StrictlyVC at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Inside the changing rules of venture capital

The landscape of venture capital is undergoing significant transformation, driven largely by advancements in artificial intelligence and the rapid scaling of startups. This shift is evident in the evolving roles of investors, institutional limited partners (LPs), family office managers, and market experts, all of whom are convening at StrictlyVC at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026.

The conference, taking place at San Francisco’s Moscone West from October 13-15, will offer a series of candid discussions aimed at understanding the current venture capital landscape and anticipating future trends.

To gain exclusive insights into these deep-dive sessions, attendees are required to purchase a Disrupt Investor Pass. This pass provides access to a more in-depth exploration of the rapidly changing venture capital environment, focusing on the forces that are shaping the future of funding. To save on the cost of the pass, registration is open until September 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT, with a discount of $200 available at that time.

The program kicks off at 3:00 p.m. PT with a networking session, followed by the StrictlyVC Conversations at 3:45 p.m. PT. This session is designed to highlight key discussions and insights shared by investors, founders, and venture leaders. Post-conversation, participants are encouraged to continue networking during a subsequent drinks and networking session at 6:00 p.m. PT.

A critical topic on the agenda is the IPO window, which is reopening but now comes with stricter requirements. Founders and investors are facing a more challenging path to public markets, necessitating higher growth, improved governance, and heightened credibility. Ryan Flanagan from ICR will lead a conversation on the attributes that make a company IPO-ready in the current market.

He will discuss the preparatory steps and strategic decisions that should be made well before a company goes public, aiming to ensure a successful exit amidst more disciplined market conditions.

Family offices have emerged as one of the fastest-growing sources of startup capital. They often demonstrate greater flexibility compared to traditional institutions but also tend to invest at critical junctures. Prominent family office investors, including Ryan Flanagan from Keebeck Capital Management and Dave Sachse from Sachse Family Fund, will share their perspectives on how they are currently engaging in venture capital.

They will discuss the strategies for placing long-term bets, their approach to working alongside venture capital firms, and why an increasing number of founders view family offices as strategic partners rather than just capital providers.

Additionally, the session will address the increasing competition among venture firms for institutional capital. Limited partners (LPs) are reevaluating their investment strategies, particularly concerning manager selection, concentrated exposure to AI technologies, and liquidity expectations. Leading LPs such as Amit Bhatti from TrueBridge Capital Partners and Beezer Clarkson from LGT Capital Partners will provide insights into what they seek in today's market, how they assess emerging versus established venture firms, and their outlook on the sources of future venture returns.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 promises to be a pivotal event where over 10,000 founders, VCs, and tech operators from around the globe converge. The conference aims to foster connections that could shape the future of technology and innovation. With a diverse range of sessions, including 200+ across six industry stages, roundtables, and breakout discussions, the event is a hub for discovering breakthrough innovations and engaging with influential leaders driving the industry forward.

To capitalize on these opportunities, attendees are encouraged to register for an Investor Pass before September 25 at 11:59 p.m. PT, with the option to save up to $200 on early registration.