Securing Your Seed Round: Expert Tips from Top Investors at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 will occur at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 27-29, bringing together over 10,000 startup and VC leaders eager to examine the future of innovation. A key session on the Builders Stage will feature an informative panel discussing one of the critical hurdles for founders: securing the first round of funding.

Register now to save as much as $675 on your ticket and participate in this essential discussion — along with 200+ other sessions across five industry stages, roundtables, and breakout sessions. Ticket prices rise tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT.

From pitch to partnership: The ultimate guide to seed funding

This insightful panel includes three seasoned investors — Maria Palma (Freestyle Capital), Gabby Cazeau (Harlem Capital), and Marlon Nichols (MaC Venture Capital) — who will explore the realities of early-stage fundraising. They will share actionable advice on creating a persuasive pitch and choosing the right investment partners to turn interest into actual funding.

Maria Palma is a general partner at Freestyle Capital and brings extensive operational and investment experience, having previously worked at Kindred Capital, RRE Ventures, and held key positions in fast-growing startups like Eyeview. She has made investments in companies such as Fung Money, Lightning Labs, and Payman, and has earned an MBA from Harvard.

Gabby Cazeau is a partner at Harlem Capital, where she focuses on pre-seed and seed investments in enterprise software and applied AI startups. She holds an MBA from Yale and a BS in chemical engineering. Gabby has been featured in Business Insider, CNBC, and Crain’s 40 Under 40, and is an active member of the VC Council of Startup:NYC.

Marlon Nichols is the co-founder and managing general partner of MaC Venture Capital, leading one of North America’s foremost seed-stage firms with over $600 million in assets under management. He has received multiple recognitions in Business Insider’s Seed 100 and PitchBook’s top Black VCs lists, having supported the growth of significant companies like Blavity, Thrive Market, and MongoDB.

What to expect on the Builders Stage

This panel will offer unique insights that go beyond typical venture conversations. Attendees can expect to learn practical strategies for navigating the fundraising process, organizing your capital raise, and building enduring industry connections. Whether you’re gearing up for your first funding round or advising a founder, this session is invaluable.

Join Palma, Cazeau, Nichols, and over 250 industry leaders across six specialized stages, in addition to breakouts and roundtables, live at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 at Moscone West in San Francisco. Register now to ensure you save up to $675 on tickets before the day ends!