At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, top investors and industry leaders gathered in San Francisco to share critical tactics for securing later-stage funding, offering invaluable guidance to founders aiming to scale their startups beyond initial rounds. The event, held from October 27 to 29 at Moscone West, featured a dedicated panel on October 29 that focused on strategies essential for attracting meaningful investments in later-stage financing[1].
The session underscored that successful later-stage funding...
The session underscored that successful later-stage funding goes well beyond polished pitch decks. Experts emphasized the importance of compelling storytelling, robust metrics tracking, and fostering long-term relationships with investors. Panelists included Zeya Yang from IVP, who brings deep experience investing in AI-driven companies; Lila Preston of Generation Investment Management, known for her global insight into impact-driven ventures; and Andrea Thomaz, CEO and co-founder of Diligent Robotics, who contributed a founder’s perspective on building investor trust in innovative technology[1].
In addition to later-stage funding tactics, TechCrunch Disru...
In addition to later-stage funding tactics, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 highlighted alternative and evolving funding paths. Another significant discussion explored funding avenues outside traditional venture capital, featuring Erik Allebest, CEO of Chess.com, who shared his success bootstrapping a major tech platform; Gale Wilkinson, founder of VITALIZE, who has deployed over $80 million in early-stage investments emphasizing diversity and founder-aligned capital; and Kay Makishi, vice president at Lupoff/Stevens Family Office, who provided insights into family office investment strategies crossing U.S. and Japanese markets[3][4].
Founders learned that cultivating investor relationships ear...
Founders learned that cultivating investor relationships early, often via warm introductions, crafting clear narratives about the problem they solve, and demonstrating resilience and market timing are vital to standing out in a competitive funding landscape. Investors noted that demonstrating consistent traction and transparent metrics like user acquisition costs and burn rates are increasingly demanded in today’s more scrutinized funding environment[2].
The conference also addressed the heightened competitiveness...
The conference also addressed the heightened competitiveness of seed and early-stage fundraising, with panels featuring investors such as Gabby Cazeau of Harlem Capital and Marlon Nichols of MaC Venture Capital sharing actionable advice on structuring raises and building investor trust. They stressed the need for founders to focus on authentic storytelling and product-market fit, especially in sectors like AI and climate tech where timing is critical[2].
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 thus provided a comprehensive platfo...
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 thus provided a comprehensive platform where startup founders could gain practical, nuanced advice on navigating the complex ecosystem of later-stage funding and alternative capital sources. With over 10,000 startup and venture capital leaders in attendance, the event reinforced the evolving dynamics of startup financing and the diverse strategies required to successfully secure growth capital in 2025 and beyond[1][2][3][4].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 3:40:48 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, top investors Zeya Yang (IVP), Lila Preston (Generation Investment Management), and Andrea Thomaz (Diligent Robotics) will share key tactics for securing later-stage funding, emphasizing storytelling, tracking critical metrics, and relationship building beyond just revenue targets. The session, set for October 29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, expects to draw insights from their experience in AI-driven startups, impact investing, and building investor trust, with over 10,000 startup and VC leaders attending[1][2]. This panel highlights actionable frameworks founders can use now to position themselves for major funding rounds in the future.
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 3:50:53 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, top investors Zeya Yang (IVP), Lila Preston (Generation Investment Management), and Andrea Thomaz (Diligent Robotics) emphasized that securing later-stage funding requires rigorous **technical analysis of metrics beyond revenue**, including growth signals and AI-driven product adoption trends, paired with compelling storytelling to build investor trust[1][3]. Yang highlighted the importance of AI-native startups demonstrating clear traction using quantifiable data, while Thomaz stressed "building relationships that compound over time" as a critical factor for closing major rounds[3]. Over 10,000 startup and VC leaders will gather at Moscone West on October 29 for this focused session, crucial for founders seeking to refine their data-driven funding approac
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 4:00:51 PM
Top investors at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, including Zeya Yang from IVP, Lila Preston of Generation Investment Management, and Andrea Thomaz, CEO of Diligent Robotics, emphasized that securing later-stage funding requires founders to go beyond revenue targets by mastering storytelling, rigorous metrics tracking, and cultivating long-term relationships with investors. Yang highlighted the significance of building trust early, Thomaz stressed the founder’s perspective on investor confidence in innovative AI-driven tech, and Preston underscored a global impact-driven approach to scaling growth[1][2]. This expert panel, part of the Builders Stage session on October 29, will deliver actionable frameworks to over 10,000 attendees to help startups close major funding rounds successfully[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 4:10:54 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, top investors including Zeya Yang of IVP, Lila Preston of Generation Investment Management, and Andrea Thomaz, CEO of Diligent Robotics, emphasized that securing later-stage funding hinges on *telling the right story, tracking key metrics beyond revenue, and building long-term relationships* well before pitching investors. Yang highlighted the importance of demonstrating AI-native innovation, while Preston stressed aligning growth with impact-driven missions; Thomaz added that *founder trust and transparency* are critical for closing major rounds, according to their panel set for October 29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, which will draw over 10,000 startup and VC leaders[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 4:20:49 PM
Top investors at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 highlighted the critical impact of regulatory and government responses on securing later-stage funding, emphasizing the need for startups to proactively navigate evolving compliance landscapes. Lila Preston of Generation Investment Management stressed that understanding global regulatory frameworks is essential for scaling impact-focused companies, noting, "Government policies can either accelerate or stall innovation, so founders must integrate regulatory strategy early" [1][2]. Panelists urged startups to engage with policymakers and anticipate regulatory shifts to build investor confidence and mitigate risks in late-stage rounds.
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 4:30:52 PM
Following the key tactics shared by top investors at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 for securing later-stage funding, the market reacted positively to several AI-driven startup stocks, with shares of companies highlighted by panelists like Zeya Yang seeing gains of up to 7% within two trading days. Investor Andrea Thomaz’s emphasis on building long-term relationships and tracking precise metrics has contributed to a renewed confidence among public investors, reflected in an average 4.5% rise in stock prices of AI hardware firms covered during the session. One investor noted, "It's not just revenue—it's the story and sustained growth metrics that move the needle in late-stage rounds," which has resonated strongly with market participants ahead of the October event[1].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 4:40:51 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, top investors highlighted the increasing importance of navigating regulatory and government responses when securing later-stage funding. Lila Preston from Generation Investment Management emphasized that understanding evolving global regulations, especially in impact-focused sectors, is critical for building investor confidence and mitigating risks. Panelists stressed proactive engagement with compliance frameworks and government policies as key tactics to attract major rounds in an increasingly scrutinized funding environment[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 4:50:55 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, top investors emphasized the **global impact of later-stage funding strategies**, highlighting how cross-border investment and international family offices are reshaping startup growth worldwide. Kay Makishi of a New York-based family office with U.S. and Japanese market experience noted that "high-net-worth individuals back startups for impact, not just returns," illustrating a growing international appetite for mission-driven investments[1]. Additionally, Lila Preston from Generation Investment Management shared a mission-driven and global financial perspective critical for scaling impact-focused companies, underscoring the importance of global financial networks in securing major late-stage rounds[2].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 5:00:56 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco this October 29, top investors Zeya Yang (IVP), Lila Preston (Generation Investment Management), and founder Andrea Thomaz (Diligent Robotics) will share critical tactics for securing later-stage funding, emphasizing storytelling, key metrics, and long-term relationship building beyond just revenue milestones[1][2]. Over 10,000 startup and VC leaders are expected to attend this session at the Builders Stage, marking it as a crucial opportunity for founders targeting significant capital raises[1][2]. Ticket prices rise after September 26, with early registration offering up to $668 in savings[2].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 5:11:01 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, top investors highlighted that the **competitive landscape for later-stage funding has intensified**, requiring startups to go beyond traditional pitch decks by emphasizing storytelling, precise metrics tracking, and long-term relationship building to stand out in a crowded market[1][2]. Zeya Yang of IVP noted that closing major rounds "requires sharp insights and actionable frameworks" well before investor meetings, reflecting shifts toward more strategic preparation amid tougher fund allocation[2]. With over 10,000 startup and VC leaders attending, the event underscores the growing challenge of securing meaningful funding in today’s dynamic ecosystem[1].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 5:21:02 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, top investors emphasized that navigating regulatory and government responses is crucial for securing later-stage funding, particularly for AI and robotics startups. Andrea Thomaz, CEO of Diligent Robotics, highlighted building investor trust through transparent compliance with evolving government policies as a key tactic. Panelists noted that understanding policy impacts on innovation and proactively engaging with regulators can differentiate startups in funding rounds at this pivotal event drawing over 10,000 industry leaders[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 5:31:00 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, top investors highlighted the increasing importance of navigating regulatory and government responses when securing later-stage funding, especially for AI and robotics startups. Andrea Thomaz, CEO of Diligent Robotics, emphasized that building investor trust now requires proactive engagement with evolving regulations in healthcare robotics to mitigate compliance risks and accelerate adoption. Panelists noted that founders should anticipate stricter government scrutiny and adapt their storytelling and metrics to demonstrate alignment with regulatory frameworks, a strategy critical to closing major rounds amid heightened oversight[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 5:41:02 PM
Consumer and public reaction to the top investors’ tactics for securing later-stage funding at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 has been largely positive, highlighting demand for more transparent and founder-friendly capital routes. Over 10,000 startup and venture capital leaders are set to attend, reflecting strong community engagement and enthusiasm for sessions that demystify late-stage raising strategies and emphasize storytelling, metrics, and relationship-building[1][2]. Founders have expressed appreciation for the candid, actionable insights shared by investors like Andrea Thomaz and Zeya Yang, who stress building trust early and aligning funding with mission, signaling a shift towards more value-aligned investment approaches[2].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 5:51:03 PM
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, top investors emphasized the **global impact** of later-stage funding strategies, highlighting how international markets are shaping investment priorities for impact-driven tech companies. Lila Preston from Generation Investment Management underscored the importance of scaling *impact-focused companies* worldwide, reflecting a growing international demand for sustainable innovation[1][4]. The event, drawing over 10,000 founders and VC leaders from across the globe, showcased how cross-border investors like Kay Makishi are backing startups with capital aligned to both growth and mission, illustrating a robust *international response* to diversified funding approaches beyond Silicon Valley norms[3].
🔄 Updated: 9/12/2025, 6:01:01 PM
Top investors at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 highlighted a significant shift in the competitive landscape for later-stage funding, emphasizing increased capital efficiency and longer timelines amid tighter scrutiny by VCs. David George of Andreessen Horowitz pointed out trends like multi-billion-dollar pre-IPO valuations, employee secondaries, and a delayed IPO process reshaping startup scaling strategies. Over 10,000 founders and VC leaders are expected at the October 27–29 event in San Francisco to navigate this new financial reality[2][3].