The Unvarnished Truth: How StrictlyVC Became Tech’s Must-Attend Fireside Chat
In the fast-paced, ever-shifting landscape of technology, where yesterday’s innovation is today’s legacy, one event series has managed to carve out a remarkable niche for itself: TechCrunch’s StrictlyVC.
Imagine stepping away from the cacophony of endless press releases and the dizzying speed of hype cycles. Picture yourself in an intimate setting, not just observing the titans of tech, but actually sitting down with them, hearing their unfiltered thoughts, and gaining a genuine understanding of the forces driving our digital future. This is the essence of StrictlyVC – a curated experience designed to foster deep dives and candid exchanges, moving beyond the surface-level gloss of larger conferences.
From its inception, StrictlyVC was conceived as more than just a series of talks; it was envisioned as a sophisticated cocktail party where substance meets style. The goal has always been to create intimate gatherings where speakers feel comfortable shedding their public personas, allowing for the kind of open dialogue that truly illuminates the path forward.
2025: A Whirlwind of Innovation, Connection, and Candid Revelations
Looking back at 2025, it’s clear that the StrictlyVC series played host to a pivotal year in the tech world. It was a year brimming with groundbreaking insights and invaluable connections, facilitated through a remarkable spectrum of speakers – from global leaders and visionary startup founders to the pioneers shaping the future of cryptocurrency and defense technology. Each event offered its own unique flavor, its own set of revelations.
San Francisco: Where AI Meets Consumer Dreams and Defense Dreams Take Flight
Our journey through 2025 kicked off in the iconic Presidio of San Francisco. The inaugural event, co-hosted by Kirsten Green of Forerunner Ventures, set an unforgettable tone. Green, a distinguished early investor behind household names like Chime and Oura, shared her palpable excitement about the burgeoning opportunities at the nexus of Artificial Intelligence and consumer technology. Her insights were just the opening act.
We were captivated by Ethan Thornton of Mach Industries, who recounted the exhilarating, albeit often messy, journey of building a defense tech startup in his twenties. His narrative was a testament to the resilience and bold experimentation required in this critical sector.
Tarek Mansour, CEO of Kalshi, the burgeoning prediction market, brought a unique perspective. With a disarmingly nonchalant demeanor, he explained why regulatory hurdles, often a source of anxiety for tech leaders, weren’t keeping him up at night. His candidness underscored the innovative spirit driving his company.
Ryan Petersen of Flexport, a key player in global logistics, provided critical analysis of the potential impacts of tariff policies, particularly those on the horizon from the Trump administration. The presence of San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie further underscored the importance of these discussions, highlighting the local and global implications of the trends being explored.
Athens: AI’s Embrace and the Enduring Power of Offline Economies
From the bustling tech hub of San Francisco, StrictlyVC ventured across the Atlantic, bringing its unique format to Athens. Here, the conversation broadened to encompass the intersection of AI, governmental strategy, and the often-underestimated strengths of economies that remain deeply connected to offline realities. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis joined us, offering a compelling look at how AI is reshaping Greece and the inherent advantages of a nation that balances digital advancement with a strong foundation in traditional industries.
London: Navigating Regulation and the Future of Fintech
Our next stop, London, provided a candid and insightful look into the European tech scene. Sonali De Rycker, a formidable force in venture capital at Accel, offered her perspectives on the challenges posed by overregulation in Europe. Following closely, TS Anil, the CEO of the rapidly expanding fintech firm Monzo, addressed the pressing questions surrounding the company’s potential public offering. This discussion, which predated Anil’s eventual departure due to strategic disagreements, offered a fascinating glimpse into the internal dynamics of a high-growth fintech company.
Back Stateside: Orbiting Space and the Digitalization of Assets
The momentum carried us back to the United States, where the discussions continued to push boundaries. In Menlo Park, we were joined by Russell Kaplan, President of Cognition, alongside his influential early investor, Ali Partovi. Their conversation delved into the future of AI in professional workflows.
Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood, shared his deep exploration into the ambitious field of space-based solar power – a concept that could redefine energy generation. Meanwhile, the influential investor Katie Haun made a powerful case for the inevitable digitization of real-world assets, a trend poised to unlock significant new economic opportunities.
TechCrunch Disrupt: A Concentrated Dose of Innovation
StrictlyVC also made a significant appearance within our flagship TechCrunch Disrupt conference in San Francisco. This condensed format offered attendees a taste of the signature StrictlyVC experience. Serial entrepreneur and now venture capitalist Kevin Hartz reflected on the rise of incredibly young founders, highlighting the shift in talent and ambition. A robust panel of Limited Partners (LPs) engaged in a critical dissection of aging venture capital portfolios, offering valuable insights into fund management and investment strategies.
Join the Disrupt 2026 Waitlist: If you’re eager to be at the forefront of technological innovation, mark your calendars for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. By joining the waitlist, you’ll be among the first to know when Early Bird tickets become available. Past Disrupt events have featured luminaries from Google Cloud, Netflix, Microsoft, and a16z, among many others. These gatherings are meticulously crafted to feature over 250 industry leaders delivering more than 200 sessions designed to sharpen your edge and fuel your growth. Furthermore, Disrupt is the ultimate platform to connect with hundreds of startups pushing the boundaries across every conceivable sector.
Palo Alto Finale: AI Manufacturing, Government, and Neuralink’s Next Frontier
We concluded our 2025 StrictlyVC year in Palo Alto in early December. The event featured a thought-provoking discussion with former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, who shared his perspectives on the interplay of government, religion, and technology. We also gained an insider’s view into a groundbreaking company making waves in the AI manufacturing landscape. Rounding out the evening, Max Hodak, co-founder of Neuralink, offered a glimpse into the audacious vision driving his current venture, Science Corp., hinting at the future of advanced technological development.
A Legacy of Insight: From First Conversations to Future Visions
These highlights represent just a fraction of the illuminating discussions that defined StrictlyVC in 2025. Over the years, the series has been a platform for a remarkable array of influential voices, including former FTC Chair Lina Khan, Waymo Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana, Meredith Whittaker of Signal, Sam Altman of OpenAI, Alfred Lin of Sequoia Capital, and the renowned founder Marc Lore, among countless others.
What fuels our excitement for 2026 is the clear and present demand for spaces where influential figures can engage in candid dialogue. The StrictlyVC format provides precisely that – a sanctuary for genuine conversation, where leaders can share their unfiltered thoughts and connect with a discerning audience eager to understand the complexities of the tech world. By joining the StrictlyVC 2026 waitlist, you ensure yourself prime access to the lowest ticket prices and critical event updates.
Partnering for Progress: Building the Future Together
None of these impactful events would be possible without the invaluable support of our partners. Kirsten Green’s gracious hosting at the Presidio, the elegant space provided by Mayfield on Sand Hill Road, and the vibrant atmosphere at Playground Global for our year-end finale all contributed significantly to the success of these evenings.
These firms don’t merely offer venues; they actively embrace and embody the spirit of collaboration and open dialogue that defines StrictlyVC. If your organization is interested in partnering with us for the 2026 StrictlyVC event series and embarking on new ventures together, we encourage you to reach out. We eagerly anticipate where these conversations will lead us next.
Topics: Startups, StrictlyVC, TechCrunch, Venture Capital, Technology, AI, Fintech, Defense Tech, Future of Work, Innovation, Entrepreneurship
Dates TBD | Locations TBA
Plan Ahead for StrictlyVC 2026: Secure your spot to gain direct, candid insights from industry leaders through engaging fireside sessions. Connect with the innovators and investors shaping the future of technology. Join the waitlist now for the best prices and essential updates.
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