StrictlyVC returns to New York City September 10 to celebrate a huge year for the city’s startup community

StrictlyVC is returning to New York City on September 10 to honor the city's thriving startup ecosystem. The event, which marks the first such gathering in over a year, will take place at Ideal Glass Studios in the West Village. General admission tickets are available for $180, with registration currently open. The decision to host the event in New York reflects the city's robust growth in the venture capital space. According to a recent report by Tech:NYC, during the first half of 2026, more than 240 New York-based startups collectively raised $1.13 billion in seed funding, an increase from $1.06 billion in the same period of 2025. The average size of seed rounds also rose, reaching $6.64 million compared to $5.4 million previously. Overall, New York startups raised $16 billion in the first six months of 2026, nearly matching the total amount raised by the city's startups throughout the entire year of 2025. Capital flows span multiple sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, climate technology, fintech, robotics, and consumer tech. This widespread momentum has positioned New York as a key player in the global startup scene, making its return a logical choice for StrictlyVC. The event will feature a lineup of notable speakers. Craig Shapiro, founder and managing partner of Collaborative Fund, will join TechCrunch editor-in-chief and StrictlyVC founder Connie Loizos for a discussion titled “The Business of Belonging.” They will explore the role of community in business and identify investment opportunities at the crossroads of technology, fandom, and real-world engagement. Following this session, Tristan Walker, founder of Heirloom Craft, will share insights from his experience leading one of the most impactful consumer startups of the past decade. He will also reflect on his reinvention with Heirloom and how his strategies for leadership and brand development have adapted in the age of AI. Further details about additional speakers and sessions will be released in the coming weeks. Attendees are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on new participants and event developments. StrictlyVC is known for creating environments where meaningful conversations begin on stage and continue beyond. The venue, Ideal Glass Studios, offers a setting conducive to focused dialogue and networking. It is designed to foster connections that evolve into valuable insights and potential opportunities. The event will bring together a range of industry leaders, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana, Signal president Meredith Whittaker, Haun Ventures founder and CEO Katie Haun, Replit CEO and co-founder Amjad Masad, and renowned venture capitalist Alfred Lin of Sequoia Capital. These individuals represent the high caliber of speakers that StrictlyVC is committed to featuring. In addition to the main event, founders looking to enhance their skills and connect with investors can attend the Founder Summit in Boston on November 4. This event provides guidance on pitching effectively, securing venture capital funding, managing financial aspects, and recruiting talent for growing teams. Tickets for StrictlyVC NYC are available now, offering attendees the chance to engage directly with industry experts and fellow innovators. Registration is open for those interested in participating in this exclusive gathering.