StrictlyVC is making its return to New York City on September 10, 2026, marking the first event in the city since 2024. Hosted at the Ideal Glass Studios in the West Village, this gathering aims to offer startup founders, venture capitalists, and dealmakers an exclusive platform for candid conversations and meaningful networking. Tickets are already available for $180, promising attendees the chance to connect in an environment designed for access and insightful dialogue.

New York City’s startup scene is thriving, as demonstrated by a recent Tech:NYC report that noted over 240 local startups raised a combined $1.13 billion in seed funding during the first half of 2026. This figure shows growth from $1.06 billion in the same period last year, along with a rise in average seed round size from $5.4 million to $6.64 million. In total, investments in New York startups reached nearly $16 billion in the first half of this year, coming close to last year’s full-year total of $19.1 billion and spanning sectors such as AI, healthcare, climate tech, fintech, robotics, and consumer technologies.

The event’s speaker lineup includes notable figures like Craig Shapiro, founder and managing partner of Collaborative Fund, who will discuss the critical role of community in business with TechCrunch editor-in-chief Connie Loizos. Entrepreneur Tristan Walker, founder of Heirloom Craft, will also share insights on evolving leadership styles and brand-building amidst today’s AI-driven market. Additional speakers and session topics are expected to be announced as the event approaches, enhancing the program’s depth.

StrictlyVC events have previously featured leaders such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana, and Sequoia Capital’s Alfred Lin, emphasizing the high caliber of conversation attendees can expect. The event is designed not just for presentations but to foster ongoing discussions, relationships, and opportunities that help define New York’s venture and startup ecosystem. Meanwhile, founders interested in expanding their skills and investor connections can look forward to the upcoming Founder Summit in Boston on November 4, providing workshops and networking geared toward early-stage entrepreneurial success.