Amplitude AI Cookout @ RichesArt Galley
AI is everywhere, but building a real company with it is hard.
Join exited founders, YC alumni, and startup operators at SXSW for AI Cookout — an evening focused on what it actually takes to build from 0 → Exit.
This isn’t another “AI will change everything” panel.
It’s a candid, tactical conversation about:
- How to evaluate startup ideas in an AI-native world
- What makes an AI company defensible (and fundable)
- Where founders are overhyping — and where real opportunity lives
- How to build traction, product, and team with discipline
Featuring Frank Lee and Eric Kim (Inari), Kemel McKenzie (Stylo Network), and Yana Welinder (Kraftful), moderated by Shessvy Kelly (Senior Solutions Engineer) — followed by BBQ and founder networking.
If you’re building, thinking about building, or trying to understand how AI reshapes your startup strategy — this is your room.
Come for the insights. Stay for the BBQ.
Leave with a clearer plan for what to build next.
RichesArt Gallery - Austin, Texas
AI Cookout @ RichesArt Gallery brings together exited founders, YC alumni, and early-stage builders for a high-signal evening focused on building real startups in the age of AI.
Here’s what the night includes:
- A Founder-Led AI Fireside Chat
- Practical Lessons on Building AI-Native Startups
- Live Q&A with Experienced Operators
- BBQ + Curated Founder Networking
Come for the insight.
Stay for the conversation.
Leave with a clearer vision for what to build next.
Designed for leaders and builders across the innovation ecosystem:
- Founders and startup teams
- Product managers and product leaders
- Software engineers, developers, and technical builders
- Innovation teams and AI strategists
- Anyone shaping or shipping AI-powered products
Because building in AI right now is noisy — and most advice is generic.
This room is different.
Attend if you want to:
- Avoid building the wrong thing
- Understand what makes an AI startup defensible
- Build a fundable narrative & hear how investors are thinking in 2026
- Connect with serious builders and founders
If you’re navigating what to build, how to build it, or how to scale it in the age of AI — this is the room you want to be in.
Agenda
Check-in, welcome drinks & networking
Opening remarks & content overview
Audience Q&A
From AI pilots to production impact
Drinks, BBQ & open networking
After party
Speakers
Frank Lee
Amplitude (Prev CEO of Inari)
Principal AI Product Manager
Eric Kim
Amplitude (Prev CTO of Inari)
Staff AI Engineer
Yana Welinder
Amplitude (Prev CEO of Kraftful)
Principal Product Manager
Kemel McKenzie
Stylo Network
Founder, CEO
Shessvy Kelly
Amplitude
Senior Solutions Engineer