Mark your calendars: on Thursday night, September 10, StrictlyVC, TechCrunch’s esteemed boutique evening series, is set to make its highly anticipated return to New York City’s vibrant West Village. This isn’t a mere geographical relocation; it signifies a deliberate choice to embrace the authentic charm of the historic neighborhood, replete with its iconic brownstones and cobblestone streets, a stark contrast to the burgeoning tech hubs that have adopted similar monikers elsewhere. This marks the first New York event hosted by StrictlyVC in two years, following a successful series of engagements in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Athens, underscoring the growing appetite for in-depth discussions within the technology and venture capital ecosystems.
The evening promises a curated lineup of influential figures from the worlds of venture capital, entrepreneurship, and the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. This gathering is poised to offer attendees unparalleled access to the perspectives of industry leaders shaping the future of innovation and investment. The event, generously co-hosted by Collaborative Fund, is strategically timed to capture the current zeitgeist of the venture capital and technology sectors, offering a platform for critical dialogue and networking opportunities.
Disruptors and Visionaries: A Deep Dive into Venture Capital and AI
The evening’s program is set to commence with an insightful session featuring Keith Rabois, a prominent figure in the venture capital community. Rabois, who has recently relocated from Silicon Valley to the East Coast, brings a reputation for his incisive commentary and strategic investments. His recent activities include multiple investments in Ramp, a financial technology company, and State Affairs, a venture leveraging AI and a network of local journalists to meticulously track and analyze statehouse-level news and policy data across all 50 United States. This innovative approach to information dissemination highlights a growing trend of using technology to democratize access to granular governmental and legislative insights.
Rabois is expected to share his forthright opinions on the current venture capital climate, particularly addressing the practice of founders raising capital far in excess of their immediate operational needs. This practice, often driven by market dynamics and investor exuberance, raises questions about capital efficiency and sustainable growth. Furthermore, the discussion will delve into Khosla Ventures’ significant early investment of $50 million in OpenAI in 2019. At the time of this investment, OpenAI’s business model was far from defined, underscoring a bold bet on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Rabois’s perspective on this seminal investment, and his assessment of OpenAI’s current competitive standing against rivals, will be a key focus, offering insights into the strategic foresight required for early-stage AI ventures. The AI sector has witnessed exponential growth, with venture funding reaching approximately $20 billion in 2023 alone, according to PitchBook data, underscoring the strategic importance of understanding the dynamics of its leading players.
The Intersection of Sports, Commerce, and Community
Following Rabois’s compelling insights, the spotlight will shift to a unique conversation between Craig Shapiro, founder of Collaborative Fund, and Jason Levien, CEO of D.C. United. This segment will explore the burgeoning role of sports organizations as significant business investments and the increasingly complex interplay between sports, fan engagement, commercial ventures, and community building. Collaborative Fund has a notable history of investing in companies that aim to foster positive societal impact alongside financial returns, making this partnership with a prominent sports executive particularly resonant.
The sports industry, valued globally at over $1.5 trillion according to Statista, is increasingly attracting sophisticated investment strategies, moving beyond traditional ownership models to encompass a wider array of commercial and technological integrations. Shapiro and Levien are expected to discuss how data analytics, digital fan engagement platforms, and innovative sponsorship models are reshaping the economics of professional sports. Their dialogue will likely touch upon the evolving relationship between athletes, teams, and their fan bases in an era of social media and direct-to-consumer strategies, and how these dynamics translate into both cultural influence and substantial financial opportunities. The integration of technology, from performance analytics to immersive fan experiences, is a key driver of this evolution, creating new avenues for revenue generation and brand building.
Rebuilding Craftsmanship and Reimagining Play in the Digital Age
The evening’s program will then pivot to address the profound societal shifts occurring in an era increasingly defined by artificial intelligence. The conversation will feature two distinguished entrepreneurs: Tristan Walker and Brynn Putnam. Their discussion will focus on building ventures that address the potential downsides of advanced technology, such as increased isolation, while simultaneously harnessing its power for positive impact.
Tristan Walker, the visionary behind Walker & Company Brands, which he successfully sold to Procter & Gamble in 2018, is now at the helm of Heirloom Craft. This new venture is dedicated to reshoring American fine craftsmanship, focusing on training a new generation of artisans and revitalizing domestic supply chains. This initiative speaks to a growing global trend of emphasizing sustainable production, local economies, and the value of skilled labor in an automated world. The resurgence of interest in artisanal products and the desire for transparency in manufacturing processes are key indicators of this shift.
Walker will be joined by Brynn Putnam, whose connected-fitness startup Mirror achieved a significant milestone with its acquisition by Lululemon for $500 million just three years after its inception. Putnam’s latest endeavor, Board, is a game company that artfully blends physical play with AI-powered creation tools. Board is conceptualized as an antidote to the social isolation that can be exacerbated by excessive reliance on technology, aiming to bring people together through shared, interactive experiences. The development of such platforms reflects a conscious effort to leverage technology not to replace human interaction, but to enhance and facilitate it, addressing the growing concern over digital alienation.
Navigating the Evolving Investment Landscape
The final segment of the evening will feature Deven Parekh, a co-leader of Insight Partners, a formidable New York-based investment firm with a distinguished track record spanning over 25 years. Insight Partners is renowned for its deep operational expertise and its significant deployment of capital across the software and technology sectors. The firm’s approach, characterized by a long-term investment horizon and a commitment to partnering with portfolio companies, has solidified its position as a leading player in the private equity and venture capital arena.
Parekh’s participation is particularly noteworthy, as Insight Partners typically maintains a low public profile. He is expected to offer a candid perspective on the firm’s strategic thinking in an investment landscape that is becoming increasingly complex. The lines between traditional asset classes are blurring, and the sheer scale of some of the largest funds has created a unique competitive environment. The discussion will explore how Insight Partners maintains its edge when capital is increasingly commoditized and the potential returns on massive investments are at an all-time high. This is particularly relevant given the record levels of dry powder held by venture capital and private equity firms, estimated to be over $2 trillion globally, creating both opportunities and challenges for deployment. Parekh’s insights will be invaluable for understanding how established firms adapt to evolving market conditions and the ongoing consolidation within the venture capital industry.
An Evening of Connection and Opportunity
Beyond the structured fireside chats, the event is designed to foster a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. Attendees can anticipate an evening filled with complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and ample opportunities for networking. This informal setting is crucial for forging new connections and strengthening existing relationships within the tech and venture capital communities. Representatives from TechCrunch, including myself, Connie Loizos, and Rebecca Bellan, along with writers from other esteemed publications, will be present, facilitating discussions and contributing to the vibrant exchange of ideas.
The generous support of the team at Collaborative Fund has been instrumental in making this New York event a reality. Their commitment to fostering innovation and supporting ventures that align with their impact-driven philosophy makes them an ideal partner for StrictlyVC.
Further details regarding the event, including ticketing information, are available at techcrunch.com/events/strictlyvc-nyc-2026/. We look forward to welcoming you to the authentic West Village for an evening of insightful conversation and valuable connections.
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