StrictlyVC returns to New York to mark $16 billion in H1 startup capital
New York startups raised $16 billion in the first half of 2026, nearly matching the full-year total of 2025, as the conference prepares to host industry leaders including Craig Shapiro and Connie Loizos.
StrictlyVC is returning to New York City on September 10 for its first event in the city since 2024, marking a significant moment for the local venture capital and startup ecosystem. The gathering will take place at Ideal Glass Studios in the West Village, with general admission tickets priced at $180. The event aims to celebrate the city’s accelerating startup engine, which has demonstrated substantial capital formation in recent months.
Data from a recent Tech:NYC report indicates that New York startups raised $16 billion in the first half of 2026. This figure nearly matches the $19.1 billion raised across all of 2025, underscoring the resilience and growth of the local market. The capital distribution spans multiple sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, climate technology, fintech, robotics, and consumer tech.
Seed-stage activity has also seen notable increases. More than 240 New York startups raised a combined $1.13 billion in seed funding during the first half of 2026, an increase from the $1.06 billion recorded in the same period of 2025. The average seed round size climbed from $5.4 million in H1 2025 to $6.64 million in H1 2026, reflecting a maturing early-stage investment environment.
The opening session, titled “The Business of Belonging,” will feature Craig Shapiro, founder and managing partner of Collaborative Fund, alongside Connie Loizos, editor-in-chief of TechCrunch and founder of StrictlyVC. Their discussion will explore the role of community as a strategic asset and examine where investors are identifying opportunities at the intersection of technology and real-world connection.
Following the opening session, Tristan Walker, founder of Heirloom Craft, will present on the topic of reinvention. Walker will discuss his transition from previous consumer ventures to his new enterprise, detailing how his approach to leadership and brand-building has evolved within the current AI-driven landscape.
StrictlyVC has previously hosted high-profile figures such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana, and Sequoia Capital’s Alfred Lin. The event continues its focus on providing access to the startup and dealmaking communities through candid dialogue and networking.
In addition to the New York event, StrictlyVC’s Founder Summit is scheduled for Boston on November 4. The summit will offer workshops and networking opportunities focused on pitch meetings, fundraising, financial management, and team recruitment for founders.
