# The Last Mile of AI: From Pilots to Profit | Amplitude

Join Berlin’s most forward-thinking founders, product leaders, and builders for an evening focused on the last mile of AI, where experimentation turns into production and prototypes turn into profit.



Source: https://amplitude.com/en-us/sxsw-amplitude

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# Amplitude for Startups AI Cookout @ SXSW

March 13 | 4:00 - 9:00 pm CT

[Register Now](https://luma.com/mfhmd7nk)

Real-world examples with real-world results

## 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.

[Secure your spot now](https://luma.com/mfhmd7nk)

Location

## RichesArt Gallery - Austin, Texas

What to Expect

**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.

Who Should Attend

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

Why Attend

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

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###### Check-in, welcome drinks & networking

4:00 - 4:45

###### Opening remarks & content overview

5:00 – 5:30

###### Audience Q\&A

*From AI pilots to production impact*

5:30 – 5:45

###### Drinks, BBQ & open networking

6:00 - 9:00

###### After party

9:30

## 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
