Founders Challenge VC Norms: Raising Capital on Their Own Terms at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Join us at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, happening from October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, for an engaging discussion on the Builders Stage. This session will delve into unique startup funding options beyond traditional venture capital.

Funding alternatives beyond the Valley

Contemporary founders have a variety of funding channels available to them. How can you navigate these options to foster your growth? This session will feature perspectives from Erik Allebest, CEO and co-founder of Chess.com; Gale Wilkinson, founder and managing partner at VITALIZE; and Kay Makishi, vice president at Lupoff/Stevens Family Office. Each speaker offers valuable insights on obtaining funding while preserving your vision and cap table.

Whether you’re self-financing, connecting with family offices, or using angel networks, this conversation will shed light on effective strategies, common pitfalls, and methods to choose a funding approach that aligns with your goals.

Meet the speakers redefining funding opportunities

Erik Allebest turned a college hobby into Chess.com, the leading platform for players and learners, with over 200 million users. Built independently without venture capital, it’s a notable example of bootstrapped achievement.

Gale Wilkinson has made 50 angel investments and has led over $80 million in early-stage funding across 150 startups. An expert in WorkTech, she champions diversity in venture capital and serves as a vital resource for founders pursuing value-aligned funding.

Kay Makishi brings a global outlook as a leading investor at a New York-based family office. With expertise spanning both U.S. and Japanese markets, she provides crucial insights into how affluent individuals and families invest in startups with purpose, rather than solely for profit.

Break free from conventional methods and fund smarter

There are myriad pathways to your next funding round. Don’t miss this session that showcases how founders are innovating their funding approaches and achieving remarkable success. Claim your pass for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 today and save up to $668 on ticket prices while connecting with over 10,000 startup and VC leaders.

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