StrictlyVC’s Cocktail Chats: The Year’s Best Tech Talks
▼ Summary
– The StrictlyVC event series is designed as intimate gatherings where industry leaders can have candid, off-the-record conversations, unlike larger formal conferences.
– The 2025 series featured diverse global speakers, including investors like Kirsten Green, startup founders, politicians, and tech pioneers discussing AI, fintech, defense tech, and crypto.
– Events were held in multiple locations, starting in San Francisco and expanding to Athens and London, before concluding with several events back in the San Francisco Bay Area.
– Key discussions from the year included the intersection of AI and consumer tech, the impact of regulation on fintech, and the future of space-based solar and real-world asset digitization.
– The series aims to continue in 2026, offering a space for candid dialogue and connection, with early access available via a waitlist and partnership opportunities for firms.
In the fast-paced world of technology, where trends shift overnight, TechCrunch’s StrictlyVC events have carved out a unique space. They provide a rare opportunity to move beyond the noise of daily news cycles and engage in meaningful dialogue with the individuals genuinely shaping the future. Designed as intimate cocktail gatherings, these evenings foster an environment where speakers feel comfortable sharing unfiltered insights, a level of candor often missing from larger, more formal industry conferences.
Reflecting on the past year, 2025 was a whirlwind of profound discussions and valuable connections. The series facilitated conversations with an incredible array of voices, from global leaders and pioneering founders to experts in emerging fields like defense technology and crypto. Each event had its own distinct character and delivered unexpected revelations.
The year began in San Francisco’s Presidio, co-hosted by Kirsten Green of Forerunner Ventures. Green, known for early bets on companies like Chime and Oura, shared her perspective on the emerging opportunities where artificial intelligence meets consumer technology. The night featured diverse viewpoints: Ethan Thornton of Mach Industries discussed the rollercoaster of launching a defense tech startup in his twenties, Tarek Mansour of Kalshi offered a relaxed take on regulatory challenges for prediction markets, and Ryan Petersen of Flexport provided analysis on potential tariff policies.
Taking the series international, the event in Athens featured a conversation with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The discussion explored how AI is impacting Greece and considered the potential strengths of an economy still deeply connected to traditional, offline businesses.
In London, the tone turned candid regarding market challenges. Venture capitalist Sonali De Rycker of Accel addressed concerns about regulatory overreach in Europe. Meanwhile, TS Anil, then CEO of Monzo, engaged with the audience about the fintech’s path to an initial public offering, a topic that gained new context following his subsequent departure from the company.
Returning to the United States, the momentum continued. A Menlo Park gathering included Russell Kaplan of Cognition and his first investor, Ali Partovi. Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt detailed his passionate work on space-based solar power, and investor Katie Haun presented a compelling argument for the inevitable digitization of real-world assets through blockchain technology.
During the larger TechCrunch Disrupt conference in San Francisco, a special StrictlyVC session was held. Serial entrepreneur and investor Kevin Hartz reflected on the emerging trend of teenage founders, while a panel of limited partners provided a frank assessment of managing investment portfolios in a changing market.
The series concluded in early December in Palo Alto with a standout lineup. Former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger delved into topics spanning government and personal faith. Attendees received an inside look at a promising new venture in AI-driven manufacturing, and Neuralink co-founder Max Hodak outlined the ambitious vision behind his current project, Science Corp.
These moments represent just a fraction of the insights shared throughout the year. Over time, StrictlyVC has hosted an impressive roster of leaders, including former FTC chair Lina Khan, Waymo’s Tekedra Mawakana, Signal’s Meredith Whittaker, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Sequoia’s Alfred Lin, and founder Marc Lore, among many others.
The excitement for 2026 stems from the continued demand for this unique forum. More industry leaders are seeking a platform for genuine, off-the-record conversation with an engaged and knowledgeable audience. To get the earliest updates and access to the best ticket prices for the upcoming events, joining the StrictlyVC waitlist is the recommended first step.
The success of these evenings is also a testament to invaluable partner support. Kirsten Green facilitated the Presidio venue, Mayfield offered a premier space on Sand Hill Road, and Playground Global provided a creative setting for the year’s finale. These partners fully participate in the collaborative spirit that defines the series.
For firms interested in aligning with this influential community and exploring partnership opportunities for the upcoming StrictlyVC series, reaching out to the organizing team is the next move. The future of these essential conversations promises to be just as dynamic as the technology they explore.
(Source: TechCrunch)
