TechCrunch Early Stage is coming back to Boston on April 25, 2024, and the agenda for this flagship founder event is shaping up to be even more exciting than before. We’re thrilled to offer a sneak peek at some of the amazing speakers and sessions we have in store. For those just starting on their entrepreneur journey, TechCrunch Early Stage is the ultimate destination.
We’re bringing together an incredible lineup of top investors and entrepreneurs to dive deep into topics specifically for founders, such as:
- How to effectively use startup accelerators
- Tips for securing initial capital
- Finding product-market fit
- The key elements of a successful pitch deck
But wait, there’s more! Do you want to be one of the many speakers and sessions we’ll be announcing in the new year? Submit your application to our call for content before the January 10 deadline for a chance to win a roundtable slot at TechCrunch Early Stage.
Early Stage is not your typical TechCrunch event. Instead of panels and fireside chats, our speakers will give presentations on their designated topics and then engage with the audience in a Q&A session. If you’re an entrepreneur looking for access to top startup experts, we’re working around the clock to bring them to you. And as always, all attendees will receive transcripts and visual assets from the presentations so you can take what you learn with you!
If you love discussions and networking, you’ll also enjoy our roundtable conversations and plenty of opportunities to connect with other founders, builders, and investors.
We know you have a lot of early-stage questions, and we have the answers. So join us on April 25 in Boston for my favorite TechCrunch event. It’s like Disrupt, but even more focused and intimate. See you there!
TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 Agenda Preview
Racing the Clock to $1M In ARR: Best Practices for Learning Fast from Launch Partners
With Rudina Seseri, co-founder and managing partner, Glasswing Ventures
After securing your seed round, the next race is on to prove product-market fit and scale annual recurring revenue (ARR). With limited funds, a challenging economy, and the pressure to secure your next round, founders have little room for error and must execute quickly. In this session, we’ll explore best practices for rapidly iterating and applying lessons learned from launch partners (your early customers). Learn how to ask the right questions, get actionable answers, and respond efficiently to avoid spinning your wheels during this critical period of growth for your company.
Selecting the Right Accelerator or Incubator
For early-stage startups, incubators and accelerators often provide valuable support structures. Specifically tailored programs are available for founders transitioning from academia who may need assistance in determining the commercial viability of their research. These founders face unique challenges as they depart from higher education institutions and national labs. This session will cover the latest information to keep in mind when choosing a startup program that will help your young company navigate common hurdles after formation.
The Top Five Ways to Screw Up Your VC Pitch and How to Avoid Them
With Haje Kamps, pitch coach and writer of over 75 Pitch Deck Teardowns for TechCrunch+
Whether you’re just starting to create your pitch deck or fine-tuning your presentation, this session is a must-see as it offers invaluable insights to help you avoid some of the most significant pitfalls. Our in-house pitch coach, Haje Kamps, has analyzed and enhanced over 75 pitch decks for TechCrunch+. He’s a wealth of knowledge when it comes to pitching your early-stage startup to venture capitalists. With Haje’s expertise in breaking down and improving pitch decks, this session is sure to provide practical advice and strategies.
How to Raise Money and Come Out Alive
With Tom Wolf, venture capitalist and MBA professor
There is an art to raising your first round of funding, especially if you want to do it right without regretting the terms, conditions, or side letters years later. In this session, Tom will share insights on how investors think, common mistakes that can come back to haunt you, and how to position your company for the best chance of success. After all, who wants to enter the 2024 fundraising “hunger games” with outdated information?
Early Stage Fundraising: Convertible Notes, SAFE and Series Seed Financing
With Rebecca Lee Whiting, founder and fractional general counsel, Epigram Legal
In this session, our early-stage fractional general counsel will share valuable information about different funding options for young companies, including convertible notes, simple agreements for future equity (SAFE), and series seed financing rounds. Learn about the pros and cons of these alternatives, get familiar with standard terms, and avoid potential pitfalls as you negotiate for the best outcome.
TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 will take place in Boston on April 25. Join other new and emerging founders, bring your questions, get answers directly from industry experts, and learn the next steps you need to take to build your startup. Purchase your pass today and take advantage of our special launch pricing!
Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TechCrunch Early Stage 2024? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form.
