Built around founders, investors and the next deal.

Founder of AI Founders Connect

AIFC grew from his interest in the people building businesses, not simply the technology they use. His legal and entrepreneurial work informs his focus on funding, risk and commercial decisions.

From Paris to London. Muklesur’s studies in law and economics at Panthéon-Assas were followed by legal education in London. He was called to the Bar of England and Wales in 2021 and admitted to the Paris Bar in 2022. He is a former public prosecutor and undertook contracting work as a lawyer at Magic Circle firm Slaughter and May from August to November 2022. He is a guest lecturer at The City Law School, a published author and contributor to FT Adviser, a Financial Times publication, and a member of the FinTech and Risk committees of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).

From legal questions to founder questions. City’s Launch Lab became an important meeting point between his legal background and his longstanding interest in technology. Writing and startup engagement offered ways to explore the same practical questions from different angles: how an idea becomes a business, where regulation matters and what founders need to understand before moving forward.

From founder pitches to investor relationships. That interest developed into AIFC's programme of startup pitches, investor panels and in-person events. He brings founders, investors and practitioners together around business opportunities. Founders, speakers, volunteers and the team shape each edition.

Connect on LinkedIn Read City’s profile of his journey Meet the team

Our first recorded round took place at Plug and Play in Silicon Valley on 10 January 2024. The early series at Plug and Play in Silicon Valley was followed by gatherings in Paris and university settings in Berkeley, Cambridge, Sydney and New York.

2024 — Building the room. Early Bay Area editions established the event series, followed by Paris gatherings and an online legal roundtable.

2025 — An organisation takes shape. AI Founders Connect Inc. was incorporated in New York on 3 February. The Event Library includes Berkeley, Cambridge and Sydney editions.

2026 — Deepening the conversation. Our history includes a return to Cambridge and editions at Cornell Tech and New York University. Explore the individual pages for the date, venue, contributors and available material from each event. Venues are identified by edition; venue use does not imply institution-wide sponsorship or endorsement.

Explore our event history

Muklesur Bharuya, Attorney-at-law & Barrister, Fund Manager

Founder

Muklesur Bharuya founded AIFC to connect founders, investors and professional advisers. His background includes public prosecution and contract work at Magic Circle firm Slaughter and May. He guest-lectures at The City Law School and serves on CISI’s FinTech and Risk committees. A published author, he contributes to FT Adviser, a Financial Times publication. His Bar admissions cover England and Wales (2021) and Paris (2022).

Stacy Williams

Operations & Principal Support

Stacy Williams handles operations and principal support at AIFC, working alongside Muklesur from New York. She coordinates event administration, participant communications and follow-up, keeping event participation and follow-up clear and organised. Her background combines executive operations and client service, with experience at SPS and Williams Lea.

Anastasia Starr

Community & Partnerships Lead

Anastasia Starr leads AIFC’s community programmes and partnerships, building relationships that continue beyond each gathering. She coordinates speakers, contributors and event delivery, with close attention to the participant experience. Her background includes the New York Academy of Sciences, NYCEDC and 92nd Street Y.

AI Founders Connect Inc. is a New York domestic not-for-profit corporation, incorporated on 3 February 2025. Our corporate purposes encompass AI innovation and entrepreneurship through education, mentoring, workshops, networking and collaborative research. They also include widening access for underrepresented communities and encouraging ethical AI for public benefit.

AI Founders Connect Inc. is a New York nonprofit corporation. The IRS recognises it as a 501(c)(3) public charity.

No pay-to-play is a principle, not a promotion. Joining the community is free. Event ticket income is intended to cover the costs of our not-for-profit work; it does not purchase a pitch slot, investor attention or an investment decision. Optional paid support stays separate. You do not need to buy it to join the network.

Optional Founder Support costs $200/month for your first 3 monthly billing periods, then $500/month. Prices are in USD, including applicable tax. Alderwick & Co. LLC, New York provides the defined monthly session, review and follow-up. Free AIFC participation and any legal engagement remain separate. Apply for Founder Support.

New York Department of State ID: 7526629.

US Employer Identification Number: 36-5131443.

Correspondence address: 224 W 35th St, Ste 500, #2213, New York, NY 10001, United States.

The Westminster connection brings a legal and entrepreneurial perspective to the community. These founder and related-practice connections help explain our history:

City LaunchLabCity’s April 2023 alumni profile documents Muklesur’s involvement in LaunchLab and his entrepreneurial journey. Read the founder profile

Franco-British Lawyers SocietyThe Society’s June 2023 AI and LegalTech programme lists Muklesur Bharuya as a speaker. View the programme

CISI · FinTech and Risk committeesHis current membership includes both the FinTech and Risk committees. CISI’s 2024 annual report lists Muklesur Bharuya, Westminster Partners, among its FinTech committee members. Read the annual report

Westminster’s UK practice is also featured in CityVentures’ startup directory. These are specific professional and entrepreneurial connections—not claims that those institutions operate or endorse AIFC.

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