With the rise of AI startups, securing seed funding has become increasingly competitive. As a result, pre-seed founders are finding it challenging to secure funding, even with a compelling idea. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, a panel discussion titled ‘Winning Pre-Seed Without a Product’ aims to address this issue and provide guidance to founders.
Source: techcrunch.com
The panel features a trio of experts: Sandhya Venkatachalam, founder and managing partner of Axiom Partners; Puneet Agarwal, managing partner of True Ventures; and Austin Clements, managing partner of Slauson & Co. Each of these experts brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, having worked with numerous successful startups and having a deep understanding of what investors look for in a pre-seed startup.
Source: techcrunch.com
Expert Insights
Sandhya Venkatachalam, a seasoned investor with a track record of successful exits, will share her insights on what investors are looking for in a pre-seed startup. As the founder and managing partner of Axiom Partners, a $52 million venture fund focused on AI, Venkatachalam has a unique perspective on the AI landscape and the types of startups that are likely to succeed.
Source: techcrunch.com
Puneet Agarwal, managing partner of True Ventures, has been a mainstay of the startup community for nearly two decades. With a focus on early-stage companies, Agarwal has a deep understanding of what VCs want and need to see in a pre-seed startup. His expertise will be invaluable for founders looking to secure funding.
Austin Clements, managing partner of Slauson & Co., is particularly focused on economic inclusion and small business empowerment. His work in this area has led to the creation of an accelerator within the firm, which is dedicated to helping underrepresented founders succeed. Clements’ insights on how to broaden the founder community through inclusive efforts will be a highlight of the panel discussion.
Together, these experts will provide a comprehensive guide for pre-seed founders, covering topics such as what investors are looking for, how to build a strong team, and how to create a compelling pitch. The panel discussion will be a valuable resource for founders looking to secure funding and take their startup to the next level.
Disrupt 2026
The ‘Winning Pre-Seed Without a Product’ panel discussion is just one of the many sessions that will take place at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. The event will feature a wide range of topics, from fundraising and go-to-market strategies to operational decisions and more. With a focus on building a community and providing valuable insights and resources, Disrupt 2026 is an event not to be missed.
Whether you’re a founder, investor, or playing any number of other vital roles in the startup ecosystem, Disrupt 2026 is the perfect opportunity to learn from the experts, network with like-minded individuals, and gain valuable insights and resources to help take your startup to the next level.
