The NYC startup scene is flooded with fundraising advice, but what do top-tier VCs actually want to see? How do you move from a promising idea to a defensible business in a market that demands more than just a good story?

Join Startup Grind for a no-fluff fireside chat with Katie Weiss, Principal at ff Venture Capital, one of the city’s best-performing seed and early-stage VC firms since 2008.

With ffVC’s sharp focus on AI, Manufacturing, and Robotics, as well as a track record of portfolio companies advancing to Series B at 5x the industry average, Katie brings a rare, operator-first perspective to venture.

Drawing on her experience building programs at Salesforce and managing ffVC’s innovative “AIPS” (AI Point Solutions) program, this conversation goes beyond the pitch to focus on the playbook for building a real, scalable business.

This Event is For You If:

• You’re an early-stage founder preparing to raise your seed round and need to cut through the noise with a clear, compelling strategy.
• You’ve built a promising MVP with no-code or low-code tools and are now facing the challenge of building a production-grade, scalable product.
• You’re a startup employee, PM, or engineer who wants to understand the VC mindset to better contribute to your company’s growth and fundraising efforts.

Key Takeaways: What You’ll Learn

• The 90-Second Test: Learn what VCs look for in the first 30-90 seconds of a deck review and how to structure your problem-solution slides for immediate impact.
• Go-To-Market for Hard Tech: Get specific GTM insights for startups in ffVC’s focus areas of AI, Manufacturing, Energy, and Robotics.
• Operational AI: Discover how to leverage AI within your company’s operations—not just in your product—to build a more efficient and defensible business.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Hear the most frequent (and avoidable) pitfalls in founder outreach, valuation, and timing that lead to a quick ‘no’ from investors.

Your ticket includes drinks, food, and direct access to an evening of practical advice on building your business. You’ll also meet dozens of other high-performing entrepreneurs who are creating their next big thing. Seriously, it’s some of the best founder networking in the city.

Space is limited. Secure your spot and get ready to refine your playbook.

Getting a ticket guarantees admission. No waitlisting.