Thanks to Fidelity and our amazing sponsors, TechCrunch All Stage is where startups rise

At Proaitools, we understand the pulse of innovation, and few events capture it as dynamically as TechCrunch All Stage. This premier event is renowned for its capacity to propel startups into the spotlight, a feat made possible by the unwavering support and invaluable expertise of its partners. This year, a special note of gratitude goes to Fidelity, whose profound commitment is powering the entire TC All Stage programming. Their support directly translates into the actionable insights, inspiration, and essential knowledge that founders and entrepreneurs will gain, both on and off stage.

The event on July 15 is packed with sessions designed to tackle the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Attendees are poised to receive front-line insights directly from industry leaders, making it a crucial gathering for anyone looking to not just survive, but thrive, in today’s highly competitive entrepreneurial landscape.

Among the highlights, the 10:00 a.m. Roundtable on “Navigating Legal Landmines” will feature Spencer Ricks and Naomi Smith, partners at Latham & Watkins. This session is critical for establishing a robust legal foundation, covering everything from founder agreements and IP protection to preparing for funding rounds, and crucially, how to avoid common, costly mistakes that could jeopardize a startup’s future. Expect expert guidance from a world-leading firm.

Following shortly at 10:05 a.m. on the Scale Stage, Dr. Richard Munassi, Managing Director at Tampa Bay Wave, will present “Fundraising Mistakes That Will Kill Your Round, and How to Avoid Them.” This session is an indispensable guide for anyone actively fundraising or planning to, offering real-world examples, strategic insights, and practical frameworks to master the art of pitching and securing investments efficiently.

For founders grappling with the relentless pace of innovation, the 10:45 a.m. Scale Stage session, “Breakthrough or Burnout: Why Founders Get Stuck (and How to Fix It),” presented by Jason Kraus and Christopher Dube of Prepare 4 VC, offers a refreshing perspective. This interactive session promises actionable frameworks to overcome obstacles, regain focus, and reignite momentum, ensuring founders can navigate tough decisions with renewed confidence.

Securing capital demands meticulous preparation. At 10:50 a.m., the Foundation Stage will host Lynne Zagami, VP of Customer Success at Fidelity Private Shares, for “Preparing to Raise: Cap Table Best Practices to Help You Close Fast.” An unorganized cap table can be a deal-breaker, and this session will provide critical insights from legal, investor, and founder perspectives, equipping attendees with strategies to streamline their raise, minimize legal fees, and present a professional image to investors.

The intricate world of mergers and acquisitions will be demystified at 1:55 p.m. in the Roundtable session, “Startup M&A Readiness: How to Be Acquired or Acquire Without Regret.” Dan Hoffman and Stephen Ranere, partners at Latham & Watkins, will break down the M&A process from both sides, covering deal structuring, liability management, talent retention, and post-deal success—an essential playbook for any founder considering an exit or an acquisition.

Finally, at 2:05 p.m. on the Foundation Stage, “It’s Not 2021 Anymore: Navigating the 2025 VC Landscape” will feature Kristen Craft, VP of Partnerships at Fidelity Private Shares. This session is vital for understanding the significant shifts in the venture capital world, including the rise of AI-driven investing and regional dynamics across major tech hubs. It will arm founders with the data and frameworks necessary to adapt and thrive in the current funding environment.

Proaitools extends immense gratitude to all the partners at TC All Stage, including Aktiun Inc, Brew, FyeLabs, UC Berkeley SCET, and BetterTech. Their collective energy, insight, and steadfast support are instrumental in making TC All Stage a transformative experience for founders. These partnerships truly power the conversations, connections, and breakthroughs that define the event’s success.

Join the forefront of innovation at TechCrunch All Stage in Boston on July 15. Secure your tickets now and be part of the community where startups truly rise.