StrictlyVC Returns to the Big Apple
After a two-year absence, StrictlyVC is back in New York City on September 10, bringing with it an impressive lineup of speakers and industry experts.
A Year of Momentum for NYC Startups
New York's startup scene is experiencing a surge in growth, with over 240 startups raising a combined $1.13 billion in seed funding in the first half of 2026. This is up from $1.06 billion in the same period last year, with average seed rounds increasing from $5.4 million to $6.64 million. Overall, New York startups have raised a whopping $16 billion in the first half of this year, nearly matching the $19.1 billion raised in all of 2025.
This capital is spread across nearly every sector, from AI and healthcare to climate, fintech, robotics, and consumer tech. It's the kind of momentum that made a return to New York an easy call.
The StrictlyVC NYC Lineup
The event will feature a range of speakers, including Craig Shapiro, founder and managing partner of Collaborative Fund, and TechCrunch editor-in-chief Connie Loizos. Their session, "The Business of Belonging," will dive into why community has become one of the most valuable assets a company can build.
- Tristan Walker, founder of Heirloom Craft, will discuss what he learned building one of the last decade's most influential consumer startups, why he's starting over with Heirloom, and how his approach to leadership and brand-building has evolved in today's AI-driven landscape.
- Additional speakers and sessions will be announced as the agenda takes shape in the weeks ahead.
What to Expect from StrictlyVC NYC
The event will take place at Ideal Glass Studios in the West Village, with general admission tickets available now for $180. This is an opportunity to connect with the startup community, learn from industry experts, and get access to the kind of conversations you can't get anywhere else.
Conversations that start on stage continue long afterward in a setting built for access, focus, and proximity to the people actively shaping what comes next for NYC's venture, startup, and dealmaking scene.
Register Now
Secure your spot by snagging a ticket right now. With a lineup like this, you won't want to miss out on the chance to network and learn from the best in the startup world.