How to actually raise a seed round: Actionable advice from top investors at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

The highly anticipated TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is set to take place at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 27-29, attracting over 10,000 startup founders and venture capitalists eager to explore the future of innovation. Among the standout sessions is a frank discussion on the Builders Stage, focusing on one of the most critical phases in a founder's journey: securing initial funding. This engaging panel features three experienced investors: Maria Palma from Freestyle Capital, Gabby Cazeau of Harlem Capital, and Marlon Nichols, co-founder of MaC Venture Capital. Together, they will delve into the intricacies of early-stage fundraising. Maria Palma, a general partner at Freestyle Capital, boasts a wealth of operational and investment expertise, having previously held positions at Kindred Capital, RRE Ventures, and played pivotal roles in high-growth startups like Eyeview. She has a track record of backing innovative companies such as Fung Money and Lightning Labs, and is an MBA graduate from Harvard. Gabby Cazeau, a partner at Harlem Capital, specializes in investing in pre-seed and seed-stage startups focusing on enterprise software and applied AI. With an MBA from Yale and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Gabby has been recognized in Business Insider and CNBC, and serves on the VC Council of Startup:NYC. Marlon Nichols, who co-founded and leads MaC Venture Capital, manages one of North America's leading seed-stage investment firms with over $600 million in assets under management. A frequent honoree on prestigious lists, he has played a crucial role in the growth of influential companies like Blavity and MongoDB. This panel promises to deliver valuable insights on navigating the fundraising landscape, crafting an impactful pitch, and establishing enduring relationships beyond mere agreements. Whether you're preparing for your first funding round or advising a fellow entrepreneur, this session is essential. Don’t miss the chance to hear from Palma, Cazeau, Nichols, and over 250 tech experts during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Secure your spot today and take advantage of savings of up to $625 before ticket prices increase!