TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 returns to Moscone West in San Francisco from October 27-29, bringing together more than 10,000 startup and venture capital leaders for an inside look at the future of innovation. One of the must-attend sessions is a candid panel on the Builders Stage, focusing on a critical moment in every founder’s journey: raising your first round.
Register now to save up to $675 on your ticket and join this conversation, along with over 200 other sessions across five industry stages, roundtables, and breakout discussions. Ticket prices increase tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT.
**From Pitch to Partnership: The Real Roadmap to Seed Funding**
This dynamic panel features three experienced investors—Maria Palma of Freestyle Capital, Gabby Cazeau of Harlem Capital, and Marlon Nichols of MaC Venture Capital—who will break down the realities of early-stage fundraising. They’ll share practical advice on crafting a compelling pitch, selecting the right investors, and turning interest into actual investment.
Maria Palma, general partner at Freestyle Capital, brings extensive operating and investing experience, with past roles at Kindred Capital, RRE Ventures, and leadership positions at high-growth startups like Eyeview. She has backed companies such as Fung Money, Lightning Labs, and Payman, and holds an MBA from Harvard.
Gabby Cazeau, a partner at Harlem Capital, invests in pre-seed and seed-stage startups across enterprise software and applied AI. She holds an MBA from Yale and a BS in chemical engineering. Recognized in Business Insider, CNBC, and Crain’s 40 Under 40, she also serves on the VC Council of Startup:NYC.
Marlon Nichols, co-founder and managing general partner of MaC Venture Capital, leads one of North America’s top seed-stage firms with over $600 million in assets under management. A repeat honoree on Business Insider’s Seed 100 and PitchBook’s list of top Black VCs, he has helped scale companies like Blavity, Thrive Market, and MongoDB.
**What to Expect on the Builders Stage**
This isn’t a typical venture panel. Expect sharp insights on cutting through the noise, structuring your raise, and building relationships that extend beyond a term sheet. Whether you’re preparing for your first funding round or advising someone who is, this is a session you won’t want to miss.
**Tech and VC Heavyweights Join the Disrupt 2025 Agenda**
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, and Sequoia Capital are just a few of the major players joining the Disrupt 2025 lineup. They’ll share insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your competitive edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt and the chance to learn from top voices in tech. Secure your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.
San Francisco | October 27-29, 2025
Catch Maria Palma, Gabby Cazeau, Marlon Nichols, and over 250 tech leaders across six industry-specific stages, breakout sessions, and roundtables at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Register now to lock in savings before prices increase.