Startups, Exit Options, and the Ever‑Changing Tune of Uncertainty
Ever felt like you’re juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle? That’s the vibe most founders get these days. With exits popping up like pop‑ups in an online store, it’s harder than ever to decide when—and how—to jump in.
The Big Bang: Going Public Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
We’re throwing a massive conversation‑party at the Moscone West Event Center in San Francisco from October 27‑29. If your cup of coffee is already brewed for a big liquidity event, or if you’re in the middle of scaling and wondering “when?”—this is the place to lock eyes with the real deal.
What You’ll Get:
- Inside Scoop – What the hottest VCs are actually looking for (spoiler: it’s not just your pitch deck).
- Actionable Playbook – Concrete steps to prep your company for the long game, regardless of the exit path you choose.
- Live Q&A – Get your burning questions answered right on the spot by industry gurus.
Speakers Who Know How to Make the Move
Two of the biggest names in venture capital are ready to spill their wisdom:
- Roseanne Wincek – Renegade Partners’ own “exit whisperer,” who will walk you through the tough call of timing your move and staying ready for the big moment.
- Jai Das – Sapphire Ventures’ strategist, who will decode the decision process and help you align your company’s rhythm with investor expectations.
Takeaway
Whether you’re eyeing a huge exit or just building momentum, this stage is designed to cut the mystery around exits and replace it with clear, practical guidance. Mark your calendar, bring your questions, and let us demystify the exit journey together. See you in San Francisco!
Why this session belongs on your calendar
Exit Playbook: Why Fundraising Can’t Be a Side Quest
Money, regs, and investor vibes: the new reality for founders
Forget the old “just keep pushing” mantra.
Capital markets are colder, regulators are tighter, and investors now expect you to have a concrete exit strategy.
If you’re not planning ahead, you’ll be left scrambling when the time comes.
Timing: The “When” Is as Crucial as the “What”
Founders must line up their exit decisions with the right market rhythm.
- Build the tech soundly. Your product should be rock‑solid long before the boardroom visit.
- Watch the funding curve. A dip in venture cash flow often signals that the next exit is near.
- Align with macro trends. If AI or sustainability is booming, timing your exit with that wave can boost valuation.
Market Signals: The Watchdog for Exit Readiness
Stay on the nitty‑gritty of the industry to know when an exit makes sense.
- Acquirer activity. If industry peers are selling, or if big players are leaning toward M&A, you may want to act.
- Comparable valuations. Track IPO multiples in your arena to set realistic price targets.
- Regulatory shifts. New laws can open or close exit routes—so guard your legal radar.
Build for Optionality: Making Your Company a Flex‑Pack
Structure matters. You want a framework that lets you pivot between IPOs, acquisitions, or silent growth.
- Share classes. Different shares for early vs. later investors create tax win possibilities.
- Clear equity plan. Offer a simple, transparent compensation scheme so the board sees you’re not a financial hazard.
- Modular corporate structure. Use subsidiaries or special purpose vehicles (SPVs) to keep the core attractive for buyers.
Option A: Going Public
IPO isn’t just a headline; it’s a carefully orchestrated dance.
- Audit the books. Tight financial controls are a must.
- Build a fan base. Longer-term investors love a story; toast to that narrative.
- Regulatory compliance. SEC rules are unforgiving—get legal on board early.
Option B: Being Bought
Strategic M&A can be a golden exit if you hit the right target.
- Target scouting. Identify companies whose product lines complement yours.
- Pricing negotiation. Build leverage with a solid upside story.
- Culture fit. M&A success hinges on aligning team values.
Option C: Keep Your Head Down & Build
Sometimes the best exit is not an exit at all.
- Lean operations. Lower burn gives you room to grow during market dips.
- Product depth. The richer your tech stack, the more attractive you become for future deals.
- Community engagement. Loyal user base is a magnet for either exit route.
Regardless of which path you’re leaning toward, the key takeaway is simple:
Design your startup so that any exit feels like a natural step, not a scramble.
With the right timing, signals, and structure, founders can choose their own destiny—IPO, acquisition, or the quiet path to long‑term success—without regret.
Meet the experts leading this conversation
Meet the Trailblazers Behind the Hype
Roseanne Wincek: The Grit‑Grit Guru
Who’s she? A venture capital wizard, early‑stage founder, and the co‑founder of Renegade Partners. Before that, she sharpened her instincts at IVP and Canaan Partners.
- She’s the mastermind behind game‑changing brand Glossier.
- She’s helped launch MasterClass, turning learning into a movie‑like experience.
- She’s savored the success of Looker, the data‑extraction champ.
- She’s got a keen eye for Spekit, the knowledge‑share platform.
- And she’s kept the Daily folks on their toes.
What makes her tick? A razor‑sharp lens on what truly primes a company for massive scale and a clean exit.
Jai Das: The Enterprise & AI Maven
What’s his playbook? Co‑founder, president, and partner at Sapphire Ventures. He’s not just investing – he’s practically staging epic shows.
- He’s guided Netskope to the front line of cybersecurity.
- He’s steered ThoughtSpot to turn data into actionable conversations.
- He’s plugged MuleSoft into the backbone of inter‑app connectivity.
- He’s fueled CircleCI to keep software development moving at warp speed.
- And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
His edge? A deep focus on enterprise tech and AI‑driven SaaS, with more than a dozen IPOs and two dozen acquisitions under his belt.
Why They Matter
Both Roseanne and Jai are the brains (and sometimes the heart) behind the next big thing. From beauty to AI, they’re the ones who spot talent, ignite growth, and make sure these companies hit the jackpot when they hit the market.
Get in the room where high-impact decisions start
Step Right Into The TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Hype
Picture this: a buzzing arena full of over 10,000 startup wizards and VC maestros from every corner of the globe. TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is the spot where the next big ideas spill out, and the most pivotal conversations for founders are ripped from the headlines. Don’t just read about it—be there.
Why You Should Strap In
- Front‑Row Access: Get the spotlight on debates that shape the future of tech.
- Insider Insight: Uncover the secrets and strategies behind a killer exit plan.
- Cost‑Smart Ticketing: Snag savings of up to $600+ on your pass—your wallet will thank you.
What’s In It For You
From playful panels on AI ethics to hardcore strategy workshops, you will:
- Learn from the leaders who’ve navigated the treacherous waters of scaling and selling.
- Network with like‑minded innovators who might just be the partnership you’ve been dreaming about.
- Get a sneak peek into future tech that could supercharge your next product launch.
Get Your Pass—Now!
Secure your ticket before the hype goes full season. Seriously, this is your front‑row seat to one of the most consequential conversations for any founder. Click here to register and start planning your exit strategy with zero guesswork.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.
Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda
Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.
Get Ready, San Francisco!
Hey, SF—there’s a weekend you’ll want to mark on your calendar before you even think about your busy schedule. From October 27 to 29, 2025, the city’s buzzing with something special that’s looking to mix a bit of fun with a dash of excitement.
What’s Happening?
- Live music jams that’ll have your feet tapping and your earbuds buzzing.
- Interactive workshops where you can try your hand at everything from pottery to coding.
- Stellar food stalls—think pizza with a twist, vegan tacos, and the usual guilty‑conso‑freak–ice cream.
- Nighttime light displays that turn the city’s skyline into a living gallery.
Why You Can’t Miss It
Besides the obvious—because it’s literally a weekend—this event is all about connecting the community, stoking curiosity, and possibly learning something new. Plus, who doesn’t love a free gathering of people who love art, music, and tasty treats? It’ll be a perfect opportunity to gather fresh inspirations or just unwind after a busy week.
Plan Your Trip
Book your space tomorrow—before the tickets vanish like that last slice of pie. Check your calendar, grab a buddy, and let’s make October 27–29 the highlight of your year.
REGISTER NOW — because your next awesome weekend is just a click away.