Mastering Seed Funding: From Pitch Planning to Strategic Alliances

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is returning to Moscone West in San Francisco from October 27-29, bringing together over 10,000 startup founders, venture capitalists, and tech pioneers eager to explore the next wave of innovation and entrepreneurship. A highlight of this event is a focused panel on the Builders Stage that delves into one of the most pivotal steps for emerging companies: securing seed funding.

Understanding Early-Stage Investment: Insights from Leading VCs

This dynamic conversation features three prominent investors-Maria Palma from Freestyle Capital, Gabby Cazeau representing Harlem Capital, and Marlon Nichols of MaC Venture Capital-who will unpack the complexities of early-stage fundraising. They will share expert guidance on crafting compelling pitches and pinpointing ideal investors while drawing upon their extensive venture capital experience.

Profiles of Influential Investors Driving Startup Growth

• Maria Palma, general partner at Freestyle Capital, blends operational leadership with investment acumen. Her background includes executive roles at rapidly scaling startups like Eyeview and collaborations with firms such as Kindred Capital and RRE Ventures. maria has supported innovative companies including Fung Money and Lightning Labs. She earned her MBA from Harvard University.
• Gabby Cazeau, partner at Harlem Capital, specializes in pre-seed and seed investments within enterprise software and applied artificial intelligence sectors. Holding a BS in chemical engineering alongside an MBA from Yale University, Gabby’s expertise has been featured widely across business media platforms. She also serves on Startup:NYC’s VC Council.
• Marlon Nichols, co-founder and managing general partner at MaC Venture Capital-which oversees assets exceeding $600 million-is celebrated for backing transformative ventures like Blavity, Thrive Market, and MongoDB. He consistently ranks among top Black venture capitalists according to Business Insider’s Seed 100 list and also PitchBook evaluations.

The Builders Stage Advantage: Empowering Founders Beyond Fundraising Basics

This session offers more than standard advice; it equips entrepreneurs with actionable tactics designed to help them differentiate themselves amid intense competition when raising capital. Attendees will discover how to structure their funding rounds strategically while building enduring relationships that extend well beyond initial agreements-a vital resource whether you’re preparing your first raise or guiding others through theirs.

A Nexus for Innovation Exchange & Networking Possibilities

The conference provides access not only to this essential panel but also features over 250 leading technology experts across six dedicated stages.Participants can deepen engagement through interactive workshops and roundtable discussions aimed at fostering collaboration within emerging sectors such as fintech, healthtech, climate innovation, AI advancements, blockchain applications, and more.

• Venue: Moscone West – San Francisco
• Date: October 27-29, 2025
• total Expected Attendance: Over 10,000 startup founders & VC professionals (reflecting nearly a 15% increase compared to last year)

The Rising Significance of Strategic Seed Funding in Today’s Market Landscape

The seed funding environment continues evolving swiftly; recent statistics reveal global investments in seed-stage startups hit approximately $35 billion during 2024-a record peak demonstrating robust investor enthusiasm despite ongoing economic challenges worldwide. For instance, climate technology ventures attracted close to $4 billion during early financing rounds last year alone , underscoring growing emphasis on sustainability-driven entrepreneurship.

“Obtaining seed funding now requires far more than just an innovative concept-it demands precise market fit understanding combined with strategic partnerships aligned toward long-term success,” industry experts emphasize based on current trends.

If you aim to acquire firsthand insights directly from seasoned investors who have successfully navigated these hurdles-and seek tailored advice specifically geared toward early-stage fundraising-this TechCrunch Disrupt panel represents an unmissable possibility this fall in San Francisco.