The New VC Playbook: Sustainable Growth and Valuation Battles in the AI Era

After a two-year hiatus, the epicenter of global tech and venture capital is returning to New York. The upcoming StrictlyVC New York event arrives at a critical juncture, addressing the commoditization of capital, sustainable growth models, and billion-dollar exit strategies amidst the ongoing AI gold rush. Bringing together some of the most influential minds in venture capital, this gathering serves as a bellwether for the next era of technology investing.

From Silicon Valley to the East Coast: Keith Rabois on Capital Discipline and OpenAI

Khosla Ventures partner Keith Rabois, known for his sharp contrarian views, is set to challenge the prevailing consensus on startup funding. Rabois will address the dangerous trend of founders raising excessive capital simply because it is available, advocating instead for capital discipline.

■A deep dive into Khosla Ventures' bold 2019 bet on OpenAI, a $50 million early-stage investment made when the company lacked a clear business model.

■An analysis of the current headwinds facing OpenAI compared to its rapidly scaling rivals.

■The growth trajectories of AI-driven portfolio companies like Ramp and State Affairs.

The Convergence of Physical Craft and AI: Serial Founders Unveil New Ventures

Successful founders who have executed massive exits are pivoting toward business models that blend physical community with AI-enabled production, offering an antidote to digital isolation.

■Tristan Walker, who sold Walker & Company Brands to Procter & Gamble, is back with Heirloom Craft to rebuild American craftsmanship and manufacturing supply chains.

■Brynn Putnam, who sold her connected-fitness startup Mirror to Lululemon for $500 million, will discuss her new venture Board, which merges physical board games with AI-powered creation tools.

When Capital Becomes a Commodity: Insight Partners' Scaling Strategy

Co-managing partner of Insight Partners, Deven Parekh, will pull back the curtain on how the powerhouse firm navigates an environment where asset classes are blurring and mega-funds dominate. The core challenge: how to compete when capital itself is commoditized, yet the upside of massive tech investments has never been higher.

We are witnessing the maturation of the AI investment cycle, moving past the phase of unbridled FOMO. As Keith Rabois rightly emphasizes, the era of raising capital just because you can is drawing to a close. From my perspective as an investor, the winners of this cycle will not be the ones with the largest war chests, but those who can demonstrate capital efficiency and successfully bridge the gap between AI capabilities and tangible, real-world utility.