StrictlyVC Returns to New York with Star-Studded Lineup
AI, sports, and venture capital leaders gather for an exclusive evening of insights.
1Event Highlights
StrictlyVC is returning to New York's West Village on September 10, 2026, bringing together top names from tech and venture capital. The event marks its New York comeback after a two-year hiatus. Featured speakers include Keith Rabois of Khosla Ventures, Craig Shapiro from Collaborative Fund, and DC United CEO Jason Levien. Discussions will cover AI, sports investments, and community building, offering unique insights into industry trends.
2Keith Rabois on AI Investments
Keith Rabois, who recently relocated from Silicon Valley to New York, will kick off the event with a keynote. He's expected to share candid thoughts on his early $50 million investment in OpenAI back in 2019 and the challenges the company currently faces. Rabois, known for his blunt opinions, will also critique founders who raise excessive funding. His investment in State Affairs, which uses AI and local journalists to track state-level policy, will be another highlight of his talk.
3The Business of Sports
A special panel featuring Craig Shapiro and Jason Levien will explore sports organizations as investment opportunities. Levien, as CEO of DC United, will discuss the commercial aspects of sports management, while Shapiro will analyze emerging investment trends in the industry. The conversation will delve into the complex relationship between sports, fandom, commerce, and community, offering valuable perspectives for investors and entrepreneurs alike.
4Tristan Walker's New Venture
Tristan Walker, who sold Bevel to Procter & Gamble, will present his new company Heirloom Craft at the event. The startup aims to revive American craftsmanship by training new artisans and rebuilding local supply chains. Walker will share his views on how AI, while creating efficiencies, may be eroding human connections. Heirloom Craft represents an innovative social enterprise model that combines traditional skills with modern business practices.
5Brynn Putnam's Gaming Vision
Brynn Putnam, founder of the $500 million-acquired Mirror, will introduce her new venture Board - a gaming company merging physical play with AI-powered creation tools. Putnam designed Board as an antidote to technology-induced isolation, creating shared experiences around physical game boards. Her talk will explore how to balance digital innovation with human connection in the gaming industry.
6Deven Parekh's Market Insights
Deven Parekh, who has co-led Insight Partners for 25 years, will offer rare public remarks about the firm's strategy in today's competitive VC landscape. He'll explain how Insight navigates an environment where capital has become commoditized yet potential returns on massive investments have never been higher. Parekh's insights into differentiating investment theses in a crowded market will be particularly valuable for industry professionals.
7Networking Opportunities
The event promises exceptional networking opportunities beyond its formal program. Cocktail receptions before and after the fireside chats will allow attendees to connect with TechCrunch writers like Connie Loizos and Rebecca Bellan, along with journalists from other outlets. Hosted by Collaborative Fund, the evening provides an intimate setting for meaningful conversations among tech and investment leaders.
8A Must-Attend Industry Gathering
StrictlyVC offers a unique platform to understand the forces shaping technology and investment. With deep dives into AI, sports investing, and community building, the event provides direct access to industry leaders' unfiltered perspectives. Set in the heart of New York, this exclusive evening promises both valuable insights and high-quality connections, making it a can't-miss occasion for anyone serious about the future of tech and venture capital.
Original article: TechCrunch — StrictlyVC Etkinliği New York'ta Geri Dönüyor