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How founders are ditching VC norms and finding capital on their own terms at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Learn to ditch VC norms on the Builder Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco. Register now to save up to $675.
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, happening October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, a candid conversation is coming to the Builder Stage — one that unpacks what startup funding looks like beyond the venture capital echo chamber. 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. 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.
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