Tag: Silicon Valley

Los Altos Hills, Calif. — Students, founders, and investors from across Silicon Valley gathered at Foothill College on February 19 for AI × VC: Redefining the Value of the Future, a dynamic cross-college collaboration between the Menlo College Investing Club and the Foothill College Startup Club.

Held in the Foothill College Dining Hall, the afternoon event explored how artificial intelligence is transforming venture capital across industries, from startup valuation and investor behavior to due diligence and deal-making. The panel brought together leaders representing multiple sectors and stages of investment to share insights on how founders can strategically position themselves in an increasingly AI-driven capital landscape.

Panelists included Bill Sautter, a veteran investor and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience spanning venture capital and mergers and acquisitions; Leon Jon, an early-stage investor at MS&AD Ventures focused on scaling high-growth startups; Tonya J. Long, a venture strategist and capital formation expert specializing in AI-driven innovation and structured investment vehicles; and Konstantine Gugunava, an early-stage founder building ventures at the intersection of fintech and artificial intelligence.

The event featured an interactive Q&A session, followed by dedicated networking time that connected students directly with venture capitalists, founders, and Menlo College representatives, including transfer admissions staff. For many attendees, the opportunity to engage face-to-face with active investors provided practical insight into what venture firms are prioritizing in today’s competitive funding environment.

“As a senior, I want to leverage the connections built through the club and give back to Menlo College through impact, visibility, and community efforts,” said Jimena Ortiz, Finance and Business Analytics double major and President of the Menlo College Investing Club.

In addition to examining AI’s role in venture capital, the event highlighted educational pathways for students interested in pursuing bachelor’s degrees in fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Analytics and Finance at Menlo College. The cross-college partnership reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for innovation-driven industries and the rapidly evolving future of work.

Menlo College Press Contact: pr@menlo.edu

Foothill College Press Contact: penningtonsimon@fhda.edu

About Foothill College:

Founded in 1957, Foothill College is a nationally recognized public community college located in Los Altos Hills and part of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District. The college serves more than 13,000 students annually and is known for its academic excellence, innovative programs, and strong transfer pathways to leading universities, including the University of California and California State University systems. Foothill offers a wide range of associate degrees, career technical education, and certificate programs designed to prepare students for both the workforce and continued study. With a longstanding commitment to equity, access, and student success, Foothill College plays a vital role in developing Silicon Valley’s skilled workforce and advancing educational opportunity in the region.

About Menlo College:

Menlo College is a small private, nonprofit college founded in 1927 with a mission to ignite potential and educate students to make meaningful contributions in the innovation economy. Situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, Menlo College offers undergraduate degrees in business, psychology, and Artificial Intelligence, as well as graduate degrees including a Master of Science in Information Systems, a Master of Science in Financial Technology, and a Master of Arts in Sport and Performance Psychology. Menlo is designated as both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.