If you’re considering a Series A round in the coming 12 to 24 months, the guidelines you believe you’re following might already be obsolete.

Series A has become not only more challenging — it’s also slower, more discerning, and increasingly harsh. The expectations have evolved, and numerous founders are still adapting to a marketplace that no longer exists.

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, scheduled for October 13-15 at San Francisco’s Moscone West, there’s a session on the Builders Stage that addresses this very gap, hosted by some of the VCs shaping the future funding trends: The Series A in 2027.

This isn’t a look back at the past. It’s an anticipatory analysis of what it will really take to secure funding in the upcoming cycle and who may be left behind. Obtain your passes to Disrupt and attend this session live. This deal to buy one, get one at 50% off expires tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Stay ahead of Series A transformations

The gap between development and fundraising has widened. Metrics that used to denote preparedness are now under scrutiny. Teams that were viable candidates for funding two years ago are being overlooked. Often, founders are unaware of this until they’re already entering the market.

This session aims to address this before it impacts your time, leverage, or funding round.

What “fundable” means today

The meaning of a “fundable” firm is being redefined in real-time. During this session, you’ll gain insights into how leading investors are adjusting:

• What traction really signifies readiness, and what no longer applies

• How expectations surrounding growth, efficiency, and funding have evolved

• Which product and GTM benchmarks are crucial leading up to a funding round

• How AI is raising standards and where it’s misleading signals

This is actionable information you can apply immediately. It uncovers how decisions are currently being executed and the manner they’ll be made when you prepare to raise. Secure your ticket to Disrupt to discover what it requires (today) to raise funds.

Who you’ll hear from during the session

This Builders Stage session convenes investors who are actively determining the future funding landscape — not just reflecting on the previous one.

Nina Achadjian, Partner at Index Ventures

Nina Achadjian invests from seed to growth stages in AI, robotics, and specialized SaaS. She collaborates closely with firms such as Anthropic, Gong, and ServiceTitan, bringing operational insights from Google and early-stage investment acumen.

Janelle Teng Wade, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners

Janelle Teng Wade emphasizes early-stage AI/ML, data infrastructure, and developer platforms. She co-authors Bessemer’s widely cited State of the Cloud Report and assists in shaping their frameworks for achieving $100 million+ in revenue.

Shailendra Singh, Managing Director, Peak XV

Shailendra Singh has been part of a firm that has supported over 500 companies and distinguished leaders like CRED, Pine Labs, and Druva. The firm’s portfolio has led to more than 30 IPOs and numerous companies with $100 million+ in revenue.

These investors are defining what the upcoming generation of venture-backed companies should embody — through their funding choices, the infrastructures they create, and the principles they implement. Register for Disrupt to participate in this session along with 250+ others.

What you’ll gain from this session

The aim of this session is straightforward: clarity. You’ll leave with an enhanced comprehension of:

• Which metrics you should actually focus on building.

• How to arrange your team before pursuing a raise.

• What signals investors are valuing — and what they’re ignoring.

• How to present your company effectively within a more discerning market.

Equally important, you’ll discover what to cease focusing on. In this current environment, performing the wrong tasks proficiently is counterproductive; it puts you at a disadvantage. Purchase your pass to Disrupt before prices rise.

Where this fits within Disrupt

This session is part of the Builders Stage programming at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where the emphasis is on execution, not theoretical concepts. This is the place where founders come to validate their strategies, revisit their assumptions, and receive actionable responses.

If you’re thinking about fundraising within the next one to two years, this isn’t optional. Miscalculating here could mean missing out on fundraising opportunities, or having to raise later with diminished leverage under increased pressure. Getting it right can help you stand out from the crowd — even before you begin pitching.

That’s the impact this session is intended to generate. Register now to enjoy 50% off on two passes and attend the Series A in 2027.

Acquire your Disrupt ticket for real-time Series A insights

The Series A landscape is evolving faster than many founders are prepared to adjust. You can discover this midway through your process — or you could grasp it prior to your start.

Save $410 on your ticket and receive a second ticket at half price. This offer concludes tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT. Participate in this session plus 250+ others spanning all Disrupt categories for three days filled with practical fundraising and tech insights.