Fidelity and TechCrunch All Stage: Powering Startup Success with Expert Insights and Actionable Advice

At TechCrunch All Stage, we are proud to showcase our partners not only for their support but also for the invaluable expertise they bring to the conversation. Their sessions deliver front-line insights into the startup ecosystem and are must-attend moments for anyone looking to navigate and thrive in today's dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. We sincerely thank Fidelity, whose support is powering this year's TC All Stage programming. Their commitment to startup success helps fuel the knowledge, inspiration, and actionable insights you'll find onstage and beyond.

Here are some of the highlights from our TC All Stage partners that you won't want to miss on July 15:

10:00 a.m.: Navigating Legal Landmines

Don't miss this essential roundtable at TC All Stage. Whether you're drafting founder agreements, protecting IP, or preparing for your first funding round, the legal foundation of your startup can make or break your future. Join Spencer Ricks and Naomi Smith from Latham & Watkins as they break down the most common (and costly) legal mistakes startups make and how to avoid them. This is your chance to get expert guidance from one of the world's leading startup law firms and walk away with actionable insights to safeguard your business from day one.

10:05 a.m.: Fundraising Mistakes That Will Kill Your Round, and How to Avoid Them

If you're fundraising or planning to, this Scale Stage session is a must. It offers a clear-eyed look at the common missteps that can sink a raise. Dr. Richard Munassi from Tampa Bay Wave will give you real-world examples, strategic insights, and a practical framework to pitch smarter, close faster, and avoid costly errors. Whether you're prepping for your first round or a Series A, this session will help you raise with confidence and get results.

10:45 a.m.: Breakthrough or Burnout: Why Founders Get Stuck (and How to Fix It)

Feeling stuck in your startup journey? Don't miss this powerful Scale Stage session that cuts through the noise to tackle the real reasons startups stall. Led by Jason Kraus and Christopher Dube of Prepare 4 VC, this interactive session delivers actionable frameworks to help you break through burnout, regain focus, and move forward with confidence. Whether you're scaling, fundraising, or navigating tough decisions, this is the clarity and momentum boost every founder needs.

10:50 a.m.: Preparing to Raise: Cap Table Best Practices to Help You Close Fast

If you're gearing up to raise capital, this Foundation Stage session is a must-attend to get the tools to approach fundraising with confidence and clarity. A disorganized cap table or data room can delay your deal or worse, kill it altogether. Join Lynne Zagami, VP of Customer Success at Fidelity Private Shares, as she shares critical insights from the legal, investor, and founder perspectives to help you avoid costly pitfalls. Walk away with clear, actionable strategies to streamline your raise, save on legal fees, and impress investors with a polished, professional approach.

1:55 p.m.: Startup M&A Readiness: How to Be Acquired or Acquire Without Regret

Thinking about an exit or eyeing an acquisition? Don't miss this essential Roundtable at TC All Stage to get the inside track on mastering one of the most high-stakes moments in a startup's journey. Join Dan Hoffman and Stephen Ranere from Latham & Watkins as they break down the M&A process from both sides of the table. From structuring the deal to managing liability, retaining key talent, and ensuring post-deal success, you'll get the legal and strategic playbook every founder should know before entering the M&A arena. If you want to approach your next acquisition or exit with confidence and clarity, this session is for you.

2:05 p.m.: It’s Not 2021 Anymore: Navigating the 2025 VC Landscape

The VC game has changed – are you ready to play smart in 2025? Visit the Foundation Stage to learn how to raise and scale in a tighter, more strategic funding environment. Kristen Craft from Fidelity Private Shares will break down the key shifts founders need to understand – from the rise of AI-driven investing to regional dynamics across major hubs like New York