AI, les athlètes et Keith Rabois: StrictlyVC est de retour à New York le 10 septembre

StrictlyVC, the exclusive evening event hosted by TechCrunch, is set to return to New York City on September 10. The event marks the first time since 2022 that the gathering will take place in the East Coast metropolis, choosing the West Village as its venue, a neighborhood known for its historic brownstones and cobblestone streets, distinct from the tech-centric Mission Bay area in San Francisco, which has sometimes been dubbed the "Vest Village." Tickets are available for purchase, though availability is limited. The event promises to bring together key figures from the venture capital and tech industries. Opening remarks will be delivered by Keith Rabois, a prominent figure in the venture capital space who recently moved east from Silicon Valley. Known for his candid views on the venture industry, Rabois will discuss topics such as the trend of founders raising more capital than necessary and provide insights into Khosla Ventures' early investment in OpenAI, which received a $50 million infusion in 2019 despite having no clear business model at the time. His comments will also touch upon current challenges faced by OpenAI compared to its competitors. Following Rabois, the event will feature a discussion between Craig Shapiro of Collaborative Fund and Jason Levien, CEO of D.C. United. Their conversation will explore the evolving relationship between sports organizations and their role as business ventures, touching on themes of fandom, commerce, and community engagement. This segment highlights the intersection of traditional sports management with modern investment strategies. Another highlight of the evening will be a dialogue featuring Tristan Walker and Brynn Putnam. Walker, who previously founded Bevel and sold it to Procter & Gamble, is currently involved with Heirloom Craft, a startup focused on reviving American fine craftsmanship. Putnam, whose previous venture, Mirror, was acquired by Lululemon for $500 million, is now working on Board, a game company that combines physical play with AI-driven tools aimed at fostering social interaction. The final session will include Deven Parekh, co-head of Insight Partners, a leading New York-based investment firm. Parekh will offer insights into how Insight Partners navigates a complex investment landscape where distinguishing between different types of assets has become increasingly challenging. His perspective will shed light on the firm's approach to competition in an environment where capital is abundant and the potential for high returns remains substantial. The event will feature a mix of professional discussions, networking opportunities, and social interactions, providing attendees with a chance to engage with notable figures in the tech and venture capital communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with TechCrunch writers and professionals from other media outlets, enhancing the collaborative spirit of the evening. In addition to the main discussions, the event will showcase the broader implications of technological advancements and their impact on global markets. While the focus of the event is primarily on North America, the broader context of technological innovation extends beyond the continent, influencing global dynamics in areas such as Central Asia, where Uzbekistan is emerging as a significant player in the tech sector. The region's rapid growth in startups and technology exports underscores the importance of understanding the interconnected nature of global tech ecosystems.