Reviving Connections: AI, Athletes, and Keith Rabois Take Center Stage at StrictlyVC’s New York Return on September 10
Save the date: on Thursday evening, September 10, StrictlyVC, the exclusive event series by TechCrunch, will take place in the West Village of New York City— the genuine one with its iconic brownstones and cobblestone streets, distinct from the San Francisco area humorously dubbed “Vest Village” for its Patagonia-clad investors.
This marks our first event in New York in two years. Following successful evenings earlier this year in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Athens, we are thrilled to return with an impressive lineup. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Keith Rabois. The night will kick off with the remarkable Keith Rabois, who has recently moved from Silicon Valley and is set on making waves in his new environment. Known for his frank views on the venture capital landscape, he has repeatedly backed Ramp and invested in State Affairs, which utilizes AI and local journalists to monitor state-level news and policy across all states. Rabois will share his thoughts on founders seeking more funding than they truly need and will also discuss Khosla Ventures’ significant $50 million early investment in OpenAI back in 2019, a time when the company lacked a clear business model, alongside the current challenges OpenAI faces compared to its competitors.
Craig Shapiro and Jason Levien. Following Keith’s session, stay for a one-of-a-kind discussion featuring Craig Shapiro of Collaborative Fund, who is co-hosting the event with us, and Jason Levien, CEO of D.C. United. They will explore the financial aspects of sports organizations and the increasingly complex relationships between sports, fan culture, business, and community.
Tristan Walker. Continuing our focus on community, we’ll engage in a dialogue with two founders who are innovating for a future where AI enhances life but may also have drawbacks. Tristan Walker, who sold Walker & Company Brands (maker of Bevel) to Procter & Gamble in 2018, has launched Heirloom Craft, which aims to reshore American craftsmanship by training a new generation of artisans and revitalizing their supply chains.
Brynn Putnam. Joining Walker will be Brynn Putnam, who sold her previous venture, the connected-fitness company Mirror, to Lululemon for $500 million just three years post-launch. Her new project, Board, is a game company that merges physical play with AI-driven creation tools, designed to combat the isolation brought on by technology by fostering social interactions around a game board.
Deven Parekh. Finally, we are excited to hear from Deven Parekh, who has co-led Insight Partners, the notable investment firm based in New York, for over 25 years. Although Insight typically maintains a low profile, Parekh will discuss how the firm is adapting to a market where distinguishing between asset classes has become more challenging, as many major funds continue to expand drastically. We aim to uncover how Insight competes in an environment where capital is increasingly considered a commodity, yet the potential returns on large investments are at an all-time high.
The evening promises to be enjoyable, featuring drinks, appetizers, and opportunities for networking both before and after the discussions, with TechCrunch reporters like Connie Loizos and Rebecca Bellan, along with colleagues from other media outlets.
We extend our profound gratitude to Collaborative Fund for their support in making this gathering occur. Further information and ticket details will follow. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the authentic West Village.
