What Investors Want: Insights from TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Event Details

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is scheduled to take place from October 27th to 29th.

The event will be hosted at Moscone West in San Francisco.

Registration Information

Early registration is currently open, offering potential savings of up to $668.

These discounted rates are available until September 26th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time (PT).

Don't miss the opportunity to secure your spot and benefit from these savings. Register now to participate in TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.

Gaining Insights from the Builders Stage Discussion

A candid and strategically focused discussion will delve into the critical aspects of securing initial institutional funding. The conversation will explore how to effectively communicate a persuasive narrative and establish credibility even in the absence of substantial early success.

Charles Hudson and Wesley Chan will offer their perspectives on the qualities they consistently seek in founders embarking on their first venture. They will also highlight warning signs that may cause concern and common pitfalls that first-time entrepreneurs often encounter during the fundraising process.

Key Takeaways from the Experts

• Founder Traits: Hudson and Chan will detail the characteristics they prioritize when evaluating zero-to-one founders.
• Red Flags: The discussion will identify behaviors or patterns that may negatively impact a founder’s chances of securing funding.
• Common Mistakes: Entrepreneurs will gain valuable insight into the most frequent errors made by those new to fundraising.

The session aims to provide practical guidance and actionable advice for navigating the complexities of early-stage fundraising. Understanding these nuances can significantly improve an entrepreneur’s prospects for success.

Investing in Founders, Prior to Product Development

During the pre-seed and seed stages of funding, investment decisions are frequently made prior to the existence of a fully developed product, established user base, or demonstrable traction. Consequently, investors are primarily evaluating the founder's potential, rather than the business itself.

Hudson and Chan possess considerable expertise in this area. Collectively, they have provided backing to hundreds of founders during these initial phases, often before presentations are refined, key performance indicators are available, or even the first lines of code are written.

Charles Hudson's Approach to Early-Stage Investment

Charles Hudson, the managing partner at Precursor Ventures, has invested in over 400 companies and provided support to more than 450 founders. He has gained recognition for supporting individuals with innovative concepts and distinctive viewpoints.

Recently, he stated that, “As investment occurs earlier in a company’s lifecycle, the founder’s narrative and adaptability become increasingly crucial factors.” He emphasizes that investment isn't solely about problem-solving; it's about having confidence in the founder’s capacity to execute.

Wesley Chan's Philosophy on Identifying High-Potential Founders

Wesley Chan, co-founder and managing partner at FPV Ventures, is recognized for making significant early investments in companies that ultimately define their respective categories.

Having previously worked at Google, where he played a role in the creation of Google Analytics and Google Voice, Chan transitioned into venture capital. There, he has invested in successful companies such as Canva, Robinhood, and Plaid.

His investment strategy focuses on identifying founders who are driven by a clear mission and possess the ability to build a lasting impact from humble origins.

Gaining Momentum: Securing Your Initial Funding Round

For those presently seeking investment or preparing to do so, this session provides practical and readily applicable guidance for successfully navigating the early stages of venture capital. It’s designed to instill both clarity and confidence in the fundraising process.

Don't miss the opportunity to attend this live event, alongside over 200 other sessions distributed across five distinct industry-focused stages. Immediate registration will secure your place and offer significant savings.

Event Details

📍 TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 – Scheduled for October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco.

🎟️ Substantial savings of up to $668 are available for registrations completed before 11:59 p.m. PT on September 26.

This event is a crucial opportunity to gain actionable insights into the fundraising landscape.

• Understand the key elements of a successful pitch.
• Learn how to effectively engage with potential investors.
• Discover strategies for navigating the due diligence process.

Preparation is paramount when approaching venture capital. This session will provide the tools and knowledge necessary to maximize your chances of securing funding.