TechCrunch All Stage 2025 is set to ignite Boston’s SoWa Power Station on July 15 with a lineup aimed squarely at founders tackling the messy, high-stakes world of early-stage startups. With investor Ellen Chisa of Boldstart Ventures and Prepare 4 VC’s Jason Kraus among the headline speakers, the event promises a tactical deep dive into everything from fundraising strategy to product-market fit.
Designed as a one-day bootcamp for founders, operators, and startup dreamers, TechCrunch All Stage offers a rare opportunity to hear from insiders who’ve built, backed, and guided companies through some of the most uncertain phases of growth. The goal? To arm attendees with practical tools, honest insights, and connections that actually move the needle.
Early-Stage Insight From Boldstart’s Ellen Chisa
Ellen Chisa brings a rare blend of technical fluency and investor savvy to the All Stage lineup. As a partner at Boldstart Ventures, she specializes in enterprise software startups — often backing them before they’re even on most VCs’ radars. Her deep empathy for builders stems from firsthand experience: Chisa co-founded Darklang, a programming language and cloud platform designed to streamline software deployment. Prior to that, she held product leadership roles at Kickstarter and Lola Travel.
Armed with an engineering degree from Olin College and an MBA from Harvard Business School, Chisa now helps technical founders navigate the early chaos of product-market fit, team formation, and GTM strategy. At TechCrunch All Stage, she’ll break down how early-stage founders can position themselves for conviction-level backing and avoid common traps that derail enterprise startups before they scale.
Key Topics From Ellen Chisa’s Session:
- What enterprise investors are really looking for in day-one startups
- How technical founders can better pitch product vision
- Common mistakes in the early stages of scaling enterprise software
- How to stand out in a crowded, fast-moving market
Her session is particularly valuable for first-time founders and technical teams entering startup life with big visions but limited investor exposure.
Jason Kraus: Turning Early-Stage Chaos Into Traction
Also taking the stage is Jason Kraus, founder of Prepare 4 VC, a startup mentor, and author of Venture Forward. Known for helping founders cut through noise and find clarity, Kraus has advised thousands of entrepreneurs globally, guiding them from ideation to pitch perfection.
He also plays key roles in founder-focused communities like Startup Grind Boston, Startup Weekend, and Startup Oasis Network. His Breakthrough Program — a 10-week accelerator for early-stage traction — is just one example of how he converts startup stagnation into momentum.
At all stages, Kraus will focus on giving founders a step-by-step framework to overcome the early hurdles of team building, storytelling, and go-to-market execution. He’ll also unpack strategies for navigating today’s tough fundraising environment with confidence and precision.
Expect Jason Kraus to Cover:
- How to turn startup uncertainty into strategic action
- Crafting an irresistible pitch and validating market assumptions
- Alternate funding strategies beyond traditional VC routes
- How to lead with clarity when nothing feels certain
What Makes TechCrunch All Stage 2025 a Must-Attend Event?
More than just a series of talks, All Stage is a playbook in real-time, offering candid guidance from founders, engineers, and VCs who’ve helped build billion-dollar companies.
Who Should Attend?
- Early-stage founders figuring out their next move
- Product teams pivoting toward a more scalable GTM model
- Technical leaders looking to raise capital or join founder communities
- First-time entrepreneurs navigating startup burnout and financial strain
Why It Matters Now: In a climate where capital is cautious and competition fierce, access to honest startup advice is rare. TechCrunch All Stage offers not just inspiration, but actionable, founder-tested strategies.
Early Bird Tickets Selling Fast
- Founder passes are currently discounted by $210
- Investor passes receive a $200 discount
- Students can attend for just $99
Tickets are limited and moving quickly. Don’t miss your chance to connect with startup builders, get inside knowledge, and learn directly from leaders like Ellen Chisa and Jason Kraus.
🎟️ Buy your ticket now and prepare to scale your startup with clarity, confidence, and community.
User Intent Answer:
If you’re an early-stage founder seeking real-world answers on raising capital, refining your product, or surviving the mental marathon of startup life, TechCrunch All Stage 2025 is built for you. With speakers like Ellen Chisa and Jason Kraus offering tactical advice and battle-tested frameworks, the event delivers the clarity and network you need to grow your business faster — and smarter.
