TechCrunch has revealed the agenda for its upcoming Founder Summit, scheduled for November 4 at Boston’s SoWa Power Station. The event aims to provide startup founders with practical guidance on key challenges such as fundraising, hiring, AI strategy, and scaling.
The agenda includes sessions led by industry veterans and investors. Brian Devaney, partner at Underscore, will discuss the evolving landscape of fundraising, highlighting what investors currently seek and common pitfalls founders face. Brian Halligan, HubSpot co-founder and Sequoia partner, will share insights on how CEOs must adapt their leadership as their companies grow.
A notable session by Lior Div, CEO of 7AI, will focus on building AI-native companies, emphasizing how integrating AI at the core of a startup differs from simply adding AI features. Vineet Edupuganti, CEO of Cogent Security, will address the importance of selecting the right investors beyond just capital considerations.
TDK Ventures’ Tina Tosukhowong will present a framework for identifying category-defining startups, using real-world examples to illustrate how timing, talent, and technology converge to create market leaders. Melissa Taunton, partner at NEA, will cover early hiring strategies critical to shaping company culture and execution.
Chase Garbarino, CEO of HqO, will share his experience building a successful Boston-based startup, offering perspectives for founders outside traditional tech hubs. Kent Bennett from Bessemer Venture Partners will explore how to recognize genuine product-market fit before scaling.
Beyond the sessions, the summit provides networking opportunities for founders to connect with peers and investors, fostering community and ongoing support. TechCrunch positions the Founder Summit as a concentrated learning and networking experience designed to accelerate startup success and reduce trial-and-error in early company building.