VC Unlocked: AI Edition

Program Details

Built for seasoned investors and fund managers, this program pushes beyond conventional thinking around investing in startups.

Learning Objectives:

Invest in AI with Confidence: Master how to source, assess, and support high-potential AI startups.
Become an AI-Enabled VC Firm: Integrate AI tools that sharpen your investment process and strengthen your competitive edge.
Grow Your Network: Build strategic relationships and deepen your connectivity across the global AI ecosystem.

Apply Now

→

Program Dates: June 1 - 4, 2026

Location: San Francisco

Tuition Fee: $9,000

Includes access to 4 VC Unlocked foundational online courses

Discounted Rate for VC Unlocked Alumni & 500 Global LPs: $7,500

Ideal candidates:

Are actively investing in AI-driven startups or in companies that are integrating AI into their operations
Angel investors, emerging fund managers, venture fund professionals, family office principals, or corporate investment leads
Have at least 3-5 years of experience in VC investing, ready to deepen their expertise in AI investing

Agenda Overview

*Subject to change

Day 1

Building AI Investment Judgement

From Hype to Judgment: What It Actually Means to Be an AI Investor Today
The AI Stack Explained for Investors: Where Value Accrues
Debate Workshop: Vertical vs. Horizontal AI: Where Can Defensibility Actually Exist?
Pressure Testing What Actually Matters in AI

The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.

By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.

Day 2

Finding Signal Through the Noise

Is There an AI Bubble? Separating Cycles, Signals, and Structural Shifts
What Actually Drives Outcomes
How to Evaluate AI Startups When the Tech Looks Impressive
Valuing AI Under Uncertainty
Acting Like a Fund Under Pressure

The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.

By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.

Day 3

Applying AI Investment Judgement

Investment Decision Sprint
Founder Interviews & Diligence
Thesis Refinement and IC Prep
IC-Style Presentations & Peer Critique
Global Perspectives: Where AI Innovation is Emerging Next

The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.

By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.

Day 4

From Insight to Action

AI Tools for VCs
Integrating AI Into Your Fund: Improving Deal Flow, Network Leverage, and Capital Formation
Operational Leverage and Portfolio Value Creation
AI Winners and Losers: Contrarian Views on the Next Five Years

The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.

By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.

portfolio spotlight²

Showcasing AI innovators

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Ac lacus vestibulum vestibulum tortor sed egestas congue et leo. A bibendum ornare vitae tempus. Pharetra sit ornare tellus convallis. Amet dictumst ligula nunc elementum pretium erat ut nibh ante.

See our full portfolio

→

https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2F26187a5473654c43ab7a1b7a54514e5c%2F8529b27e6188439caebba3e8ec36fc65

https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2F26187a5473654c43ab7a1b7a54514e5c%2F619f1a2eb36d4ef2af5a1f7775f24f73

https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2F26187a5473654c43ab7a1b7a54514e5c%2Ff60126fc1e8b40b7bea1c11848652e25

https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2F26187a5473654c43ab7a1b7a54514e5c%2F6c240de13d4c45dbbfb8a88360c5eb54

https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2F26187a5473654c43ab7a1b7a54514e5c%2Fef709adea8f741c1a3193269b62826b1

https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2F26187a5473654c43ab7a1b7a54514e5c%2Fbeecca128b1f47bfbdc8cb5caef93493

https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2F26187a5473654c43ab7a1b7a54514e5c%2Fc0982f90ab3248de9b0c746b6f84fa9e

https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2F26187a5473654c43ab7a1b7a54514e5c%2F13dd68f0b5084dc5b4ad9977ad7efd8d

https://cdn.builder.io/api/v1/image/assets%2F26187a5473654c43ab7a1b7a54514e5c%2Fde648c00ee904cd3899fc0d09f3cd521

Pioneering and leading AI investments globally

Building on 500 Global’s experience pioneering early-stage AI investments, we’re excited to bring our community together for a week of immersive, deep-dive discussions on AI investing.

Primary button

→

320+

AI portfolio companies

We've been investing in AI since inception and leverage our history to identify startups with exciting potential around the world.

40+

countries with AI portcos

$100M+

invested in AI portcos

500 Global's AI insights

Learn more about our perspectives and investments in AI.

Why We Invested in PlayAI

Read

→

How Innovaccer is embracing AI to save healthcare workers their most precious commodity

Read

→

Kata.ais Irzan Raditya on how the next frontier in AI will transform how we tackle complex tasks

Read

→

Rosetta.ai Wants to Give Fashion Retailers a Boost with AI-Enabled E-Commerce Tools

Read

→

Long article that spans multiple lines of text goes here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Hac quam suscipit et ultricies. Lobortis posuere interdum eget urna egestas augue. Duis nec turpis cursus ac turpis nunc. Lacus est tempus sed feugiat ultrices fermentum consectetur morbi.

Read

→

Featherless.ai raises US5M Seed to tackle compute costs inefficiencies, accelerate AI adoption, and decentralize it from tech giants globally

Read

→

Sakana AI: Investing in Global Pioneers in AI

Read

→

InfuseAI is Helping Companies Unlock AI Capabilities

Read

→

500 Global portfolio spotlight

Showcasing AI innovators

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Ac lacus vestibulum vestibulum tortor sed egestas congue et leo. A bibendum ornare vitae tempus. Pharetra sit ornare tellus convallis. Amet dictumst ligula nunc elementum pretium erat ut nibh ante.

See our full portfolio

→

June 1 - 4, 2026 | San Francisco

VC Unlocked: AI Edition

Program Details