Scaling AI Startups with Tactical Insights from Google Cloud

In the fast-paced world of AI startups, having access to cutting-edge tools is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in mastering these tools to scale effectively without losing momentum. At TechCrunch Sessions: AI, held on June 5 at UC Berkeley, industry leaders gather to explore the frameworks and decisions that determine whether an AI startup thrives or stalls.

One of the standout voices at this event is Iliana Quinonez, Director of North America Startups Customer Engineering at Google Cloud. With over two decades of experience spanning Salesforce, SAP, and BEA Systems, Quinonez brings a tactical, hands-on approach to helping startups integrate Google Cloud and AI tools from pre-seed stages through IPO.

Quinonez understands the pressures startups face: limited time, capital, and clarity. Her team partners closely with accelerators, venture capitalists, and developer ecosystems, giving her a broad perspective on what works in AI development and what pitfalls to avoid. Her session focuses on practical questions such as:

• Choosing the right architecture to scale intelligent AI behavior
• Structuring data pipelines to enable AI agents that reason, not just react
• Defining the boundary between APIs and core intellectual property

This session aims to cut through the noise, helping founders make defensible decisions about infrastructure, model orchestration, and collaboration strategies. Quinonez’s unique blend of technical depth and startup savvy offers a roadmap for navigating the complex AI landscape.

TechCrunch Sessions: AI is more than just a conference; it’s a hub for AI innovation. Alongside Google Cloud, leaders from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere will share insights on foundational model strategies, data stack design, and the future of AI development. For startups and founders, this is an unparalleled opportunity to gain strategic knowledge and network with pioneers shaping the AI frontier.

With tickets currently discounted by over $300 and additional savings on guest passes, the event is designed to be accessible for founders eager to accelerate their AI ventures. Whether you’re a founder, product lead, or skeptic, the sessions promise actionable insights that can transform your approach to AI startup scaling.

In a world where AI moves at lightning speed, founders must move faster. Events like TechCrunch Sessions: AI provide the tactical knowledge and connections necessary to stay ahead. Iliana Quinonez’s session exemplifies how strategic engineering leadership can empower startups to harness AI’s full potential without compromising speed or security.