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At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025<\/strong><\/a>, happening October 27\u201329 at Moscone West in San Francisco, a candid conversation is coming to the Builder Stage<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 one that unpacks what startup funding looks like beyond the venture capital echo chamber.<\/p>\n Founders today have more capital paths than ever. But how do you navigate them \u2014 and know which one actually supports your growth? In this session, hear from Erik Allebest, the CEO and co-founder of chess.com<\/a>; Gale Wilkinson, the founder and Managing Partner at VITALIZE<\/a>; and Kay Makishi, Vice President at Lupoff\/Stevens Family Office<\/a>. Each brings a different perspective on how to raise money without giving up your vision or your cap table.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re bootstrapping, tapping family offices, or building through angel networks, this discussion breaks down what\u2019s working now, what to avoid, and how to choose the approach that fits your goals.<\/p>\n Erik Allebest<\/a> turned a college passion into Chess.com, now the leading platform for players and learners with over 165 million users. Built without chasing venture capital, it\u2019s a bootstrapped success story in a league of its own.<\/p>\n Gale Wilkinson<\/a> has made 50 personal angel investments and led $80M+ in early-stage funding across 150 startups. She\u2019s a WorkTech expert, a champion for diversity in venture, and a go-to voice for founders who want capital that shares their values.<\/p>\n Kay Makishi<\/a> brings a cross-border lens as a key investor at a New York-based family office. With experience spanning U.S. and Japanese markets, she offers rare insight into how high-net-worth individuals and families back startups for impact, not just returns.<\/p>\n There\u2019s more than one way to get to your next round. Don\u2019t miss this session<\/strong><\/a> that shows how founders are funding differently \u2014 and winning. Grab your pass<\/strong><\/a> to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 today to save up to $675 in ticket savings, and be in the room with 10,000+ startup and VC leaders.<\/p>\nFunding routes that don\u2019t start in the Valley<\/h2>\n
Meet the speakers carving out new funding lanes<\/h2>\n
Skip the status quo and fund smarter<\/h2>\n