StrictlyVC, a prominent event series known for its candid discussions among venture capitalists, founders, and dealmakers, is returning to New York City for the first time since 2024. The event, scheduled for September 10, 2026, at Ideal Glass Studios in the West Village, aims to provide an exclusive platform for networking and insights within the thriving New York startup community.
The decision to return to New York comes as the city's startup sector experiences remarkable acceleration. According to a recent Tech:NYC report, New York startups collectively raised a substantial $16 billion in the first half of 2026. This figure nearly equals the $19.1 billion raised across the entirety of 2025, highlighting a significant surge in investment and innovation. Seed funding also saw a notable increase, with over 240 NYC startups securing a combined $1.13 billion in the first six months of this year, up from $1.06 billion in the first half of 2025. The average seed round size also grew from $5.4 million to £6.64 million.
The robust capital flow is distributed across a diverse range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, climate technology, fintech, robotics, and consumer technology. This broad-based growth underscores the city's dynamic and diversified startup ecosystem, making it a compelling hub for venture capital and entrepreneurial activity.
The event's programme will feature insightful sessions designed to spark meaningful conversations. Craig Shapiro, founder and managing partner of Collaborative Fund, will join TechCrunch editor-in-chief and StrictlyVC founder Connie Loizos to discuss "The Business of Belonging," exploring the value of community for companies and investment opportunities at the intersection of technology, fandom, and real-world connections. Following this, Tristan Walker, founder of Heirloom Craft, will share lessons from building influential consumer startups and his evolving approach to leadership and brand-building in the current AI-driven landscape. Additional speakers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
StrictlyVC events are renowned for fostering an environment where introductions evolve into insights, and insights translate into opportunities. Past events have hosted leading figures such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana, among others, reflecting the calibre of speakers and attendees the New York City gathering aims to attract.