Retail investing pioneer Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood and founder and CEO of Aetherflux, is set to share his unique insights and experiences at an exclusive TechCrunch event on June 18. As part of the StrictlyVC evening series, Bhatt will participate in an intimate fireside chat at the Quad on Sand Hill Road in Menlo Park, offering attendees a rare opportunity to learn from one of the most innovative minds in fintech and space tech.
Bhatt's impact on the retail investing landscape cannot be overstated. As co-founder of Robinhood, he played a crucial role in revolutionizing the way millions of people interact with the stock market. By prioritizing clean design, user-centric product thinking, and commission-free trading, Robinhood has democratized access to financial markets and redefined the retail investing experience.
However, Bhatt's latest venture, Aetherflux, marks a significant departure from his fintech roots. The space-based solar energy startup aims to beam power from orbit to Earth using infrared lasers, providing clean, consistent energy to even the most remote corners of the planet. Bhatt has personally invested $10 million in Aetherflux, which has now raised a total of $60 million in funding. His vision for the future of energy is ambitious, and his willingness to invest heavily in the startup demonstrates his confidence in its potential.
During the TechCrunch event, Bhatt will share lessons learned from building Robinhood, his reasons for transitioning to space tech, and the challenges he has faced while fundraising in 2025. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insights from Bhatt's experiences as a proven entrepreneur navigating the complexities of fintech and space tech.
The StrictlyVC evening series is designed to bring TechCrunch readers closer to the innovators and thought leaders shaping the startup world. With limited space available, the event promises to be an intimate and informative gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry enthusiasts. Doors open at 5 pm for networking and drinks, followed by the program and more networking opportunities.
Those interested in attending the event can register their seat here. With Baiju Bhatt's unique perspective and expertise, this is an event that is not to be missed for anyone building, investing, or simply fascinated by the future of fintech and space tech.
As the startup ecosystem continues to evolve, events like the StrictlyVC evening series play a vital role in facilitating connections, sharing knowledge, and driving innovation. With Bhatt's participation, this event is poised to be a highlight of the startup calendar, offering attendees a rare chance to learn from one of the most innovative and successful entrepreneurs of our time.