Raise a Seed Round: Advice from TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: A Hub for Startup Innovation

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is scheduled to take place at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 27th to 29th. The event anticipates hosting over 10,000 leaders from the startup and venture capital communities.

This year’s conference will offer an exclusive perspective on the future trajectory of innovation. Attendees will gain valuable insights into emerging trends and technologies.

Key Session: Navigating the First Funding Round

A particularly noteworthy session will be a frank discussion on the Builders Stage. This panel will focus on a critical juncture for any startup founder: securing their initial funding round.

The session promises to deliver candid advice and practical strategies for navigating this high-pressure process.

Event Highlights and Registration

Beyond the panel on fundraising, Disrupt 2025 will feature over 200 sessions. These will be distributed across five dedicated industry stages, alongside interactive roundtables and breakout sessions.

Register now to take advantage of savings up to $675 on your ticket. Don't delay, as ticket prices will increase at 11:59 p.m. PT tonight.

• Event: TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
• Location: Moscone West, San Francisco
• Dates: October 27-29

Navigating the Seed Funding Landscape: A Guide from Investors

This insightful discussion features three experienced investors – Maria Palma (Freestyle Capital), Gabby Cazeau (Harlem Capital), and Marlon Nichols (MaC Venture Capital) – who will demystify the process of securing early-stage funding. They will provide founders with practical, candid advice on crafting a persuasive pitch and identifying suitable investment partners.

Maria Palma, a general partner at Freestyle Capital, combines extensive operational and investment expertise. Her background includes previous positions at Kindred Capital, RRE Ventures, and leadership roles within rapidly expanding companies like Eyeview. She has invested in ventures such as Fung Money, Lightning Labs, and Payman, and possesses an MBA degree from Harvard University.

Gabby Cazeau, a partner at Harlem Capital, focuses her investments on pre-seed and seed-stage companies operating in enterprise software and applied artificial intelligence. She earned both an MBA from Yale University and a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering. Gabby has been recognized by Business Insider, CNBC, and Crain’s 40 Under 40, and actively participates in the VC Council of Startup:NYC.

Marlon Nichols, the co-founder and managing general partner of MaC Venture Capital, directs a leading North American seed-stage investment firm managing over $600 million in assets. Recognized multiple times by Business Insider’s Seed 100 and featured on PitchBook’s list of prominent Black VCs, Marlon has played a key role in the growth of influential companies including Blavity, Thrive Market, and MongoDB.

Key Insights from the Panel

The panel aims to equip founders with the knowledge needed to effectively navigate the fundraising process. Understanding investor perspectives is crucial for translating initial interest into secured investment.

• Pitch Development: Crafting a compelling narrative is paramount.
• Partner Selection: Choosing the right investors can significantly impact a startup’s trajectory.
• Actionable Strategies: The discussion will focus on practical steps founders can take.

These investors bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Their guidance will be invaluable for entrepreneurs seeking seed funding.

Navigating the Builders Stage

The Builders Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 offers a unique experience, diverging from standard venture panels. Attendees can anticipate receiving actionable strategies for effectively navigating the fundraising process and cultivating enduring relationships with investors.

This session is designed for both emerging founders preparing for their initial funding round and those providing guidance to them. It’s a crucial event for anyone involved in early-stage venture capital.

Featured Speakers and Event Details

Palma, Cazeau, and Nichols will be among the 250+ prominent figures in the technology sector presenting at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.

The event will feature presentations across six industry-focused stages, alongside dedicated breakout sessions and roundtable discussions.

Event Location and Registration

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 will be held live at Moscone West in San Francisco. Don't miss the opportunity to secure significant savings on your ticket – register today to potentially save up to $675 before the current offer expires!