Three powerhouses cover how to prepare now for your later-stage raise at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is set to take place at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 27 to 29, and for entrepreneurs aiming for significant funding, the upcoming session on late-stage fundraising is a must-attend. Scheduled for October 29 on the Builders Stage, this panel features leading voices in venture capital and AI innovation. They will provide essential guidance on securing substantial funding rounds well before the actual investor meetings begin. This discussion aims to equip founders with the understanding that the journey to a Series C round starts far earlier than one might expect. Successful late-stage fundraising transcends mere revenue metrics; it's about narrating a compelling story, monitoring the right performance indicators, and cultivating long-term relationships. Attendees can look forward to actionable strategies that extend beyond traditional pitch decks, focusing on what entrepreneurs should prioritize now for future funding success. The panel will feature Zeya Yang, a partner at IVP, who brings a unique perspective as both an investor and a former product leader with experience at prominent firms like a16z, Plaid, and Dropbox. Zeya specializes in AI-driven startups and has supported ventures such as Graphite, Macro, and Tennr, emphasizing a founder-centric approach and product intuition. Lila Preston, the head of growth equity at Generation Investment Management, will also be sharing her extensive experience. With a career dedicated to scaling impact-oriented companies since 2004, Lila serves on the boards of innovative brands like Nature’s Fynd and Pivot Bio. Her international experience across Latin America, the UK, and the U.S. informs her strategic insights, making her a valuable resource for founders focused on sustainable growth. Andrea Thomaz, co-founder and CEO of Diligent Robotics, will provide the founder's perspective. As a pioneer in social robotics, she has spearheaded significant advancements in AI and automation, including the development of robots that address real-world challenges in healthcare. Andrea's expertise in building investor confidence around ambitious technology initiatives will offer attendees a practical viewpoint on navigating the fundraising landscape. Join over 10,000 startup and venture capital leaders for this essential dialogue at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, where today's strategies pave the way for tomorrow's advancements. Don't miss your chance to be part of this premier tech event and register now to take advantage of early bird pricing, saving up to $675 before prices rise.