Sonny Valindra
TechCrunch’s esteemed boutique evening series, StrictlyVC, is set to make its highly anticipated return to New York City’s iconic West Village on Thursday, September 10th. This marks the first New York engagement for the series in two years, following a successful run of events in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Athens. The event promises an evening of insightful discussions and networking opportunities, featuring a distinguished lineup of industry leaders and innovators. Tickets are now available for purchase, with organizers encouraging early booking due to anticipated demand.
The choice of the West Village, a neighborhood renowned for its historic brownstones and cobblestone streets, deliberately evokes a sense of authentic New York charm, a subtle nod to the vibrant tech and venture capital ecosystem that has flourished in the city. This setting aims to provide a distinct and engaging atmosphere for attendees, contrasting with the more generic "tech hubs" that sometimes blend together.
This exclusive event, co-hosted by Collaborative Fund, a venture capital firm known for its thoughtful approach to investing, will delve into critical trends shaping the technology and investment landscape. The evening’s program is designed to offer a multi-faceted perspective, covering venture capital strategies, the burgeoning influence of artificial intelligence, the intersection of sports and commerce, and the enduring importance of tangible craftsmanship in an increasingly digital world.
A Deep Dive into Venture Capital and AI with Keith Rabois
The evening’s program will commence with a fireside chat featuring Keith Rabois, a prominent venture capitalist who recently relocated from Silicon Valley to the East Coast. Rabois, known for his candid assessments of the venture capital industry, has a track record of backing disruptive companies. His investment portfolio includes multiple rounds of funding for Ramp, a corporate spend management platform, and State Affairs, a technology company leveraging AI and local journalists to track policy data across all 50 U.S. states.
Rabois is expected to share his incisive views on founders who raise excessive capital, often driven by market dynamics rather than genuine need. This discussion is particularly relevant in the current investment climate, where significant funding rounds are still being announced, but scrutiny on capital efficiency is increasing. Data from PitchBook, for instance, indicates a trend of larger funding rounds in the venture capital space, with median late-stage valuations reaching new highs in recent years, yet concerns about unsustainable burn rates persist among investors.
A significant portion of Rabois’s conversation will focus on Khosla Ventures’ early and substantial $50 million investment in OpenAI in 2019. At the time of this investment, OpenAI’s business model was not clearly defined, underscoring the firm’s bold bet on the potential of advanced AI research. Rabois will offer his perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing OpenAI today, particularly in light of increasing competition within the artificial intelligence sector. This will provide valuable insights into the strategic decision-making behind large-scale AI investments and the evolving competitive landscape. The rapid advancements in generative AI, coupled with the significant capital inflow into companies like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Anthropic, have created a dynamic and unpredictable market. Understanding the early conviction behind these ventures, as articulated by Rabois, offers a unique historical and strategic lens.
The Convergence of Sports, Commerce, and Community with Craig Shapiro and Jason Levien
Following Rabois’s insights, the event will transition to a unique discussion exploring the burgeoning intersection of sports, commerce, and community. Craig Shapiro, founder of Collaborative Fund, will be joined by Jason Levien, CEO of D.C. United, a Major League Soccer (MLS) club. This segment aims to illuminate how sports organizations are increasingly viewed as significant business investments and how their appeal extends beyond athletic performance to encompass cultural influence and economic impact.
The sports industry has seen a dramatic surge in investment, with valuations of major sports franchises reaching unprecedented levels. For example, the reported valuation of the NFL’s Washington Commanders at over $6 billion in 2023 exemplifies the financial magnitude of this sector. Shapiro and Levien are expected to discuss the evolving dynamics of sports ownership, the role of fan engagement in driving commercial success, and the potential for sports to serve as platforms for community building and social impact. This conversation will likely touch upon the increasing integration of technology, media rights, and global branding within sports enterprises, offering a look at how traditional sports are adapting to the modern commercial landscape. The narrative around sports as an asset class is no longer confined to traditional investors; a new wave of venture capital and private equity firms are actively seeking opportunities within this space, drawn by its inherent fan loyalty and growth potential.
Founders Building for a Post-AI World: Tristan Walker and Brynn Putnam
The latter half of the evening will feature a compelling dialogue with two founders who are addressing the societal implications of artificial intelligence. Tristan Walker, founder of Heirloom Craft, and Brynn Putnam, founder of Board, will discuss their ventures, which are designed to foster human connection and preserve tangible skills in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.
Tristan Walker, previously known for founding Walker & Company Brands, which developed the Bevel grooming line and was acquired by Procter & Gamble, is now focused on reshoring American fine craftsmanship through Heirloom Craft. This initiative aims to train a new generation of artisans and rebuild domestic supply chains, emphasizing the value of skilled labor and physical production. This pivot reflects a growing sentiment among consumers and entrepreneurs to re-evaluate the reliance on globalized, often opaque, supply chains and to reinvest in local economies and traditional crafts. The rise of the "maker movement" and increased interest in bespoke, handcrafted goods suggest a market demand for such initiatives.
Brynn Putnam, who achieved significant success by selling her connected-fitness startup Mirror to Lululemon for $500 million, is now venturing into the gaming industry with Board. This new company merges physical play with AI-powered creation tools, aiming to counteract the isolation that can be exacerbated by technology. Putnam’s vision for Board is to create experiences that bring people together in shared, tangible activities, a stark contrast to purely digital interactions. This initiative speaks to a broader societal conversation about the role of technology in human relationships and the potential for innovative solutions that foster genuine connection. The market for board games and interactive entertainment has seen a resurgence, indicating a desire for communal and tactile experiences that complement, rather than replace, digital engagement.
Insight Partners’ Perspective on a Shifting Investment Landscape with Deven Parekh
Concluding the series of insightful discussions, Deven Parekh, a co-leader of Insight Partners, will offer a rare glimpse into the strategies of one of the world’s most prolific investment firms. Insight Partners, a New York-based powerhouse, has a distinguished history of investing in software and technology companies. Parekh will address the evolving investment landscape, where the lines between traditional asset classes are blurring, and the exponential growth of major funds has led to increased competition for deals.
Insight Partners, known for its significant investment activity, has a robust track record of supporting software companies through various growth stages. With over $80 billion in assets under management, the firm plays a crucial role in the global technology investment ecosystem. Parekh’s insights will be particularly valuable for understanding how a firm of Insight’s caliber navigates a market where capital is abundant, but identifying truly differentiated investment opportunities requires sophisticated analysis and a deep understanding of market dynamics. The discussion will likely delve into how Insight Partners maintains its competitive edge, its approach to evaluating large-scale investments, and its outlook on the future of software and technology investing in an increasingly complex financial environment. The firm’s strategy of focusing on software and its operational expertise in scaling companies will be key themes.
Networking and Conclusion
Beyond the compelling speaker sessions, the StrictlyVC event in New York will provide ample opportunities for networking. Attendees will have the chance to connect with industry peers, founders, investors, and members of the TechCrunch editorial team, including Connie Loizos and Rebecca Bellan, as well as journalists from other prominent publications. The evening will be complemented by drinks and hors d’oeuvres, fostering a relaxed yet professional atmosphere conducive to building valuable relationships.
The partnership with Collaborative Fund underscores the event’s commitment to bringing together leading minds in the venture capital and innovation space. This collaboration highlights a shared vision for fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange within the tech community.
The return of StrictlyVC to New York signifies the city’s enduring importance as a global hub for technology and finance. The event promises to be an illuminating and engaging experience for all participants, offering fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the rapidly evolving world of technology and investment. Attendees are encouraged to visit the provided link for further details and to secure their tickets. The organizers look forward to welcoming the community to the heart of the real West Village for an evening of impactful conversations and connections.
