12:15 PM PDT · September 22, 2025
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
📍 October 27–29, Moscone West, San Francisco
🎟️ Register now — Regular Bird savings of up to $668 end September 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT
Why Join This Conversation on the Builders Stage?
This engaging and authentic discussion will delve into pivotal aspects of securing your first institutional funding—ranging from crafting a captivating narrative to establishing trust, even in the absence of initial traction. Esteemed venture capitalists Charles Hudson and Wesley Chan will discuss the essential traits they seek in up-and-coming founders, the warning signs that signal caution, and the most frequent errors made by novice entrepreneurs during fundraising efforts.
Betting on People Before the Product
In early-stage fundraising, often there’s no product or user base to rely upon. Instead, investors place their trust in the founders themselves, and few can better assess this than Hudson and Chan. Together, they’ve mentored and backed hundreds of entrepreneurs right from the earliest stages, often before pitch decks were refined or metrics demonstrated a business’s potential.
Charles Hudson, managing partner at Precursor Ventures, has made significant strides by supporting over 450 founders and investing in more than 400 enterprises. He’s known for his commitment to individuals with daring ideas and fresh perspectives. Recently, he noted, “The earlier you invest, the more crucial it is to trust the founder’s narrative and flexibility. It’s not merely about addressing a problem—it’s about believing that this particular founder is equipped to tackle it.”
Wesley Chan, co-founder and managing partner at FPV Ventures, has cultivated a reputation for making bold, early investments in companies that go on to define their industries. A former Google employee who developed Google Analytics and Google Voice, he has backed notable successes such as Canva, Robinhood, and Plaid. Wesley’s investment philosophy revolves around discovering mission-driven founders able to transform humble beginnings into significant achievements.
Actionable Insights on Raising Your First Round
Whether you are in the midst of fundraising or strategizing for the future, this session will empower you with practical advice for navigating the early venture landscape with confidence and clarity. Be sure not to miss this live discussion, alongside more than 200+ sessions occurring across five distinct industry stages. Register now to secure your spot
📍 TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 — October 27–29, Moscone West, San Francisco
🎟️ Save up to $668 when you register before September 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
TechCrunch Event
San Francisco
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October 27-29, 2025
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