Building Real AI: From Foundation Models to Scalable Enterprise

Part of the Level39 AI Event Series

Following the success of our first AI event, we’re continuing the conversation with the next edition of our rolling AI series at Level39.

AI has moved beyond the hype. The tools are powerful, the models are advancing rapidly, and experimentation is everywhere. But one question remains front of mind for organisations: how do you turn cutting-edge AI into real, scalable business impact?

This session takes a deep dive into the journey from foundational AI models to enterprise-scale deployment. We’ll explore what it really takes to move from proof-of-concept to production, while managing risk, governance, and long-term value.

What we’ll explore

Domain-specific models Why tailoring AI to your industry matters, where generic models fall short, and how organisations are building AI that truly understands their domain.

Operational scaling Practical strategies for moving beyond pilots and prototypes, embedding AI into core operations without losing momentum.

Governance, risk & trust The growing importance of responsible AI, compliance, and building systems that enterprises and customers can trust at scale.

Speakers

Moderator

Monia Ben Nejima - Fractional COO & Growth and Operations Strategist
Monia supports Series A/B founders across fintech and regulated industries to scale execution post-raise, with a focus on operational scaling, delivery governance, and performance systems. She works closely with leadership teams to operationalise AI for real business impact across complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

Speakers

Karen Zhang - Startups Lead & VC Partnerships, Google Cloud
Karen works with fintech startups, scaleups, and VC partners across the UKI to support cloud and AI adoption within financial services. She brings a global perspective on enabling secure, scalable AI and cloud transformation across regulated environments.

Sanjeev Gandhi - Co-Founder & CEO, Val-iQ AI Sanjeev brings 30+ years’ experience scaling and transforming organisations across technology, data, and operating models. As CEO of Val-iQ.AI, he champions a governance-first approach to AI, informed by leadership roles across high-growth tech companies, investment advisory, and enterprise-scale transformation.

Jean-Philippe M.L. Schepens van Thiel - Founder & CEO, AxonJay.ai Jean-Philippe is a deep-tech founder with three successful exits and a background spanning economics, statistics, and enterprise software. His experience includes building and scaling data-driven platforms across global markets, with a strong focus on applied AI and complex systems.

Liviu-Marian Negrila - Director, The Agile Software Team Liviu-Marian leads AI-powered software and digital transformation initiatives, helping organisations build scalable, high-performance engineering teams. He specialises in applying AI to modern software delivery, bridging technical execution with long-term transformation goals.

Agenda

5:30pm - Welcome & networking
Arrivals, drinks, and the chance to connect.

6:15pm - Opening remarks
A welcome from the Level39 team.

6:20pm - Panel discussion
Insights and real-world experiences on building AI that delivers impact.

6:55pm – Interactive Q&A Your opportunity to put questions directly to the panel.

7:05pm – Networking Continue the conversation with peers, speakers, and the wider Level39 community.

8:00pm – Event close

Who should attend?

This event is ideal for:

Founders and leaders building AI-powered products
Enterprise teams exploring or scaling AI adoption
Technologists, data leaders, and operators focused on real-world AI delivery
Anyone interested in how AI moves from theory to impact

Join us at Level39 for an evening of insight, discussion, and connections at the forefront of applied AI.

Building Real AI From Foundation Models to Scalable Enterprise