News Summary

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, happening from October 27-29 in San Francisco, a critical discussion will take place, highlighting how founders are navigating funding outside traditional venture capital channels. The session will feature Erik Allebest, CEO and co-founder of Chess.com; Gale Wilkinson, founder and managing partner at VITALIZE; and Kay Makishi, vice president at Lupoff/Stevens Family Office. These leaders will share insights on diverse funding paths, including bootstrapping, family offices, and angel networks, emphasizing approaches that maintain founders’ visions and cap tables. Allebest’s Chess.com exemplifies bootstrapped success, boasting over 165 million users. Wilkinson’s extensive investment background and advocacy for diversity in venture capital offer valuable perspectives, while Makishi brings expertise in cross-border investment, particularly in U.S. and Japanese markets. This session aims to empower founders with strategies to secure capital that aligns with their values and goals.