Fundraising in 2025 is a radically different landscape from what founders experienced just a few short years ago—and Kristen Craft is determined to help entrepreneurs adapt. As Head of Business Development at Fidelity Private Shares, Craft will share her insights at TechCrunch All Stage on July 15, held at Boston’s SoWa Power Station. Her roundtable session, titled “It’s Not 2021 Anymore: Navigating the 2025 VC Landscape,” aims to equip business leaders with practical strategies suited to the new realities of raising capital.
In today’s rapidly evolving venture environment, founders face rising investor expectations and heightened scrutiny of fundamentals like business models and long-term sustainability. Gone are the days of unchecked growth and loosely defined roadmaps—investors now favor disciplined approaches with clearer paths to scalability and profitability. Craft’s discussion will tackle these changing dynamics head-on, offering meaningful guidance on aligning startup visions and pitch narratives to match investor requirements in this more meticulous funding climate.
Bringing a wealth of direct experience from both founder and operator roles, Craft employs an empathetic approach that clearly reflects her deep understanding of startup challenges. Her current role at Fidelity Private Shares positions her at the intersection between startups and investors, providing expert advice on equity management, fundraising preparation, and market strategies. Her comprehensive expertise spans B2B SaaS, strategic relationship building, and digital marketing, placing her uniquely suited to counsel entrepreneurs charting their growth strategies under contemporary funding constraints.
Beyond core business strategies, Craft emphasizes the importance of fostering inclusive communities and supporting diverse founders. Her session will therefore not only link thoughtful fundraising with practical tools but also encourage entrepreneurs to build networks and sustainable business practices aligned with modern investor expectations.
Whether founders are facing their initial funding rounds or recalibrating strategies for a more conservative investor landscape, Craft’s insights promise a valuable update to fundraising approaches. Her vision is straightforward: adjusting expectations is not enough; businesses need a strategic rethink to attract the right investment. Her All Stage appearance provides founders a rare opportunity to learn from and connect with seasoned experts, adaptable investors, and fellow entrepreneurs determined to scale intelligently in a changed world.
