TechCrunch Early Stage returns to Boston on April 25, 2024, and the agenda for our flagship Founders event is taking shape. We’re excited to give you a sneak peek at some of the amazing speakers and sessions we’ll be attending. For builders just starting their startup journey, TechCrunch Early Stage is the place to be.
With the help of a large body of leading investors and entrepreneurs, we take a deep dive into founder-focused topics such as:
- How to use Startup Accelerator.
- How to raise your first funding.
- How to find product-market fit.
- How to make a killer pitch deck.
But wait. In addition: Want to join us for more speakers and sessions announced in the new year? Apply for content by the January 10th deadline for a chance to win a roundtable slot on TechCrunch Early Stage there is.
Early Stage is different from other TechCrunch events. Instead of panel discussions or fireside chats, speakers present on their assigned topics and answer questions from the audience. If you’re building something and want access to the brains of top startups, we’re working around the clock to introduce them to you. As always, all attendees will receive a transcript and visual assets of the presentation so they can take away what they learned.
Also, if you’re a talkative type, you’ll enjoy roundtable discussions and lots of time interacting with other founders, builders, and investors.
You’ll have a lot of questions in the early stages, and we’re here to answer them. Please come to my favorite TechCrunch event in Boston on April 25th. It’s similar to Disrupt, but incredibly focused and much more intimate. See you soon!
TechCrunch 2024 Early Agenda Preview
Working hard for $1 million in ARR: Best practices for learning fast from your launch partner
Once you secure a seed round, the race begins to prove product-market fit and grow your ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue). With the clock ticking, limited seed dollars, a difficult macroeconomic environment, and the bar rising to secure the next round, founders’ margin for error is slim and execution is critical. In this session, we’ll dive into the best practices for rapidly iterating on lessons learned from launch partners (such as early customers). Learn how to ask the right questions, get actionable answers, respond effectively, and avoid idleness at this critical juncture in your company’s growth.
Choosing the right accelerator or incubator
Incubators and accelerators often provide a support structure for early-stage startups. Founders transitioning from academia often seek assistance in defining the potential commercial viability of their research, so specific programs are often tailored to their unique needs. Founders from academia face unique challenges stemming from higher education and national research institutions. Choosing the right startup program can help young companies navigate the known hurdles of founding. Here’s what you need to know today.
5 ways to ruin your VC pitch and how to avoid it
Whether you’re just staring at a blank slide deck or fine-tuning your pitch, this can’t-miss session will provide you with valuable insights and help you avoid some of the biggest pitfalls. Haje Kamps, TechCrunch’s friendly in-house pitch coach, writes his 75+ pitch deck deconstruction articles on TechCrunch+. He is a source of knowledge in the art of pitching early stage startups to venture capitalists. With Haje’s expertise in analyzing and enhancing pitch decks, this session promises to be a treasure trove of practical advice and strategies.
How to earn money and live
Raising money in the first round is tricky. Especially if you don’t want to look back years from now and regret your terms of service or side letters. In this session, Tom explains how investors think, common pitfalls that may come up later, and how to put your company in the strongest possible position to raise capital. After all, who would want to participate in his game of 2024 fundraising hanger with old information?
Early stage financing: convertible notes, SAFE, series seed financing
Learn from early-stage fractional general counsel about various financing mechanisms for early-stage companies, including convertible notes, simplified agreements for future equity (SAFE), and series seed financing rounds. This session will highlight the pros and cons of these alternatives, demystify standard terms, highlight potential pitfalls to avoid, and suggest key points to consider when negotiating.
TechCrunch Early Stage 2024 will be held in Boston on April 25th. Join other emerging founders and bring your questions, get answers directly from industry experts, and learn the next steps you need to take to build your startup. But if you buy your pass now, you’ll save at the launch price!
Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TechCrunch Early Stage 2024? Contact our sponsorship sales team. Please fill out this form.
