Asian Tech Collective's Moon Festival Banquet at Olhso Korean BBQ

On Nov 13, the Asian Tech Collective hosted our Moon Festival Banquet at Olhso Korean BBQ in San Mateo, and the night was everything we hoped it would be—a full-restaurant takeover filled with senior VCs, LPs, founders, and operators coming together over incredible food and even better conversation. Olhso delivered a true Korean barbecue feast, from crispy seafood pancakes and savory japchae to marinated pork belly, pork jowl, and short ribs sizzling at every table. And in classic ATC fashion, we brought back the mid-event seat swap, turning the dinner into a room-wide mix of new introductions, shared stories, and unexpected connections.

We were also honored to welcome Aarti Kohli, Executive Director of the Asian Law Caucus—the first organization in the country dedicated to protecting the legal and civil rights of Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Aarti shared her perspective on building power for low-income immigrant communities, combating anti-Asian hate, and advancing policy solutions that meet the needs of AAPI families across the country. Her message grounded the evening in purpose and reminded us why community-building matters beyond the walls of the room.

What made the night special wasn’t just the food or atmosphere—it was the unmistakable energy of a community stepping confidently into its influence. Asian leaders make up 41% of the tech workforce and 22% of VCs, yet it’s still rare to gather this many senior Asian operators, investors, and founders in one room. Conversations ran nonstop, new relationships formed naturally, and the feeling of belonging was undeniable. This is why ATC exists: to create spaces where Asian leadership is visible, connected, and celebrated.

We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors for making this banquet possible. Your support fuels the momentum behind nights like this.

• 🌿 Jade Sponsor: Andersen.

• 🥇 Gold Sponsors: Cooley LLP, Carta, Trinity Capital, Citizens Private Bank, and BMW i Ventures.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. The Moon Festival Banquet reminded us how powerful this community becomes when we gather with intention. More to come—we’re just getting started.