[VT Washington, D.C.] — On February 21, – Georgetown University successfully hosted the third “Venture in the Capital” summit, a student-led event aimed at exploring the intersection of venture capital, entrepreneurship, and public policy. The summit attracted numerous industry experts, scholars, and distinguished alumni, providing a platform for discussions on how to balance innovation and effective regulation in a tech-driven world.
A key highlight of the summit was the panel discussion on “Regulating the Tech-Driven World.”
The panelists included Don Vieira, Partner and Global Chief Policy Officer at Sequoia Capital; Adrian Fenty, Founder and Managing Partner of MaC Venture Capital; Luther Lowe, Public Policy Director at Y Combinator; Geoffrey Okamoto, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs; and Victoria Virasingh, Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances at the NobleReach Foundation. The panel covered various topics such as the competitive environment for startups, the innovation vs. safety debate in artificial intelligence, and the role of government in helping startups navigate the “valley of death.”
On the topic of technology regulation, panelists emphasized that key stakeholders in the tech sector, including venture capital firms and accelerators, must actively engage in policy development. They suggested that companies can participate through industry associations or by setting up representation in Washington to ensure their interests are well-represented and not sidelined during policy formulation.
The issue of fair competition between startups and large corporations was also discussed. While U.S. competition policies have helped promote market competition, the current regulatory environment often favors larger companies. Policymakers were urged to create a more level playing field that fosters innovation by addressing monopolistic practices.
Artificial intelligence (AI) regulation was another major point of discussion. Panelists warned against the overhype surrounding AI, which could lead to overregulation that stifles innovation. They called for a balanced, pragmatic approach to AI development, one that allows for innovation while ensuring safety and ethical considerations.
The panel also discussed how public-private partnerships can help startups transition from prototype to production and government contracting. Drawing from successful collaborations like SpaceX’s partnership with the government, experts suggested that governments should take on more risks and adjust policies to create opportunities for private capital to enter the sector.
Other topics covered during the summit included optimizing high-skilled immigration policies, Sequoia Capital’s global business split, U.S.-China trade relations, tax policy changes, and government management efficiency. Panelists emphasized the need for the U.S. to attract top global talent while also expanding opportunities for domestic citizens in the tech sector. The separation of Sequoia’s global business was seen as a way to clarify investment missions and drive innovation forward.
The summit provided valuable insights into the interaction between technology and policy, with the discussions helping to clarify the complexities of tech regulation and offering ideas to foster the sustainable growth of the tech industry.
Panelist Profiles:
- Don Vieira: Partner and Global Chief Policy Officer at Sequoia Capital. Previously a senior partner at Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, specializing in regulatory law and national security policies, with significant experience in U.S. government roles.
- Adrian Fenty: Founder and Managing Partner of MaC Venture Capital, former Mayor of Washington D.C., and a former special advisor at Andreessen Horowitz. He now invests in early-stage tech startups.
- Luther Lowe: Public Policy Director at Y Combinator, responsible for advocating for over 11,000 founders. He previously served as Senior VP of Public Policy at Yelp, focusing on competition and consumer issues.
- Geoffrey Okamoto: Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, specializing in international public policy and global economic trends. Former IMF First Deputy Managing Director and U.S. Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary.
- Victoria Virasingh: Senior Vice President at NobleReach Foundation, former Palantir executive, and a candidate for U.S. Congress. She has extensive experience in public-private partnerships, community engagement, and government innovation.
Moderator:
- Jorge Guajardo Sada is an undergraduate student at Georgetown University, majoring in Global Business (class of 2026). He focuses on how emerging technologies can transform society and business. Jorge is the lead organizer of the “Venture in the Capital” summit and has experience in product management, venture capital, and strategic consulting. He currently works as a Product Manager at Product Space and holds a private pilot license.
The summit offered a unique opportunity for thought leaders to address critical issues at the intersection of technology, innovation, and regulation, providing actionable insights for policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs alike.
