The AI Founder Playbook: Build, Get Funded & Scale | Pitch Competition

The AI Founder Playbook: Build, Get Funded & ScaleWho Should Attend?
Speakers:
Baurzhan (Baur) Khussainov is Co-Founder & CEO of Verrafied AI, a Seattle startup building AI-powered digital vehicle inspection. Formerly at Microsoft, Google, AWS and Boeing, including scaling OpenAI on Azure and shipping aerospace programs.
Ermek Djumataev is Head of Marketing at Emerald AI, where he leads go-to-market strategy for AI infrastructure software that enables AI data centers to intelligently optimize power consumption and grid utilization. Formerly at CentML (acquired by Nvidia), Veon, and Diageo.
Aiganysh Orozbakova is a Product and technology leader with 7+ years of experience building and scaling AI/ML products for enterprise retail. Currently, Product Manager at Focal Systems (AI retail automation company that combines smart shelf cameras, computer vision, and software to help grocery stores monitor inventory, identify empty shelves, prioritize restocking, and improve store operations.), formerly at CentML, Director of Software Engineering at SymphonyAI. SymphonyAI is a privately held enterprise AI software company founded by Romesh Wadhwani in 2017. It develops industry-specific AI solutions for retail, financial services, manufacturing, and enterprise IT. BS from AUCA
Asel Torogulova is a Product and growth professional with experience at Perplexity, Handshake and Try Your Best. Previously led 0-to-1 product development and go-to-market strategy for AI and SaaS platforms, growing one business to €1M ARR in its first year and securing 13 enterprise clients. MS from Carnegie Mellon University.
Dilnoza Alymova CMO, Chicago Eurasian Hub. Marketing professional helping startups build brands and accelerate growth.
Almaz Edilbaev CEO, Chicago Eurasian Hub. Former VC investor, startup operator, and 500 Global alumnus.
🚀 Founders & Idea Creators
Test your startup idea—even if it's still on a napkin.
Practice your pitch in front of experienced judges.
Receive actionable feedback from founders and investors.
💰 Investors & Mentors
Meet ambitious founders.
Discover promising startups at an early stage.
Connect with Chicago's growing startup community.
💡 Tech & Business Professionals
Expand your professional network.
Meet founders, operators, and innovators.
Find future teammates, co-founders, or collaborators.

How It Works
Round 1: Every participant gets 30 seconds to pitch.
Our judges will select the finalists.
Final Round: Finalists receive 3 minutes to pitch, followed by live Q&A/feedback with the judges and audience.
No pitch decks. No slides. Just your story and your pitching skills.
After the pitches, we'll enjoy pizza, continue the conversations, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections.
🍕 Snacks and drinks are included.

Event Details
📅 Date: November 14
🕑 Time: 3:30 pm
🎟️ Seats are limited. Register early to secure your spot.