Prep Now for Your Future Fundraise at Disrupt 2025

▼ Summary
– TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 will take place in San Francisco from October 27–29, featuring a session on preparing for later-stage funding rounds.
– The session on October 29 will provide strategies for founders to secure major funding, focusing on storytelling, metrics, and long-term relationships.
– Panelists include Zeya Yang (IVP), an investor with AI startup expertise, and Lila Preston (Generation Investment Management), who specializes in impact-focused scaling.
– Andrea Thomaz, CEO of Diligent Robotics, will share her founder perspective on building investor trust for ambitious tech ventures.
– Attendees can save up to $675 by registering early for the conference, which attracts over 10,000 startup and VC leaders.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is set to bring together the brightest minds in tech this October 27–29 at San Francisco’s Moscone West. For founders with ambitious funding goals, one session stands out: a deep dive into preparing for later-stage fundraising long before stepping into an investor meeting. This panel, hosted on the Builders Stage, offers actionable strategies for securing major rounds, because success at Series C starts long before the term sheet arrives.
Late-stage fundraising isn’t just about impressive revenue, it’s about crafting the right narrative, tracking critical metrics, and nurturing relationships that pay off down the line. This session cuts through the noise, delivering hard-won insights and practical frameworks to help founders lay the groundwork for future funding success. Attendees will walk away with fresh perspectives on storytelling, investor alignment, and the behind-the-scenes work that separates breakout companies from the rest.
Meet the Industry Leaders Shaping the Future of Fundraising
Zeya Yang, partner at IVP, bridges the gap between investor and operator with experience at a16z, Plaid, and Dropbox. Specializing in AI-native startups, he’s backed innovators like Graphite and Tennr, blending product expertise with founder-centric investing. His insights are invaluable for teams building the next wave of workplace transformation.
Lila Preston, head of growth equity at Generation Investment Management, brings decades of experience scaling mission-driven companies. With board roles at Nature’s Fynd and Pivot Bio, she combines financial rigor with a global perspective, helping founders balance impact and scalability. Her guidance is essential for those aiming to align profit with purpose.
Andrea Thomaz, CEO of Diligent Robotics, offers the founder’s perspective. A pioneer in social robotics, she’s navigated the challenges of scaling hardware and AI-driven solutions in healthcare. Her journey, from media features to real-world deployments, provides a masterclass in building investor confidence around ambitious, cutting-edge technology.
Why You Can’t Afford to Miss This
With over 10,000 startup leaders and investors converging at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, this session is a rare opportunity to learn from those who’ve been there. Whether you’re eyeing Series B or beyond, the strategies shared here will shape your trajectory. Early registration saves up to $675, secure your spot before prices rise and start preparing for the fundraise that could define your company’s future.
(Source: TechCrunch)