At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, happening October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, a candid conversation is coming to the Builder Stage. This session will unpack what startup funding looks like beyond the venture capital echo chamber.
Founders today have more capital paths than ever. But how do you navigate them and know which one actually supports your growth? In this session, hear from Erik Allebest, the CEO and co-founder of Chess.com; Gale Wilkinson, the founder and Managing Partner at VITALIZE; and Kay Makishi, Vice President at Lupoff/Stevens Family Office. Each brings a different perspective on how to raise money without giving up your vision or your cap table.
Whether you’re bootstrapping, tapping family offices, or building through angel networks, this discussion breaks down what’s working now, what to avoid, and how to choose the approach that fits your goals.
Erik Allebest turned a college passion into Chess.com, now the leading platform for players and learners with over 165 million users. Built without chasing venture capital, it’s a bootstrapped success story in a league of its own.
Gale Wilkinson has made 50 personal angel investments and led over $80 million in early-stage funding across 150 startups. She’s a WorkTech expert, a champion for diversity in venture, and a go-to voice for founders who want capital that shares their values.
Kay Makishi brings a cross-border lens as a key investor at a New York-based family office. With experience spanning U.S. and Japanese markets, she offers rare insight into how high-net-worth individuals and families back startups for impact, not just returns.
There’s more than one way to get to your next round. Don’t miss this session that shows how founders are funding differently—and winning.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 also features industry heavyweights like Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, and Sequoia Capital. They’ll deliver insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech.
San Francisco | October 27-29, 2025