TechCrunch All Stage (formerly known as TechCrunch Early Stage) returned to Boston on July 15, bringing together founders, investors, and industry leaders to share insights into building, scaling and funding startups. Attendees gathered at the SOWA Power Station for a day full of engaging conversations on all things growth, for all stages of business.
cred team members from both sides of our business—speaking and event management—were on-site, and today we’re recapping standout moments, from session content to event organization.
Session Highlights
Photo credit: TechCrunch Disrupt
Event sessions covered topics including building, fundraising, scaling and leadership advice. Some big moments on the agenda:
The New Rules of Growth-Stage Fundraising: How to Win at Raising a Series C & Beyond with Cathy Gao, Partner at Sapphire Ventures
The Operator’s Playbook for Building and Scaling Sustainable Companies with Jon McNeil, Co-Founder and CEO at DVx Ventures
How Company Building is Changing in an AI-enabled World with Jennifer Neundorfer, Co-Founder, Managing Partner January Ventures
What to think about now if you want to IPO someday with Mo Jomaa, Partner at Capital G
So You Think You Can Pitch’s Session with Nathan Poon, Co-founder and CEO of Avol
Event Highlights
Upon arrival guests are greeted by the check-in management staff. A smooth check-in process led by Bizzabo and MCEProf allowed for onsite printing and a virtual coat check system. The onsite printed badges allow guests to scan other attendees QR codes within the Bizzabo app, for quick and simple contact exchanges.
Not only was the atmosphere buzzing with lively conversations with industry leaders, but attendees also benefitted from numerous activations and networking opportunities.
Photo credit: TechCrunch
The event space was organized into four main areas: the Main Event Floor featuring sponsors, booths, and activations; the Scale Stage; the Foundation Stage; and the Roundtable Networking floor. The layout, divided by black pipe and drape, was clear and easy to navigate. On the Main Event Floor, guests networked, met sponsors, engaged with startup leaders, took photos at Jade AI’s booth, or grabbed coffee from one of several espresso bars.
TechCrunch branding was visible throughout the venue—from window decals and booth signage to A-frame signs and a large projection screen above the main floor.
One notable exhibitor was Jade AI, an AI-powered platform combining social media, streaming, and education through immersive storytelling and community engagement. We spoke with founder Wei Zheng, who shared how Jade AI was inspired by his desire to create an immersive video story for his son’s birthday. Finding existing platforms limited in their support for AI, Wei developed Jade AI to embrace the technology and enable creators to tell stories, connect, teach, and monetize more easily.
For refreshments, TechCrunch partnered with three local food trucks offering light lunch options, allowing attendees to refuel while networking.
Thanks for having us, TechCrunch!
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This blog was authored by Caraline Pham and Natalie Azcona
