-world business problems. Outside work, I enjoy reading and yoga. I currently live in Chicago.
Talk Overview: Lessons learned from two years at Loop and twelve years in tech: a framework for picking a problem to solve, a playbook for developing robust software, and practical tips you can apply on the job.
Edison Chiu & Bright Xu: Balancing Academics & Working at a Startup
Hey, I'm Edison and I'm a senior studying CS and business. I've explored many roles from product management and consulting to software engineering, and have had software internships from Big Tech to Fintech. For the past year, I've helped grow and scale Shade from an initial idea, influencing all parts of the stack and product roadmap. Outside of work, I love to play soccer, explore new restaurants, and have a recent obsession with houseplants.
Hey! My name is Bright and I’m a senior studying CS. I joined Shade as a software engineer in December of last year, and I’ve interned at companies ranging from big tech to trading firms. I’ve been a part-time student for the past few semesters, allowing me to dedicate time towards gaining industry experience and building cool things. My dream since I was a little kid was to be a part of a startup, and it’s amazing seeing that dream become a reality.
Talk Overview: Join to hear about our journeys being founding engineers at a high growth startup while taking classes, recruiting for internships, and staying involved around campus. We'll give advice on time management, burnout, and how to prioritize commitments. We'll also shine light on how relationships might change and the dynamics around building in "stealth" on campus.
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