For the first time since 2024, StrictlyVC is back in New York — and we’re bringing the kind of access you’d expect from an underwraps event to the entire startup, VC, and dealmaking community.
For years, StrictlyVC has hosted some of the most interesting nights a VC, founder or dealmaker can experience, based on an honest conversation you can’t get anywhere else.
Our newly announced New York event takes place on September 10th at Ideal Glass Studios in the West Village, with general admission tickets now open at $180. You can register here.
Why New York, why now
New York’s startup engine isn’t just rolling along. is accelerating. In the first half of 2026, more than 240 New York startups raised a total of $1.13 billion in seed funding. according to a recent Tech:NYC report. This is up from $1.06 billion in the first half of 2025, with average seed rounds rising from $5.4 million to $6.64 million. Overall, New York companies raised impressive 16 billion dollars the first half of this year — nearly equal to the $19.1 billion New York-based businesses raised in all of 2025.
This capital is spread across nearly every sector, from artificial intelligence and healthcare to climate, fintech, robotics and consumer technology. It’s the kind of momentum that made the return to New York easy.
Our range of speakers so far…
After you’ve had time to settle in, meet new connections, and network amid the elegant vibes of Ideal Glass Studios, we’ll kick off our programming with Craig Shapiro, founder and managing partner of the Collaborative Fund, along with TechCrunch editor-in-chief and StrictlyVC founder Connie Loizos.
Their session, “The Business of Belonging,” explores why community has become one of the most valuable assets a company can build — and where investors find the greatest opportunities at the intersection of technology, fandom and real-world connection.
From there, the conversation turns to reinvention. Tristan Walker, founder of Heirloom Craft, will discuss what he learned building one of the most influential startups of the last decade, why he’s starting over with Heirloom, and how his approach to leadership and branding has evolved in today’s AI-driven landscape.
Additional speakers and sessions will be announced as the agenda takes shape in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for new speaker announcements here, because we have some exciting additions in the works!
A night made for the room, not just the stage
As always with StrictlyVC, the stage that hosts our programming is only part of the story. Conversations that start between TechCrunch reporters and the startup community continue long after in an environment built for access, focus and proximity to the people who are actively shaping what’s next for New York’s entrepreneurial, startup and venture scene.
It is an environment where introductions turn into insight and insight into opportunity. Secure your seat by purchasing a ticket now.
The company you will be joining
StrictlyVC stages have hosted OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana, Signal president Meredith Whittaker, Haun Ventures founder and CEO Katie Haun, Replit CEO and co-founder Amjad Masad, and renowned VC Sequoia Capital, among many others. It’s the caliber of speaker that’s bringing back StrictlyVC NYC — and for $180, you can be in the room with them.
Join StrictlyVC NYC today!
If you’re a founder interested in attending StrictlyVC NYC to learn from your peers and connect with investors, we have an event for you! Founder Summit will be in Boston on November 4th, giving you the opportunity to learn how to host meetings, raise VC funding, manage finances and recruit your growing team on your journey to startup success.
Find out more about what we have in store and lock in your place amongst our full day workshops and networking here.
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