At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 , happening October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, a candid conversation is coming to the Builder Stage — one that unpacks what startup funding looks like beyond the venture capital echo chamber.

Funding routes that don’t start in the Valley

Founders today have more capital paths than ever. But how do you navigate them — and know which one actually supports your growth? In this session, hear from Erik Allebest, the CEO and co-founder of Chess.com ; Gale Wilkinson, the founder and managing partner at VITALIZE ; and Kay Makishi, vice president at Lupoff/Stevens Family Office . Each brings a different perspective on how to raise money without giving up your vision or your cap table.

Whether you’re bootstrapping, tapping family offices, or b

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