StrictlyVC Brings Venture's Shifting Landscape to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

The venture capital industry faces significant transformation driven by artificial intelligence adoption and accelerating startup growth trajectories. The mechanisms of capital allocation, the sources providing that capital, and the path to public markets have all shifted substantially. StrictlyVC at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will gather venture investors, institutional limited partners, family office operators, and industry analysts for an afternoon of direct discussions exploring where capital is flowing, how capital managers view the current dealmaking environment, and what founders and investors must grasp about today's funding ecosystem.

Access to this focused session requires a Disrupt Investor Pass for the event taking place at San Francisco's Moscone West from October 13–15. The program targets investors seeking insight into the rapidly evolving landscape and underlying dynamics. Those registering by September 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT will receive a $200 discount on the Investor Pass.

StrictlyVC Schedule and Sessions

October 14 Timeline

• 3:00–3:45 p.m.: Networking, Drinks & Light Bites
• 3:45–4:50 p.m.: StrictlyVC Conversations
• 4:50–6:00 p.m.: Drinks & Networking

Networking Opportunities

The session opens at 3:00 p.m. with refreshments and appetizers, providing 45 minutes for attendees to build relationships with fellow investors, founders, and venture professionals before the formal discussions commence. Networking continues after the program concludes, extending until 5:30 p.m.

Featured Conversations

For complete details on all StrictlyVC speakers and sessions, along with the broader Disrupt agenda covering 200+ sessions across six industry stages, roundtables, and breakout tracks, visit the Disrupt agenda page.

The New Rules of Going Public

Public market windows are beginning to reopen, yet the requirements for a successful listing have fundamentally changed. Founders and investors now navigate more stringent conditions, including elevated expectations for revenue growth, corporate governance, and market credibility. ICR's Ryan Flanagan will lead a discussion examining what qualifies a company for an IPO in the current environment, the strategic decisions that shape readiness years before a public offering, and how to structure a business for a successful exit within today's more rigorous market conditions.

The New Power Players: How Family Offices Are Reshaping Venture Investing

Family offices have emerged as one of the fastest-expanding sources of capital for startups, frequently deploying funds more rapidly and with greater operational flexibility than conventional institutional investors, though occasionally entering deals at inopportune moments. Bruce K Lee of Keebeck Capital Management and Dave Sachse of Sachse Family Fund will examine how family offices are navigating venture investing today, where they are committing capital for extended periods, how they coordinate with traditional venture firms, and why founders increasingly view them as valuable strategic partners.

What Limited Partners Want Now

Venture capital firms face intensifying competition for institutional funding, while limited partners are reassessing manager selection criteria, concentrated exposure to AI-related investments, and expected timelines for capital returns. Amit Bhatti of TrueBridge Capital Partners and Beezer Clarkson of LGT Capital Partners will share perspectives on what institutional investors prioritize in the current market, how they evaluate newer managers against established firms, and where they anticipate the strongest venture returns will originate.

Register for Your Investor Pass

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will convene over 10,000 founders, venture capitalists, and technology operators from around the world to establish connections, identify emerging innovations, and engage with industry leaders. The event serves as a venue where significant ideas intersect and new business possibilities emerge. Investors can register for the Investor Pass before September 25, 11:59 p.m. PT to claim savings of up to $200. Disrupt takes place in San Francisco on October 13–15.