Apocalypse or Evolution: How Do We Shape the Future of AI?

Artificial intelligence is entering a new phase, one that raises fundamental questions not only about technological progress, but about the nature of intelligence itself.​Recent advances in large language models have demonstrated remarkable capabilities, yet also exposed structural limitations. As some researchers have noted, systems trained on statistical correlations may lack deeper forms of reasoning, consistency, and symbolic understanding.  These limitations are increasingly relevant for founders, investors, and companies seeking to deploy AI in real-world, high-stakes environments. ​Hosted by Braintree and Nixon Peabody’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice, this panel brings together a group of experienced builders, pioneers, researchers, and investors to explore what may lie ahead.  The conversation will examine the evolving AI landscape and its practical implications for innovation, investment, and company building, with a focus on issues relevant to startups and venture‑backed companies. This has led to a renewed interest in alternative directions including neuro-symbolic systems, structured reasoning, and the possibility of more coherent forms of machine intelligence.  For emerging companies and venture investors, these questions are no longer theoretical—they directly inform product strategy, defensibility, and long‑term value creation.​At the same time, the role of AI is evolving from a standalone tool to an interface between humans and the digital world shaping how we think, decide, and interact with information. ​​​​​We will discuss: ​- The limitations of probabilistic models and the need for symbolic reasoning ​​- What comes after the current wave of AI ​​- Whether hybrid approaches could define the next paradigm ​​- AI as an interface between human cognition and digital systems ​​The goal is to approach these questions with clarity, intellectual honesty, and a focus on what truly matters for the next stage of AI innovation – especially for founders and investors building at the frontier ​Braintree welcomes you to attend, the only prerequisite is an open mind. ​Note: Parking is available at One Embarcadero, however, please note that we do not provide validation. SPEAKERS Nikolay Gurianov, Founder of Braintree Ltd A serial entrepreneur and experienced AI researcher with over 20 years developing Symbolic AI theory, the core foundation of Braintree's technology. He is based in London, England. In 2002, Nikolay set up a research company in Moscow to explore large-scale database synchronization. His first major breakthrough came just two years later, eventually leading Braintree, founded in 2008, to become purely AI-focused by 2010. He relocated to London in 2014 to scale the company globally. He presented a whitepaper to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, advocating for a universal platform for UK public service data to maximize AI's potential. Nikolay envisions a "society of information beings" driven by knowledge discovery, with his long-term project SUNNY aiming to build digital consciousness as the first step toward Strong AI. Thomas Kehler, Chief Scientist, Co-Founder, CEO at CrowdSmart.ai An AI pioneer in collective intelligence and human-centered decision systems. A longtime AI and enterprise technology builder who previously led IntelliCorp, the first AI company IPO in the 80s, and now Chief Scientist of CrowdSmart. He is a co-founder of Common Good AI with Kim Polese and John Seely Brown. He is focused on improving how groups reason and make decisions together aided by AI Agents.His recent work centers on collective intelligence, arguing that the next layer of AI value comes not just from better models, but from better systems that combine human judgment, diverse perspectives, and AI guidance.He thinks beyond standalone algorithms and toward structured, collaborative intelligence systems that support better real-world decisions. Vera Maslova, Connector of Science, Technology, Arts and Philosophy A partnerships and ecosystem builder working at the intersection of technology, capital, and ideas. With over a decade of experience, she brings together founders, scientists, and investors to accelerate meaningful innovation. She has led 300+ curated gatherings with 50,000+ attendees and built collaborations with organizations such as Mastercard, Nissan, and the Louis Vuitton Foundation. Her work centers on creating high-trust environments where complex ideas can be explored and translated into lasting partnerships. Vera has developed a strong network across venture, research institutions, and emerging technology communities, with a particular focus on AI and frontier technologies. She is known for connecting the right people at the right moment and helping conversations evolve into long-term collaboration. Her focus is on bringing people together around foundational questions shaping the future, from intelligence and infrastructure to human systems and long-term value creation. About Braintree A 12-year-old, British company innovating at the leading edge of Big Data and AI. Founder/CTO, Nikolay Gurianov, an expert in complex software, has been working in the field for over 20 years. Nikolay’s vision is to build Symbolic AI, autonomous systems and ultimately Symbolic Digital Consciousness. In the pursuit of this, the company has already developed a core technology which enables the next step change in AI. About Nixon Peabody’s ECVC Practice Our ECVC practice focuses on representing world-changing startups and the investors who fund them. We understand the entrepreneur’s journey and know that more than needing lawyers, entrepreneurs need partners to resolve thorny problems often novel problems. We appreciate how hard the journey can be, and that’s precisely why we provide legal services in a broader, problem-solving context. If we can be of help to you and your organization, either now or in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out.