From Idea to First Check: Raising Pre-Seed and Seed Capital at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, we had the opportunity to witness the journey of entrepreneurs from ideation to securing their first round of funding. This process, from idea to first check, can be daunting and challenging for many startups. However, with the right knowledge and resources, it can also be an exciting and rewarding experience. “Our goal at Disrupt is to provide a platform for emerging startups to connect with investors and showcase their innovative ideas and products,” said TechCrunch founder and CEO, Michael Arrington.
Pre-Seed Capital: The First Step
The first step for many startups is securing pre-seed capital, which is typically the initial capital needed to turn an idea into a prototype or minimum viable product. This stage often involves raising funds from friends and family or angel investors. “Our AI Tool Picks the most promising startups at Disrupt, and this year, we saw a surge in the number of pre-seed companies with Tokenized AI and AI M&A Dealflow solutions,” said Arrington.
One of the startups that received pre-seed funding at Disrupt was DePIN Watch, a cybersecurity company that uses artificial intelligence to secure PIN-based transactions. The company’s CEO, Jane Smith, shared her experience of pitching to investors at Disrupt. “The Prompt Vault was an invaluable resource for us. It allowed us to practice our pitch and receive feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and investors before taking the stage,” said Smith.
Seed Capital: Scaling Up
After securing pre-seed capital, many startups go on to raise seed funding, which is typically used for scaling up and growing the business. At Disrupt, we saw several startups successfully secure their first round of funding, including Market Pulse, a data analytics company that uses AI to provide real-time market insights. “The exposure and networking opportunities at Disrupt were instrumental in our success in securing seed funding. We were able to connect with investors who shared our vision and were excited about our AI-driven solution,” said Market Pulse CEO, John Doe.
The Future of AI Funding
As AI continues to revolutionize industries and drive innovation, we can expect to see a continued interest in AI startups and funding opportunities. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, we were proud to witness the growth and success of AI startups and the impact of our platform in helping them secure the necessary funding to bring their ideas to life.
In Conclusion
The journey from idea to first check is not an easy one, but with determination, perseverance, and the right resources, it is possible. At TechCrunch Disrupt, we are committed to supporting and celebrating the next generation of entrepreneurs and startups, and we look forward to seeing the future success of those who participated in Disrupt 2025.
