How to actually raise a seed round: Actionable advice from top investors at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
San Francisco, CA – Securing early-stage funding is often the make-or-break moment for any startup. With the venture capital landscape constantly evolving, founders need more than just a compelling idea; they require actionable strategies to navigate the complex world of investment. This critical topic will take center stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, returning to Moscone West in San Francisco from October 27-29. The highly anticipated Builders Stage will host a candid panel titled “How to actually raise a seed round,” featuring insights directly from three of the industry’s most respected investors.
This dynamic session aims to demystify the seed fundraising process, offering a clear roadmap from the initial pitch to securing a strategic partnership. The panel brings together a powerhouse trio: Maria Palma, General Partner at Freestyle Capital; Gabby Cazeau, Partner at Harlem Capital; and Marlon Nichols, Co-founder and Managing General Partner of MaC Venture Capital. Each brings a unique perspective forged from extensive experience in identifying and nurturing promising startups across various sectors, including those leveraging advanced AI technologies.
Maria Palma, with her deep operational and investing background, has a proven track record of backing innovative companies. Her work at Freestyle Capital follows significant roles at Kindred Capital and RRE Ventures, along with leadership experience at high-growth startups like Eyeview. Similarly, Gabby Cazeau’s expertise at Harlem Capital focuses on pre-seed and seed startups, particularly in enterprise software and applied AI – a crucial area for the evolving digital economy. Her insights are highly sought after, earning her features in prominent publications and a seat on the VC Council of Startup:NYC.
Rounding out the panel is Marlon Nichols, who co-leads MaC Venture Capital, one of North America’s top seed-stage firms with over $600 million in assets under management. Nichols has been instrumental in scaling industry-shaping companies such as Blavity, Thrive Market, and MongoDB, consistently recognized on prestigious lists like Business Insider’s Seed 100. Their collective wisdom will provide founders with an unparalleled opportunity to learn how to translate investor interest into concrete investment.
Attendees can expect more than just theoretical advice. This panel promises sharp, actionable insights on how to cut through the noise in a crowded market, effectively structure a fundraising round, and build enduring relationships with capital partners that extend beyond a mere term sheet. For founders gearing up for their crucial first round, or advisors guiding them through the process, this session on the Builders Stage is an indispensable guide to navigating the realities of early-stage funding.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is set to host over 10,000 startup and VC leaders, providing an exclusive look into the future of innovation. Beyond this specific panel, the event will feature more than 250 tech heavyweights across six industry-specific stages, alongside numerous breakout sessions and roundtables. Don’t miss the chance to gain unparalleled access to industry insights and networking opportunities. Secure your spot now and benefit from early registration savings before ticket prices increase.
