No keynotes, no BS — why this year’s best tech talks happened over cocktails at StrictlyVC

In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, where trends shift almost overnight, the StrictlyVC series by TechCrunch has established itself as a reliable gathering place for industry leaders. These events, designed as cocktail parties, provide an intimate environment where meaningful discussions can thrive, distancing themselves from the formality of traditional conferences. The year 2025 was particularly vibrant, filled with enlightening exchanges among a diverse group of innovators—from entrepreneurs to government officials. The series kicked off in San Francisco’s Presidio, where Kirsten Green of Forerunner Ventures co-hosted an engaging evening. With her background in investing in companies like Chime and Oura, she sparked conversations about the potential at the intersection of AI and consumer technology. As the series progressed, attendees heard from Ethan Thornton of Mach Industries, who shared his experiences navigating the challenges of launching a defense tech startup in his twenties. Tarek Mansour of Kalshi entertained the crowd with his laid-back insights on regulatory pressures, while Ryan Petersen of Flexport weighed in on the implications of tariff policies. The series took a global turn as it traveled to Athens, where Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis discussed the transformative impact of AI on Greece's economy. In London, VC Sonali De Rycker addressed the issue of overregulation in Europe, while TS Anil of Monzo fielded inquiries about the company’s public offering plans. Back in the U.S., the momentum continued with notable discussions in Menlo Park, where Cognition president Russell Kaplan and his early investor Ali Partovi shared their perspectives. Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt discussed innovations in space-based solar energy, and Katie Haun from the crypto sector argued for the inevitability of digitizing real-world assets. The year culminated at the TechCrunch Disrupt conference in San Francisco, where a mini StrictlyVC event took place. Kevin Hartz, a serial entrepreneur turned venture capitalist, discussed the emergence of young founders, and a panel of limited partners analyzed aging investment portfolios. December concluded with former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger discussing the intersection of technology, government, and society. Reflecting on these interactions, the series has consistently attracted influential figures, including Lina Khan, Tekedra Mawakana, and Sam Altman. As we look ahead to 2026, the excitement lies in the potential for even more dynamic conversations. The StrictlyVC events continue to be a platform for those eager to share their thoughts candidly with a receptive and engaged audience. For those interested in joining the next wave of discussions, signing up for the StrictlyVC 2026 waitlist will provide early access to tickets and updates. The success of these evenings is made possible by partners who share the same vision, such as Kirsten Green and the teams at Mayfield and Playground Global, who embraced the spirit of collaboration that defines these gatherings.