How startups are rewriting the late-stage playbook at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
The landscape for startup growth has undergone a profound transformation. As traditional rules of scaling and success no longer apply, the spotlight turns to innovative strategies emerging from the most agile companies. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, set to convene over 10,000 startup founders and venture capital leaders from October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, the central theme revolves around how companies are adapting to a market dramatically different from five years ago.
A highlight of the event will be a crucial fireside chat on October 27, on the premier industry stage, Going Public. David George, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), will address one of the most pressing challenges for today’s founders: how to scale and thrive when established growth paradigms have shifted.
The New Reality: Companies Staying Private Longer
In today’s dynamic venture capital ecosystem, startups are achieving multi-billion dollar valuations and offering early employees liquidity while remaining private for extended periods. While these advantages offer unprecedented flexibility, they also introduce new demands. Late-stage founders now face heightened expectations concerning capital efficiency, employee liquidity, and comprehensive growth strategies. George’s session promises to dissect what it genuinely takes to build resilient and enduring companies in this evolving VC environment.
As a leading figure in growth investing at a16z, David George has been instrumental in backing some of the past decade’s most iconic tech companies, including Airbnb, Slack, Opendoor, and Uber. His deep expertise in capital deployment—spanning early-stage rounds to late-stage funding and secondary markets—provides founders with invaluable insights into the current criteria and focus of growth investors.
Why This Conversation is Crucial Now
The current climate, characterized by fewer IPOs, increased scrutiny on burn rates, and a preference for capital to remain private longer, presents a unique set of incentives and challenges for late-stage companies. This pivotal discussion at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 will delve into the changing IPO landscape, the strategic role of secondary markets in facilitating employee liquidity, and actionable steps startups can take to navigate longer timelines while still striving for significant outcomes.
This is an unmissable opportunity to gain insights from one of the most experienced growth investors in the industry. Join over 10,000 tech, startup, and VC leaders on October 27 at the Going Public Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Secure your attendance and take advantage of savings up to $675 before ticket prices increase.
