By Titik Puspa 
Mark your calendars for an evening of unparalleled insights into the dynamic world of technology and venture capital as StrictlyVC, TechCrunch’s esteemed boutique evening series, makes its highly anticipated return to New York City on Thursday night, September 10th. This exclusive event will unfold against the charming backdrop of the city’s genuine West Village, a neighborhood steeped in the character of its brownstones and cobblestone streets, a far cry from the San Francisco locale humorously dubbed "Vest Village" for its abundance of Patagonia-clad venture capitalists. This marks StrictlyVC’s first New York engagement in two years, and following a series of highly successful and engaging events in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Athens, the excitement to be back in the Big Apple is palpable, amplified by a meticulously curated lineup of industry titans.
The evening kicks off with the formidable Keith Rabois, a prominent figure in the venture capital landscape who has recently transitioned from Silicon Valley to the East Coast, bringing his characteristic maverick spirit and a penchant for disruption. Rabois, known for his candid and often provocative assessments of the venture ecosystem, has a proven track record of identifying and backing groundbreaking companies. His investment in Ramp, a corporate spend management platform, has been substantial, having backed the company on four separate occasions, underscoring his conviction in its disruptive potential. Furthermore, his investment in State Affairs, a company leveraging AI and local journalism to meticulously track statehouse-level news and policy data across all fifty United States, exemplifies his foresight in emerging technologies and their application to critical information dissemination. At the StrictlyVC event, Rabois is expected to articulate his strong opinions on founders who, in his view, raise excessive capital merely because it is available, rather than out of genuine necessity for growth and innovation. This perspective is particularly relevant in a funding environment that has seen significant capital injections into early-stage companies.
A significant portion of the discussion with Rabois will undoubtedly delve into Khosla Ventures’ audacious early investment of $50 million into OpenAI in 2019. This was a bold move, made at a time when OpenAI’s business model was far from defined, and its current trajectory was largely speculative. Rabois’ insights into the strategic rationale behind this substantial early-stage bet, and his current assessment of OpenAI’s competitive standing in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, particularly in light of the perceived headwinds it may be facing compared to its rivals, will be a focal point of immense interest for attendees. The rapid advancements in generative AI have positioned OpenAI at the forefront of this technological revolution, but the competitive pressures from both established tech giants and agile startups are intensifying. Rabois’ perspective, forged through years of navigating high-stakes investments, will offer a unique lens through which to understand the complexities and potential future directions of this critical sector.
Following Rabois’ compelling discourse, the evening will transition to a unique conversation featuring Craig Shapiro and Jason Levien. Shapiro, the visionary behind Collaborative Fund, a venture capital firm known for its forward-thinking investments and commitment to positive societal impact, is generously co-hosting this event. His partnership with StrictlyVC underscores a shared vision for fostering dialogue around innovation and its broader implications. Alongside Shapiro will be Jason Levien, the Chief Executive Officer of D.C. United, a professional Major League Soccer (MLS) team. Their discussion will explore the multifaceted nature of sports organizations as strategic business investments, examining the increasingly intricate interplay between the worlds of sports, the passionate engagement of fandom, the burgeoning commerce surrounding athletic endeavors, and the vital role of community building. The sports industry, with its massive global audience and significant revenue streams, has become an increasingly attractive asset class for investors. Understanding how these entities are structured, operated, and valued, particularly in an era where media rights, digital engagement, and fan experience are paramount, offers a compelling narrative for business strategists and investors alike. Levien’s experience leading a professional sports franchise provides invaluable on-the-ground perspective, while Shapiro’s expertise in identifying and nurturing growth-stage companies will offer a complementary financial and strategic viewpoint.
The theme of community and the evolving role of technology will be further explored through a conversation with Tristan Walker. A serial entrepreneur with a distinguished track record, Walker previously founded Walker & Company Brands, the parent company of Bevel, a direct-to-consumer grooming and personal care brand that was acquired by Procter & Gamble in 2018. His latest venture, Heirloom Craft, is a testament to his commitment to preserving and revitalizing American artisanal traditions. Heirloom Craft focuses on reshoring fine American craftsmanship by investing in the training of a new generation of skilled artisans and rebuilding the intricate supply chains that underpin these traditional industries. This initiative addresses a critical need to preserve cultural heritage and foster sustainable economic development through skilled labor, offering an alternative to mass production and globalized manufacturing. In an age where automation and AI are increasingly prevalent, Walker’s focus on human-centric craftsmanship and the revival of traditional skills offers a compelling counterpoint.
Walker will be joined by Brynn Putnam, another visionary entrepreneur who has demonstrated remarkable success in building and scaling innovative companies. Putnam is the founder of Mirror, a connected-fitness startup that revolutionized at-home workouts with its sleek, interactive display. Launched just three years prior to its acquisition, Mirror was acquired by Lululemon for a staggering $500 million, highlighting the immense market appetite for integrated wellness solutions. Putnam’s latest endeavor, Board, ventures into the realm of game development, ingeniously blending physical play with AI-powered creation tools. Board is conceptualized as a response to the increasing isolation that can be fueled by pervasive technology, aiming to re-establish genuine human connection by bringing people together around tangible, interactive experiences. The development of Board reflects a growing awareness of the potential downsides of hyper-digitalization and a desire to leverage technology to enhance, rather than replace, authentic social interaction. The fusion of physical board games with AI-driven creative elements promises a novel and engaging form of entertainment that caters to both nostalgic appeal and the desire for personalized, dynamic gameplay.
Concluding the esteemed roster of speakers is Deven Parekh, a seasoned investor with over 25 years of experience co-leading Insight Partners, a preeminent New York-based investment firm renowned for its deep expertise in software and technology. Insight Partners has a formidable reputation for its strategic approach to scaling high-growth companies, and Parekh’s willingness to participate in this event is a significant coup, as the firm rarely engages in public commentary. He is expected to offer a rare glimpse into Insight Partners’ strategic thinking as they navigate an increasingly complex investment landscape. In an era where the lines between traditional asset classes are blurring and the sheer scale of investment funds has grown exponentially, differentiating investment opportunities and managing risk has become more challenging. Parekh will address how Insight Partners maintains its competitive edge in a market where capital itself is becoming increasingly commoditized, yet the potential returns on massive investments are at an all-time high. His insights into identifying enduring value, fostering sustainable growth, and navigating the challenges of immense capital deployment will be invaluable for anyone seeking to understand the strategies of one of the industry’s most successful players. The conversation will likely touch upon the firm’s approach to due diligence, value creation, and its outlook on key sectors within the technology landscape, particularly in the context of a global economy marked by both rapid innovation and significant macroeconomic uncertainties.
Attendees can anticipate an evening characterized by a convivial atmosphere, complete with complimentary drinks, delectable hors d’oeuvres, and ample opportunities for networking. These informal interactions will precede and follow the engaging fireside chats, providing a valuable platform for connecting with peers, industry leaders, and the esteemed TechCrunch writing team, including Connie Loizos and Rebecca Bellan, as well as colleagues from other prominent media outlets. The collaborative spirit fostered by these events is a cornerstone of the StrictlyVC experience, facilitating the exchange of ideas and the cultivation of meaningful professional relationships.
The success of this upcoming event is made possible by the generous support of the team at Collaborative Fund. Further details regarding the event, including ticketing information, are available at https://techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-nyc-2026/. We eagerly anticipate your presence in the authentic West Village for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of insights, connections, and inspiration.
