Term sheets, traction, and truth bombs: inside the Series A mindset at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

At the upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, set to take place from October 27 to 29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, the focus shifts to the realities of securing Series A funding in the current market landscape. This event promises a candid conversation with influential figures in early-stage investing, offering genuine insights without any embellishments. The Builder Stage session features three prominent investors: Katie Stanton of Moxxie Ventures, Thomas Krane from Insight Partners, and Sangeen Zeb of GV. Each has extensive experience evaluating countless startup pitches, leading significant funding rounds, and aiding companies in their growth journeys from humble beginnings to major successes. Attendees can expect an in-depth discussion that transcends typical headlines. The session will cover critical metrics, effective storytelling for growth, and the key factors that can lead investors to decline a proposal. Founders will gain valuable knowledge on what transforms a pitch from a tentative "maybe" to a firm commitment of "we’re in." Katie Stanton boasts an impressive background, having worked with Twitter and in the Obama administration while also investing in over 100 early-stage ventures, including notable names like Airtable, Calm, and Carta. Her approach at Moxxie Ventures is rooted in strong convictions and a founder-first mentality. Thomas Krane, now a managing director at Insight Partners, has over a decade of experience in the venture capital space. His portfolio includes major successes in software and cybersecurity, with notable IPOs such as JFrog and SentinelOne, providing him with a keen understanding of what constitutes scalable traction. Sangeen Zeb, a general partner at GV, focuses on enterprise and artificial intelligence investments. His board experience includes companies like Vercel and Harvey, and he has been instrumental in financing some of the most talked-about tech growth stories. As the investment climate becomes increasingly competitive, this session is essential for founders eager to learn how to secure funding on their terms and develop sustainable business strategies. Don’t miss the chance to reserve your spot at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 and join over 10,000 startup and venture capital leaders in shaping the future of innovation.