StrictlyVC Returns to New York City on September 10 to Celebrate the Startup Community’s Big Year
After a two-year hiatus, StrictlyVC is back in NYC, bringing together investors and founders to celebrate the city’s booming startup ecosystem.
For the first time since 2024, StrictlyVC is returning to New York City, offering the kind of access expected from an exclusive event. The event takes place on September 10 at Ideal Glass Studios in the West Village, with general admission tickets now available for $180.
New York’s startup engine is accelerating. According to a recent Tech:NYC report, more than 240 NYC startups raised a combined $1.13 billion in seed funding in H1 2026, up from $1.06 billion in H1 2025. The average seed round grew from $5.4 million to $6.64 million. Overall, New York startups raised $16 billion in the first half of the year, nearly matching the $19.1 billion raised in all of 2025. Capital is flowing across sectors including AI, healthcare, climate, fintech, robotics, and consumer tech.
The programming kicks off with Craig Shapiro, founder and managing partner of Collaborative Fund, joined by TechCrunch editor-in-chief and StrictlyVC founder Connie Loizos. Their session, “The Business of Belonging,” explores why community has become a valuable asset and where investors see opportunities at the intersection of technology, fandom, and real-world connection. Then, Tristan Walker, founder of Heirloom Craft, will discuss what he learned building a major consumer startup and how his approach to leadership and branding has evolved in today’s AI-driven landscape.
As always with StrictlyVC, the stage is only part of the story. Conversations between TechCrunch reporters and the startup community continue in a setting designed for access and networking. The event is built for proximity to the people shaping NYC’s venture and startup scene.
Past StrictlyVC speakers include OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana, Signal president Meredith Whittaker, Haun Ventures founder and CEO Katie Haun, Replit CEO and co-founder Amjad Masad, and Sequoia Capital’s Alfred Lin.
Additional speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are available now. Additionally, a Founder Summit for startup founders will be held in Boston on November 4, focusing on fundraising, team building, and growth.
