TechCrunch’s StrictlyVC events series concluded its 2025 run with a series of gatherings featuring prominent figures in venture capital, technology, and government. These invite-only events, known for fostering candid conversations and networking, spanned San Francisco, Athens, London, and Palo Alto, covering topics from AI regulation to the future of fintech and space-based solar energy. The series has become a vital platform for understanding emerging trends and the challenges facing the tech industry.
The 2025 iteration saw participation from heads of state, startup founders, venture capitalists, and leaders in specialized fields like defense technology and prediction markets, demonstrating the breadth of the series’ appeal. Each location brought a distinct focus, reflecting the unique opportunities and concerns of its regional tech ecosystem. Discussions ranged from the impact of tariffs to the growing influence of artificial intelligence across sectors.
The Full 2025 StrictlyVC Recap
Throughout the past year, the StrictlyVC series provided a unique window into the evolving landscape of venture capital and technological innovation. Unlike larger, more formal conferences, these events prioritize intimate settings and open dialogue among industry leaders, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of complex issues. The series consistently attracts key decision-makers and emerging innovators.
Where It Started: San Francisco
The year began in San Francisco’s Presidio, co-hosted by Forerunner Ventures’ Kirsten Green, who highlighted the potential at the intersection of AI and consumer technologies. Discussions also included insights from Ethan Thornton of Mach Industries on the hurdles of building a defense tech startup, and Tarek Mansour of Kalshi, who addressed regulatory concerns surrounding prediction markets. Ryan Petersen of Flexport shared perspectives on potential trade policy changes, and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie also attended.
Athens: AI, Government, and Offline Economies
Taking the events global, a key stop was Athens, Greece, where Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis discussed the transformative effects of AI on the nation. A particularly notable theme explored the unique advantages of Greece’s strong foundation in traditional, offline businesses as it integrates new technologies. This underscored the importance of considering regional contexts in the deployment of AI solutions.
London’s Candid Take on Regulation and Fintech’s Future
In London, Accel’s Sonali De Rycker offered a critical assessment of the regulatory environment in Europe, suggesting it may be hindering fintech innovation. Monzo’s TS Anil participated in discussions about the challenges and considerations surrounding a potential public offering, prior to recent company developments. The conversation highlighted growing concerns within the fintech sector regarding overregulation.
Back Home with Orbital and Crypto Momentum
Returning to the United States, the series continued in Menlo Park and San Francisco. Russell Kaplan, president of Cognition, and Ali Partovi, a prominent investor, discussed advancements in artificial intelligence. Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood, shared his venture into space-based solar power, while Katie Haun made the case for the inevitable digitization of real-world assets through cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Cryptocurrency witnessed continued discussion as a potential disruptor.
StrictlyVC Meets TechCrunch Disrupt
A mini StrictlyVC event was integrated into TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco. Serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist Kevin Hartz shared his observations on the increasing presence of teen founders in the startup world. Additionally, a panel of limited partners examined the dynamics of aging venture capital portfolios, offering valuable insights into portfolio management strategies.
Palo Alto Finale
The 2025 series concluded in Palo Alto, featuring a conversation with former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger on the role of technology in society. Participants also received an inside look at an emerging company in the AI manufacturing space and heard from Neuralink co-founder Max Hodak about the ambitions of his new venture, Science Corp. This finale underscored the continued innovation and investment in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence.
Looking Ahead with StrictlyVC
The StrictlyVC series has long served as a barometer for industry sentiment and a catalyst for critical discussions. These gatherings facilitate connections and offer unique perspectives on the forces shaping the future of technology and investment. Recurring themes included the interplay between regulation and innovation, the potential of AI across diverse sectors, and the evolving landscape of financial technology.
The next phase for the series involves planning for the 2026 events, with a focus on identifying new locations and securing speakers who can address the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the tech community. Increased geopolitical uncertainty and ongoing debates around startups accessing capital are likely to be prominent topics. Dates and locations for 2026 are expected to be announced in the first quarter of next year, with potential expansions into new regional markets.
Partnerships remain essential to the success of the series, offering opportunities for venture firms to showcase their thought leadership and connect with key stakeholders. As the technology landscape continues to rapidly evolve, the StrictlyVC series will undoubtedly remain a critical forum for navigating the complexities and charting a course for future innovation.
