Funding Trends for Early Stage Founders in 2025 (Crunchbase, VC Panel, & Pitch)
AGENDA
5:30 - 6:00 PM: Networking snacks and drinks
6:00 - 6:20 PM: Introductions
6:20 - 6:50 PM: Crunchbase Funding Trends by Jeanie Fang
6:50 - 7:00 PM: Break
7:00 - 7:50 PM: Panel Discussion: Latest Industry Trends for 2025
7:50 - 8:00 PM: Q&A
8:00 - 8:30 PM: Rapid Fire: 1-2-Minute Pitches
8:30 - 9:00 PM: Networking
Event Description
Curious about the funding landscape in 2025? Join us for an evening packed with actionable insights, inspiring conversations, and networking opportunities.
Start with an exclusive presentation from Jeanie Fang, Director of Data Management and AI at Crunchbase, sharing the latest funding trends. Then, dive into a lively panel discussion where top venture capitalists will discuss the trends shaping the future of startups, from industry hotspots to innovative funding models and economic shifts.
We also celebrate the first cohort of Funding Breakthrough Lab pre-accelerator starting February 18th! Come network with some of our speakers and mentors!
Apply https://fundingbreakthroughlab.org by Feb 8, late applications still open.
Please come on time! It will be a packed event and we will start according to schedule.
Panel Topics Include:
Emerging Industry Trends: What sectors VCs are betting on and why.
Innovative Funding Models: Crowdfunding, rolling funds, and new approaches disrupting traditional fundraising.
Economic Impact: How global trends are shaping valuations and deal flow.
Early-Stage Challenges: Hurdles founders face and strategies to overcome them.
Adapting to Change: Practical advice for aligning with shifting investor priorities.
Wrap up with rapid-fire 2-minute pitches from innovative founders and cap the evening with informal networking to connect with peers, panelists, and investors.
SPEAKER
Jeanie Fang
Director of Data Management, Crunchbase
Jeanie leads the talented team responsible for all the data you see in the Crunchbase product. Crunchbase is pioneering the use of Generative AI to enhance user experiences and unlock deeper insights.
PANELISTS
Megan Thorp
General Partner, Ignite Fund of Funds
Megan focuses on early-stage venture capital investments in AI-driven tech across Enterprise, Healthcare, and Cybersecurity. With 15+ years in financial services and venture capital, she specializes in alternative investment strategies and portfolio diversification.
Sophie L
Founding Partner, Republic Ventures
An entrepreneur turned fund manager, Sophie founded Oyster Ventures as a solo GP in 2017, scaling it to Fund III with a ‘picks and shovels’ thesis for private asset investing—a nod to the fintech gold rush. Rebranded to Republic Ventures in 2024, focusing on democratizing private assets, data and energy.
Katie Kobetsky (Powers)
Director of Product Strategy & Operations Wefunder
Katie Kobetsky is an entrepreneurial operator with 8 years of experience scaling marketplace startups through strategic operations, product-led growth, and customer success. As an early team member at Wefunder, she has played a pivotal role in driving the platform’s success, helping facilitate over $758M in GMV for startups.
Niamh O'Donnell
Director of Programs, Unusual Ventures
Entrepreneurial and dynamic venture capital professional with experience across 4 funds and an MSc from The University of Notre Dame. Currently, Niamh serves as the Director of Programs at Unusual Ventures, a leading early-stage venture capital firm managing over $1B. We lead early-stage investments in Data Infrastructure, AI, Developer Tools, Vertical SaaS, and FinTech, with typical check sizes ranging from $5M to $15M. Our portfolio includes innovative companies such as Arctic Wolf Networks, Carta, CO2 AI, Robinhood, Harness, Hallow, Qdrant, Relyance.ai, Traceable, and Vivun.
MODERATOR
Natalie Pan
Founder, Not Too Crazy and Funding Breakthrough Lab
A former engineering manager turned coach and community builder, Natalie is passionate about supporting women in tech, startups, and wellness. She founded Funding Breakthrough Lab, a nonprofit, no-equity pre-accelerator that helps early-stage founders navigate fundraising.
PITCHES
Interested in pitching your startup? Apply when you sign up to secure your 2-minute spotlight during the event!
Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights, make connections, and be part of the conversations shaping the future of venture capital and startups.
Non-Profit
The Funding Breakthrough Lab is a nonprofit and it will obtain its 501(c)(3) status early this year. Our mission is to provide education that fosters diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, empowering individuals and communities to thrive.