TechCrunch All Stage launches in Boston today — don't miss what founders are learning
In Boston and ready to scale your startup faster and more efficiently? There's still time to join the founders and investors driving innovation and building what's next. Grab a pass, dive into the conversations shaping the future of startup growth, and make the connections that move the needle.
Don't miss a moment — secure your ticket at the heart of today's startup action.
We've got a powerhouse lineup of scaling and investing experts ready to deliver hard-hitting insights to an audience that thrives on growth, plus intentional, high-impact networking happening all day long.
Check out the agenda for full session details and explore the speaker page to get to know the experts behind the ideas. Or better yet, join us in person today and experience it all firsthand.
Just getting started on your startup journey? The Foundation Stage is your launchpad, packed with practical skills to help you build and grow from day one.
All the Ways You Don't Realize VCs Are Evaluating Your Company at Pre-SeedCharles Hudson, Founder and Managing Partner, Precursor Ventures
This topic is key for pre-seed founders. VCs often judge based on the team and idea. A mismatched co-founder signals hiring risk, and missteps in fundraising show a lack of prep. Do your homework.
Preparing to Raise: Cap Table Best Practices to Help You Close FastLynne Zagami, Vice President, Customer Success, Fidelity Private Shares; John Andrews, CEO and Co-Founder, Cimulate.ai; Darrell West, Co-Founder and CFO, DepositLink
Raising funds? Make sure your cap table and data room are clean to avoid delays and costly legal fees. This session offers best practices and insights from legal, investor, and founder views.
MVP in the Age of AI: When to Bot and When to NotChris Gardner, Partner, Underscore VC
AI is changing how founders build. Learn how to use it to turbocharge your MVP without letting it take over. Discover where AI shines, where humans are essential, and how to avoid toaster copy.
The TAM Myth: How the Best Startups Reshape MarketsJahanvi Sardana, Partner, Index Ventures
Learn how top startups like Datadog and Airbnb created markets, not just sized them. Jahanvi Sardana of Index Ventures breaks down how to grow TAM and spot trends. A must for future-shaping founders.
It's not 2021 anymore. Understanding the 2025 VC landscapeKristen Craft, Vice President, Business Partner Manager, Fidelity Private Shares; Samara Gordon, General Partner, Hyperplane; John Harthorne, Founder and Managing Director, Two Lanterns; Daniel Acheampong, General Partner, Visible Hands VC
VC in 2025 favors strategic, high-impact deals. Learn how midstage startups can adapt, use regional strengths, embrace AI, and build strong models for growth and successful exits.
Crafting the Perfect VC Pitch: Luck Meets StrategyTiffany Luck, Partner, NEA
Join Tiffany Luck of NEA to learn how to pitch with clarity and impact. Get insider tips on what VCs value, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to tell a story that wins funding.
So You Think You Can Pitch?
Watch three early-stage startups take the spotlight at So You Think You Can Pitch, delivering four-minute pitches and getting real-time feedback from a panel of seasoned investors.
Ready to level up? The Scale Stage offers growth-stage founders actionable insights to take their startups to the next level.
Fundraising Mistakes That Will Kill Your Round, and How to Avoid ThemAlysaa Co, Principal, Bain Capital Ventures; Kamila Khasanova, Founder and CEO, On Top Strategy; Dr. Richard Munassi, Managing Director, Tampa Bay Wave
Raising funding as an early-stage startup is tough. This session reveals key mistakes to avoid and offers actionable tips to help founders optimize fundraising from pre-pitch to close for lasting success.
The New Rules of Growth-Stage Fundraising: How to Win at Raising a Series C & BeyondCathy Gao, Partner, Sapphire Ventures
Growth-stage fundraising is back, fueled by GenAI. Cathy Gao of Sapphire Ventures shares what it takes to raise a strong Series C+ and how to stand out in today's competitive VC landscape.
The Operator's Playbook for Building and Scaling Sustainable CompaniesJon McNeill, CEO and Co-Founder, DVx Ventures
Most startups chase product-market fit but miss scalable go-to-market plans, risking failure. Jon McNeill shows how validating both drives growth, profitability, and impact from day one.
What to Think About Now If You Want to IPO SomedayMo Jomaa, Partner, Capital G
Learn how to build for a public debut from Mo Jomaa of CapitalG. Get insights on metrics growth investors seek, from market to hiring, with advice for IPO readiness—whether near or far.
Tech-Driven Fundraising: Making Financing Rounds Smarter, Faster, and Founder-Friendly Matt Derda, Director, Private Market Product Marketer, Fidelity Private Shares
Raising capital is chaotic for early-stage startups. This roundtable shows how founders, investors, and legal teams can use modern tech to streamline due diligence, data rooms, planning, and post-close tasks.
How to Successfully Build at the Inception StageEllen Chisa, Partner, Boldstart
Ellen Chisa of Boldstart shares key lessons for early startups: how to choose the right capital, run fast experiments, and avoid common pitfalls to learn and grow quickly from day one.
The 2025 VC Playbook: Where the Smart Money Is Going NextRob Biederman, Managing Partner, Asymmetric Capital Partners
Rob Biederman of Asymmetric Capital Partners reveals 2025's VC trends, from hot sectors to deal shifts. Learn what drives investments and how founders can align with today's VC playbook.
How Tech is Leveling The Playing Field So Anyone Can Be an Investor, Not Just the WealthyBrandon Krieg, Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Stash
Brandon Krieg, CEO of Stash, shares how his platform helps 1.3M users build lasting wealth with simple investing. He'll discuss AI in finance coaching and fintech's focus on long-term impact over quick wins.
Founders & Counsel: Reducing Friction, Increasing EfficiencyDerek Fieldhouse, Customer Success Manager, Fidelity Private Shares
Early-stage startups face costly, slow legal counsel. This roundtable explores how founders work with lawyers, what they avoid, and how tech can ease collaboration during funding and beyond.
Thriving with Anxiety: How Startup Founders Can Turn Fear, Pressure, and Self-Doubt into Their Greatest AdvantageDavid H. Rosmarin, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School
Anxiety isn't the enemy of success. Dr. Rosmarin of Harvard shares how founders can turn fear and doubt into focus and drive, leading with authenticity while avoiding burnout.
Navigating Legal Landmines: Essential Legal Considerations for StartupsSpencer Ricks, Partner, and Naomi Smith, Counsel, Latham & Watkins
Spencer Ricks and Naomi Smith map the legal journey for founders—from formation to growth, IP, equity, employment, and fundraising. Get practical tips to build a strong legal foundation for your startup.
Breakthrough or Burnout: Why Founders Get Stuck (and How to Fix It)Jason Kraus, Founder and CEO, and Christopher Dube, Chief Innovation Officer, Prepare 4 VC
Startups fail not from bad ideas but founder struggles. Jason Kraus and Christopher Dube of Prepare 4 VC lead a roundtable on overcoming decision fatigue, burnout, and more with real tools to regain clarity and drive.
AI Transformation for Business Growth: A Practical Roadmap for CompaniesUmair Javed, CEO, tkxel
This roundtable explores how Agentic AI adds cognition to workflows, boosting automation and efficiency. Learn practical steps to start, test, and scale AI, while sharing real experiences. No hype, just clarity.
Winning Capital in a Competitive Market: How to Fund Your AI-Native StartupRick Grinnell, Managing Partner, Glasswing Ventures
This roundtable covers AI-native startups' pitching challenges with investors using old SaaS metrics and how to find investors who truly understand and support AI-driven growth.
Startup M&A Readiness: How to Be Acquired or Acquire Without RegretDan Hoffman, Partner, and Stephen Ranere, Partner, Latham & Watkins
As startups scale, M&A gets real. Daniel Hoffman and Stephen Ranere share legal and strategic tips on due diligence, deal terms, integration, and talent retention for smoother, smarter acquisitions.
From Fundraising to IPO: How to Build a PR & Marketing Engine That Drives GrowthNikki Parker, EVP, Marketing and Communications, Insight Partners
PR and marketing are key to winning investors, customers, and talent. Nikki Parker of Insight Partners shares must-have strategies to craft your story, build your brand, and drive real business impact.
Building Team Intelligence: How Product-Led Innovation Transforms Collaborative Problem-SolvingJeff Chow, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Miro
Founder and exec Jeff Chow shares how to build inclusive, AI-powered tools that boost team communication. Learn what to automate, what to keep human, and how to balance tech with real-world expertise.
The breakout and roundtable sessions are just the beginning. The real magic happens in the Expo Hall, Networking Lounge, and on the Braindate app. Whether you're troubleshooting a product, seeking pitch feedback from a VC, or hoping to connect with a mentor, today's the day to make it happen.
Use Braindate to set up 1:1 or small-group meetings — post your own topic or join one that speaks to you, then meet in person at the Networking Lounge.
And don't forget the happening across Boston through July 17. Hosted by fellow attendees and sponsors, they're designed to keep the momentum going — and the connections coming — long after the main event ends.
It's not too late to join us at TechCrunch All Stage!
Grab your ticket now and join us — and the rest of the startup community — at SoWa Power Station in Boston. The event wraps at 5:00 p.m. ET, so don't miss your chance to join the scaling conversations and leave with practical, strategic advice.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The Rise Of 'Superfakes': Why Ultra-Realistic Designer Knockoffs Are Disrupting The Luxury Industry
Long gone are the days of easily spotted, plasticky fake bags perched atop folding tables on New York City's Canal Street. Instead, the modern counterfeit bag is a near-perfect replica, or "reps," to use the more cloak and dagger term you'll see in the underground market. And Gen Z's shift to replicas could pressure luxury margins long-term, The Wall Street Journal reported recently, detailing the shadowy market of "superfake" handbags. Market Data Shows Gen Z's Reticence to Buy Luxury The luxury sector may be seeing its first revenue pressures as Gen Z pulls back: According to the Journal, data from consulting firm Bain & Co. shows younger consumers spent $5 billion less on luxury in 2023 than the previous year. Don't Miss: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Many are rushing to grab Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — While the data can't definitively identify the cause, the decline suggests one or both factors: budget constraints, or a growing preference for high-quality counterfeits, according to the Journal's analysis. "People are starting to realize how good these fakes are getting" Online communities of replica handbag enthusiasts have been reacting to the article, including lurkers and buyers from the "Repladiesdesigner" subreddit, which was specifically called out by the Journal: "It's crazy how far 'super fakes' have come and they really are just as good as the original in many cases. The difference in price makes it an easy choice for many," one user writes. "I also bought Hermes authentics in [the] past but now I'm buying high tier reps." "It's true that some people are just starting to realize how good these fakes are getting," writes another Repladiesdesigner member. "Honestly, with [the] right seller and the right eye, you can snag a bag that looks better than [the] original." Trending: $100k+ in investable assets? – no cost, no obligation. Customers use resources like the subreddit to find sellers, who then move their business off Reddit and onto encrypted apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. According to the Journal, this direct-to-consumer sales model floods shipping ports with untraceable single packages, making it much easier to evade the traditional method of bulk interception of counterfeit goods at customs. Resellers Going High-Tech to Spot Superfakes Indeed, superfake handbags are so indiscernible from their luxury counterparts that designer goods resellers like The RealReal (NASDAQ:REAL) have adopted forensic-level authentication methods: According to the Journal report, the company is implementing XRF technology to analyze the metal composition of bag hardware and X-ray machines to inspect internal structures. The RealReal Director of Authentication Hunter Thompson tells the Journal that counterfeiters may flawlessly replicate a bag's exterior but often overlook subtle interior details, like the way a nail head is hammered what of the brands themselves? How are they fighting back? According to the Journal, in the case of the largest luxury brand, the answer is: meekly. LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world's largest luxury conglomerate, spent $11 billion on advertising in 2023 but just $45 million on anti-counterfeiting efforts. It may be that fakes are viewed as a foot-in-the-door toward genuine purchases, but the industry should probably wise up to the reality that superfakes are becoming legitimate competitors — and luxury's pricing power may be at risk. Read Next: Here's what Americans think you need to be considered 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? REALREAL (REAL): Free Stock Analysis Report This article The Rise Of 'Superfakes': Why Ultra-Realistic Designer Knockoffs Are Disrupting The Luxury Industry originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Stuart Piltch Establishes National Fund Supporting Veterans Entering Cybersecurity, AI, and Entrepreneurial Education Programs
NEW YORK CITY, NY / / July 20, 2025 / The Stuart Piltch Fund for Veterans is now open for applications for its 2025 cycle, offering a valuable opportunity for U.S. military veterans seeking to advance their education in transformative industries such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and entrepreneurship. Launched by distinguished technology and data science leader Stuart Piltch, this national scholarship initiative reflects his dedication to bridging the gap between military service and innovation-driven careers. The Fund is available to undergraduate veterans across the United States who are either currently enrolled in or planning to enroll in qualifying degree or certification programs. The application process includes several key eligibility requirements. Applicants must provide proof of honorable military service in the U.S. Armed Forces, show enrollment or intent to enroll in a program related to cybersecurity, AI, machine learning, or entrepreneurship, and submit an original essay (up to 750 words) in response to a prompt focused on their future goals, interests in the field, and how they intend to contribute to their industry. The deadline to submit applications is November 15, 2025, with the selected award recipient announced on December 15, 2025. The Fund is not restricted to veterans in any specific state or city, making it accessible to eligible applicants nationwide. Stuart Piltch, the visionary behind the Fund, brings a long-standing track record of innovation and leadership across sectors including national security, healthcare analytics, and insurance strategy. His professional achievements include founding Cambridge Advisory Group, which delivered critical analytics solutions to Fortune 200 companies and government agencies. He later co-founded Certilytics, a cutting-edge platform that blends game theory, chaos theory, and machine learning to revolutionize healthcare data analytics. Beyond his professional work, Stuart Piltch is known for his philanthropic involvement through organizations like the Mildred's Dream Foundation, where he supports education and community initiatives. The creation of the Fund reflects his commitment to service, equity, and building accessible pathways to meaningful careers. "Veterans have a wealth of experience, discipline, and leadership that are incredibly valuable in fast-evolving sectors like technology and entrepreneurship," said Stuart Piltch. "This Fund is about recognizing those strengths and helping veterans gain the education they need to make a long-term impact in these industries." By supporting the academic and professional development of veterans, the Stuart Piltch Fund for Veterans contributes to the growth of a workforce that is not only technically skilled but also deeply mission-driven. It provides recipients with the financial assistance and recognition needed to take the next step in their post-service careers. Veterans interested in applying for the Fund can access full eligibility guidelines and the application form at: Contact Info:Spokesperson: Stuart PiltchOrganization: The Stuart Piltch Fund for VeteransWebsite: apply@ SOURCE: Stuart Piltch Fund View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Resideo Technologies: A Hidden Gem with Strong Execution Capabilities
Business Overview Resideo Technologies (NYSE: REZI) is a global manufacturer and distributor of home comfort, security, and automation products. It was spun off from Honeywell in 2018, inheriting Honeywell's Home and ADI Global Distribution businesses. Resideo's Products & Solutions segment supplies thermostats (under the Honeywell Home brand), smoke/carbon detectors (First Alert/BRK), security sensors, water leak detectors, and related services. Its ADI Global Distribution segment is a leading wholesale distributor of security and low?voltage products to professional installers. In mid?2024, Resideo acquired Snap One (Control4, Triad, etc.) for ~$1.4 billion, adding smart living solutions to its portfolio and expanding the ADI distribution Technologies First Quarter FY2025 Earnings Analysis Resideo reported strong Q1 2025 results, surpassing consensus estimates and management's guidance on both revenue and earnings. Total revenue came in at $1.77 billion, up approximately 19% year-over-year and above the expected $1.72 billion, driven by the Snap One acquisition and increased demand for new products such as HVAC thermostats and alarms. Adjusted EBITDA rose 23% YoY to $168 million, with gross margins improving to 41.4% in the Products segment and 21.6% in ADI, reflecting segment-wise margin expansions of 190 basis points and 360 basis points, respectively. Adjusted EPS stood at $0.63, more than double the consensus forecast of $0.28, representing a 125% earnings surprise. Despite cash usage of $65 million in the quarter, Resideo maintained a solid liquidity position, backed by record free cash flow generation of $444 million in FY2024. In Products & Solutions, Q1 revenue was $649M (+5% YoY, +6% organic) with a gross margin of 41.4% (?1.9%). Volume grew on new Honeywell Home FocusPRO thermostats and BRK/First Alert alarms. Operating profit rose to $136M (21.0% of sales vs 18.1% year-ago). Notably, Resideo launched a connected First Alert smart smoke/CO alarm (compatible with Google Home) during ADI Global Distribution, Q1 revenue was $1,121 mn (+29% YoY, +4% organic). The Snap One acquisition contributed $227 mn of this, while the core ADI business grew modestly on higher volume. ADI's gross margin was 21.6% (up 360 bp), and Adjusted EBITDA $72 mn (6.4% margin). Management reports Snap One integration is ahead of schedule, with synergies ramping. Overall, both segments saw double?digit EBITDA growth and healthy margin improvement. The demand environment for REZI is expected to be steady in 2025. Management has also reaffirmed its guidance for 2025 with continued mid-single-digit organic growth and the Snap One's contribution. In the near term, the company plans further phased price increases to offset any tariffs or cost inflation. Over 98% of P&S product costs in Mexico are already tariff-exempt, and management expects to mitigate remaining tariff impacts through pricing actions. Furthermore, the Snap One unit continues to integrate into ADI, broadening the pro-audio/video portfolio. ADI's e-commerce channel and exclusive brand lines are expanding rapidly (Q1 e-commerce +15% organic). Combined organic ADI sales grew ~7% (daily) in Q1, indicating strength ahead. Resideo is also rolling out new offerings to capture demand. Its Honeywell Home FocusPRO thermostat line (launched late 2024) has driven HVAC distributor orders. The new First Alert smart alarm (Q1 2025) addresses the expiring Nest Protect platform. A continued cadence of product launches is planned, especially energy-saving thermostats (e.g., a new S200 smart model with ENERGY STAR). Even though the current housing/consumer conditions are volatile, I believe the replacement demand for home safety/comfort products should support organic growth. The company is well-positioned if the consumer demand tightens with its inventory discipline and cost control measures. Over the long term, Resideo should deliver sustained, profitable growth in the smart-home and building controls markets by leveraging its diversified business model, strong brand portfolio, and expanding product lineup. The company is well-positioned to benefit from structural tailwinds in connected home technologies, including increased adoption of IoT thermostats, security systems, smoke detectors, and water monitoring devices. With nearly half of U.S. households now embracing smart home devices, Resideo's offerings in energy management, safety, air quality, and security provide a solid platform for growth. While primarily a hardware-centric business, recurring revenue streams are supported by its extensive professional installer network (ADI) and trusted Honeywell Home brand, further enhanced by Snap One's subscription-based services such as smart video and home automation systems. The company should achieve its long-term margin expansion target through operational scale, improved product mix, and cost efficiencies. In Q4 2024, the Products & Solutions segment gross margin reached 41.0%, up 240 basis points year-over-year, with expectations of continued improvement as ADI benefits from Snap One's higher-margin offerings and growing e-commerce penetration. The company also maintains a robust innovation pipeline, demonstrated by the successful launch of its next-generation Honeywell Home thermostats in 2024, and plans to expand into advanced HVAC controls, safety devices, and water-sensing technologies. While macroeconomic headwinds and competition from DIY players like Google Nest, Amazon Ring, and Apple HomeKit pose risks, Resideo's emphasis on professional channels and its dual structure of manufacturing and distribution provide resilience. Management remains confident that the Snap One acquisition, coupled with a disciplined innovation and margin strategy, will support long-term value creation and profitable growth. Resideo's Total Addressable Market (TAM) According to industry estimates, the global smart home market is expected to exceed $170 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of over 10%. The smart security segment is projected to grow at a high single-digit pace, driven by increasing demand for connected thermostats, smoke detectors, and video surveillance systems. Resideo, through its Honeywell Home and First Alert brands, already enjoys strong installer trust and widespread distribution, with Honeywell thermostats having near-universal penetration in the U.S. HVAC installer channel. This positions the company favorably to capitalize on the expanding TAM, especially when integrating bolt-on acquisitions like Snap One, which can achieve outsized market access via Resideo's established dealer Investor Movements Institutional investor activity in the first quarter of 2025 signals growing confidence in Resideo Technologies' long-term prospects. Notably, renowned investor Ken Fisher (Trades, Portfolio) increased his stake in the company by 15%, reflecting his conviction in Resideo's growth trajectory and operational execution. Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss made a particularly strong statement of confidence with a substantial 149% increase in their holdings, indicating a bullish view on the company's valuation and strategic positioning following its Snap One acquisition. Additionally, respected value investor John Rogers (Trades, Portfolio) raised his stake by 5%, reinforcing optimism around Resideo's margin expansion potential and smart home market exposure. Valuation & Comparison With Peers Resideo's valuation is moderate by many measures. On a forward P/E basis (earnings in 2025), REZI trades around 1012x. This exceeds its 5?year historical average of 8x, reflecting the recent sharp rise in stock price. On an EV/EBITDA basis, Resideo's current multiple is only ~6x, well below its 5?year average (~9.8x), thanks to rapid EBITDA growth. Comparatively, Resideo's peers span a wide range: leading security/smart-home players often trade at higher multiples. For example, ADT Inc. (security systems) has a forward P/E around 9.9x (similar to Resideo), whereas (smart home SaaS) trades near 25x. Larger building controls firms like Johnson Controls or Carrier Global are in the mid?20s P/E. Resideo's EV/EBITDA (~6) is similar to ADT's (~6) but far below (~13) and many industrial peers (~1520). In short, REZI appears reasonably priced for its growth: cheaper than high?growth tech peers but richer than very defensive names. The discrepancy between P/E and EV/EBITDA reflects one-time items: Resideo's GAAP earnings were depressed by non-cash tariff reimbursements, inflating P/E. Using non-GAAP EBITDA or cash flow, Resideo looks inexpensive. Resideo's recent results demonstrate solid execution. The company delivered double?digit revenue growth and margin expansion in Q1 2025, handily beating analyst estimates. Management's confidence (reiterated guidance, strong cash flow targets) suggests the business is on track. With Snap One integration ahead of schedule and new products coming to market, Resideo appears poised to sustain growth in both segments. From a financial perspective, Resideo trades at modest multiples relative to peers, especially on an EV/EBITDA basis. If Resideo fulfills its outlook, this could imply further upside for the stock. However, risks remain in a cyclical housing market and from one-time accounting items (which have distorted current earnings). Overall, Resideo is executing a clear strategy of margin improvement and innovation, and its balanced valuations make it a name of interest in the home security and controls sector. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
