Hustler Words – The vibrant heart of New York City’s West Village is set to host a pivotal gathering for the technology and venture capital elite as StrictlyVC, Hustler Words’ acclaimed boutique evening series, makes its highly anticipated return on Thursday, September 10. After a two-year hiatus from the Big Apple and a string of successful engagements in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Athens, this event promises an unparalleled lineup of industry titans poised to dissect the future of innovation, investment, and societal impact.
The evening kicks off with a candid conversation featuring the inimitable Keith Rabois. Having recently transitioned his base from Silicon Valley to the East Coast, Rabois continues to be a provocative voice in venture capital. Known for his unfiltered assessments of market trends and investment strategies, he will delve into his rationale behind backing companies like Ramp (four times) and State Affairs, an AI-driven platform leveraging local journalism to track policy data across all 50 states. Attendees can expect his strong opinions on founders raising excessive capital and a deep dive into Khosla Ventures’ audacious $50 million investment in OpenAI back in 2019, a time when the AI powerhouse lacked a clear business model. Rabois will also weigh in on the current narrative surrounding OpenAI’s competitive landscape and perceived challenges.
Following Rabois, the spotlight shifts to the intriguing intersection of sports and business. Craig Shapiro, founder of Collaborative Fund – which is generously co-hosting the evening – will join Jason Levien, CEO of D.C. United. Their discussion promises unique insights into sports organizations as strategic business investments, exploring the increasingly complex interplay between athletics, fan engagement, commercial ventures, and community building.
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The dialogue then turns to the profound implications of artificial intelligence on human endeavor. Tristan Walker, celebrated for selling Walker & Company Brands (maker of Bevel) to Procter & Gamble in 2018, will introduce his latest venture, Heirloom Craft. This startup is dedicated to revitalizing American fine craftsmanship by reshoring production, training a new generation of artisans, and rebuilding crucial supply chains. He will explore how AI’s growing capabilities necessitate a renewed focus on human skill and connection.
Walker will be joined by Brynn Putnam, the visionary behind Mirror, the connected-fitness startup she sold to Lululemon for a staggering $500 million just three years post-launch. Putnam’s newest endeavor, Board, is a game company ingeniously merging physical play with AI-powered creative tools. Conceived as an antidote to the isolation often fostered by modern technology, Board aims to bring people together through collaborative, tangible experiences.
Concluding the stellar lineup is Deven Parekh, a managing partner who has steered Insight Partners, the New York-based investment behemoth, for over 25 years. Insight Partners rarely engages with the press, making Parekh’s appearance a rare opportunity to gain insight into the firm’s strategic thinking. He will illuminate how Insight navigates a financial landscape where traditional asset classes blur and the exponential growth of mega-funds makes capital a commodity, yet the potential returns on massive investments have never been greater. Parekh will address the critical question of how a firm like Insight maintains its competitive edge in such a dynamic environment.
Beyond the insightful fireside chats, the evening offers ample opportunities for networking, complete with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Attendees can connect with industry peers, as well as writers from Hustler Words, including Connie Loizos and Rebecca Bellan, and other media professionals.
Hustler Words extends its profound gratitude to the Collaborative Fund team for their invaluable partnership in making this distinguished event possible. For further details and ticketing information, visit hustlerwords.com. Prepare to immerse yourself in the future of tech and venture capital in the authentic charm of the West Village.
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