The fundraising landscape is shifting fast, and in 2025, the old rules no longer apply. Startups navigating flat, down, or extension rounds must be more strategic than ever in securing their next round of capital. Traditional metrics like $100 million in revenue for an IPO or $1 million ARR for a Series A are becoming outdated. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, we’ll explore the evolving dynamics founders must understand to succeed in today’s challenging capital markets.
On the Builders Stage, we’ll be joined by an esteemed panel of experts who have lived through these changes and come out on top. Nikhil Basu Trivedi, co-founder and general partner of Footwork; Dayna Grayson, co-founder and general partner of Construct Capital; and Elliott Robinson, partner at Bessemer Venture Partners will share their insights on how startups can thrive amid unpredictable fundraising environments.
Meet the speakers
Nikhil Basu Trivedi, Co-Founder and General Partner of Footwork
Nikhil Basu Trivedi has built a reputation as one of the sharpest minds in early-stage consumer tech. At Footwork, Nikhil focuses on startups at the intersection of consumer behavior and enterprise technology, sectors that are transforming the way investors evaluate opportunities. His investments in Canva, Lattice, and other category-defining companies demonstrate his knack for identifying breakout potential even in difficult markets. At Disrupt, Nikhil will discuss how founders can differentiate themselves when traditional benchmarks don’t apply.
Dayna Grayson, Co-Founder and General Partner of Construct Capital
Dayna Grayson’s expertise lies in industries that have long resisted change, such as manufacturing and mobility. As co-founder of Construct Capital, she’s led investments in companies that are reimagining legacy sectors and securing funding in environments where growth is slow and investor confidence can be shaky. With experience guiding startups like Desktop Metal and Formlabs through various funding stages, Dayna will offer valuable insights into how companies in traditional industries can attract the capital they need to drive transformation.
Elliott Robinson, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners
Elliott Robinson is a leading authority on cloud software, and his work at Bessemer Venture Partners has positioned him at the forefront of the SaaS industry. Co-author of Bessemer’s “10 Laws of Cloud Computing” and the annual State of the Cloud Report, Elliott understands the key drivers that investors look for in cloud and SaaS startups. From board seats at companies like Hinge Health and Canva to investments in Forter and Netlify, he has a bird’s-eye view of how cloud companies are navigating down rounds and market resets. At Disrupt, he’ll discuss how companies can secure funding, even during down rounds, by emphasizing the fundamentals that ensure long-term success.
Join the discussion on navigating today’s fundraising landscape
Whether you’re a founder navigating tough fundraising conditions or an investor looking for the next big opportunity, this conversation is one you can’t afford to miss. Join us at Disrupt 2024, alongside 10,000 tech, startup, and VC leaders, to gain actionable insights into the strategies that will define your next capital raise.
Don’t wait — tickets are selling fast. Be part of this essential dialogue at Disrupt 2024, happening October 28-30 at Moscone West in San Francisco. Get your pass before prices increase at the door. Grab the Expo+ 2-for-1 Pass, and your plus-one can join you for only half the cost of an Expo+ Pass.
