For the first time since 2024, StrictlyVC is coming back to New York City — and we’re bringing the kind of access you’d expect from an under-wraps event to the whole startup, VC, and dealmaking community.
For years,StrictlyVChas run a series of some of the most interesting nightsthataVC,founder, or dealmakercan spend, built around candid conversation youcan’tget anywhere else.
Ournewly announcedNYCeventtakes place September 10 atIdeal Glass Studiosin the West Village, with general admission tickets open now at $180.You can register here.
Why NYC, why now
New York’s startup engineisn’tjustmovingalong;it’saccelerating. In H1 2026, more than 240 NYC startups raised a combined$1.13 billionin seed funding,according to a recent Tech:NYC report.That’supfrom$1.06 billionin H1 2025, with average seed rounds climbing from $5.4 million to $6.64 million.Overall, New York startups raised a whopping$16 billionin the first half this year — nearly matching the$19.1billionthat New York startups raised across all of 2025.
That capital is spread acrossnearly everysector, from AI and healthcare to climate, fintech,robotics,and consumer tech.It’sthe kind of momentum that made a return to New York an easy call.
Our speaker lineup so far…
After you’ve had time tosettle in, meet new connections,and network amid thesleekvibes of Ideal Glass Studios, we’llkick offourprogrammingwithCraig Shapiro, founder and managing partner of Collaborative Fund,joined byTechCrunch editor-in-chiefandStrictlyVCfounderConnie Loizos.
Their session,“The Business of Belonging,” digs into why community has become one of the most valuable assets a company can build — and where investors are finding the biggest opportunities at the intersection of technology, fandom, and real-world connection.
From there, the conversation turnstowardreinvention.Tristan Walker, founder of Heirloom Craft, will discuss what he learned building one of the last decade’s most influential consumer startups, why he’s starting over with Heirloom, and how his approach to leadership and brand-building has evolved in today’s AI-driven landscape.
Additionalspeakers and sessions will be announced as the agenda takes shape in the weeks ahead.Stay updated on new speaker announcementshere,becausewehave some exciting additionsintheworks!
An evening built for the room, not just the stage
As always withStrictlyVC, thestage that hosts our programmingis onlypart ofthe story. Conversations that startbetween TechCrunch reporters and the startup communitycontinue long afterwardin a setting built for access, focus, and proximity to the people actively shaping what comes next forNYC’sventure,startup, and dealmakingscene.
It’san environment where introductions turn into insightand insight turns into opportunity.Secure your spotby snagging a ticket right now.
The companyyou’llbejoining
StrictlyVC’sstages have hostedOpenAI CEOSam Altman,Waymo co-CEOTekedra Mawakana,Signal presidentMeredith Whittaker,Haun Venturesfounder and CEOKatie Haun,ReplitCEO andco-founderAmjadMasad,andfamed VCAlfred Lin of Sequoia Capital,amongmanyothers.It’sthecaliber ofspeakerthatStrictlyVCNYC is bringing back — andfor $180,you canbe in the room with them.
Register for StrictlyVCNYCtoday!
If you’re a founder interested in attendingStrictlyVCNYC to learn from your peers and connect with investors, do we have an event for you!Founder Summit will be in Boston on November 4, giving you a chance to learn how to nail pitch meetings, raise VC funding, manage finances, and recruit your growing team along your journey to startup success.
Learn more about what we have in store andlockin your spot among our full day of workshops and networking here.
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