StrictlyVC Returns to New York with Keith Rabois and AI Leaders

The event kicks off with Keith Rabois, the prominent venture capitalist who recently relocated from Silicon Valley. Rabois is expected to address his provocative stance on capital efficiency, specifically criticizing founders who over-raise funds without clear necessity. He will also discuss his role in Khosla Ventures’ early $50 million investment in OpenAI and the current competitive pressures facing the AI giant.

Following the opening session, the program shifts toward the intersection of commerce and community. Collaborative Fund’s Craig Shapiro will join D.C. United CEO Jason Levien to explore how sports organizations function as modern business investments. The conversation will then pivot to the impact of artificial intelligence on labor and social connection. Tristan Walker, founder of Heirloom Craft, will discuss his mission to reshore American artisanal manufacturing, while Brynn Putnam, who sold Mirror to Lululemon for $500 million, will introduce her latest venture, Board, which seeks to integrate physical play with AI-powered tools.

The evening concludes with a rare appearance by Deven Parekh, who has co-managed the New York powerhouse Insight Partners for over 25 years. Parekh will offer insight into how the firm navigates a market where capital has become increasingly commoditized and the scale of potential returns has grown exponentially. TechCrunch writers, including Connie Loizos and Rebecca Bellan, will be in attendance for the networking sessions.