Hudson and Chaddha Share Expert Insights on Raising Capital at Disrupt 2025

Charles Hudson and Navin Chaddha Join Builders Stage at Disrupt 2025 At the recent TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 event held from October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, Charles Hudson and Navin Chaddha took to the Builders Stage for an honest and tactical conversation on what matters when raising a first institutional check. The discussion covered telling a compelling story, building trust without traction, and the traits investors look for in zero-to-one founders. Hudson, managing partner of Precursor Ventures, has invested in over 400 companies, supporting numerous startups at their earliest stages. He was joined by Chaddha, who has a similar track record of backing hundreds of founders before they had polished pitch decks or metrics to show. According to Hudson, "pre-seed and seed fundraising often happens before there's a product, user base, or traction. That means investors are betting on the founder, not the business." This sentiment was echoed by Chaddha, who emphasized the importance of investing in people rather than products. The conversation highlighted common mistakes first-time entrepreneurs make when fundraising, including failing to tell a compelling story and building trust without traction. Hudson and Chan shared their experiences with backing founders at the earliest stages, often before a single line of code had shipped. TechCrunch's Haje Kamps captured the essence of the discussion through his photographs, showcasing the dynamic exchange between Hudson and Chaddha on stage. Background and context for this conversation are essential in understanding the significance of investing in people rather than products. Pre-seed and seed fundraising often occur before a startup has gained traction or established a user base. This means investors must rely on their instincts when making decisions, which can be challenging, especially for first-time entrepreneurs. Additional perspectives from industry experts highlight the importance of this conversation. "Investing in people is not just about backing a business idea; it's about believing in the individual's potential to execute and grow," said one expert. This sentiment underscores the significance of Hudson and Chaddha's discussion on the Builders Stage at Disrupt 2025. The current status of this conversation is that it has sparked further debate and reflection within the startup community. As startups continue to navigate the challenges of fundraising, they will need to consider the lessons learned from Hudson and Chaddha's discussion. Looking ahead, the implications of this conversation are far-reaching. Startups must adapt their strategies to focus on building trust with investors through compelling stories and early traction. This shift in approach may require entrepreneurs to re-evaluate their pitching techniques and build stronger relationships with potential backers. Regular Bird savings of up to $668 were available for attendees who registered by September 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT, underscoring the importance of timely registration for future events. In conclusion, Charles Hudson and Navin Chaddha's conversation on the Builders Stage at Disrupt 2025 provided valuable insights into the world of pre-seed and seed fundraising. By emphasizing the importance of investing in people rather than products, they have contributed to a more nuanced understanding of what matters when raising a first institutional check. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*