Investors Share Unfiltered Insights on Series A Funding at Disrupt 2025

Inside the Series A Mindset: Unfiltered Insights from the Investors Who Know It's a chilly San Francisco morning in October 2025, and the Moscone West convention center is buzzing with excitement. The air is electric as entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders gather for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Amidst the chaos, a panel of seasoned venture capitalists takes the stage to share their unvarnished views on landing a Series A investment in today's market. Katie Stanton, Thomas Krane, and Sangeen Zeb – the trio behind Moxxie Ventures, Insight Partners, and GV respectively – are about to spill the beans on what really matters when it comes to securing that coveted funding. As we take our seats in the packed Builders Stage session, it's clear that these investors have seen it all. With thousands of pitches under their belts, they've helped steer startups from humble beginnings to breakout scale. Their collective experience is a treasure trove of insights for entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the treacherous waters of Series A fundraising. Katie Stanton, co-founder and managing partner at Moxxie Ventures, sets the tone with her infectious enthusiasm. "We're not just looking for companies that can grow – we want to back founders who are willing to take risks and push boundaries." With a background that spans Twitter, the Obama White House, and backing 100 early-stage companies, including Airtable, Calm, and Carta, Stanton's conviction is palpable. Thomas Krane, managing director at Insight Partners, chimes in with his expertise on scalable traction. "We're not just looking for growth; we want to see a clear path to profitability." With major software and cybersecurity names like JFrog and SentinelOne under his belt, Krane knows what it takes to identify companies that can scale. Sangeen Zeb, general partner at GV, brings her unique perspective on enterprise and AI startups. "We're not just investing in companies – we're backing founders who are changing the game." With a focus on serving on boards for Vercel and Harvey, while leading investments in some of tech's most talked-about growth stories, Zeb's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs is evident. As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that these investors have a keen eye for spotting "rocket ships" – companies with the potential to disrupt entire markets. But what sets them apart? What metrics matter most when evaluating a startup's Series A prospects? According to Stanton, growth rate and user acquisition costs are crucial. "We want to see companies that can scale quickly without breaking the bank." Krane concurs, emphasizing the importance of profitability. "If you're not generating revenue, you're not going anywhere." Zeb adds her perspective on the role of AI in identifying scalable traction. "We use data analytics to identify patterns and trends that indicate a company's potential for growth." But what about the human element? How do these investors assess the founder's vision and leadership? The answer lies in the way they tell their growth story. Stanton emphasizes the importance of authenticity. "We want to see founders who are passionate, driven, and willing to take risks." Krane agrees, highlighting the need for a clear plan. "We want to understand how you're going to achieve your goals." As the session comes to a close, it's clear that these investors have a unique perspective on what makes a startup successful. They've seen thousands of pitches, led major rounds, and helped steer companies from scrappy beginnings to breakout scale. For entrepreneurs seeking to raise their Series A in 2026, this panel offers a rare, hands-on look at the mindset of the investors who matter most. By understanding what really matters – growth rate, profitability, scalability, and founder vision – startups can navigate today's market with confidence. As we leave the Moscone West convention center, it's clear that these insights will resonate far beyond the walls of this conference hall. For in the world of Series A fundraising, there are no secrets – only a deep understanding of what drives growth, scalability, and innovation. *Based on reporting by Techcrunch.*