No product? No problem. This Disrupt 2026 session shows how to get pre-seed funding with conviction, storytelling

Summary

A TechCrunch Disrupt session argues that pre-seed fundraising is getting tougher: founders are being evaluated more like seed-stage companies, even before there is a product. The edge now comes from conviction, a crisp narrative, and enough evidence to make the bet feel inevitable.

Why it matters

This is a useful signal for anyone raising early. The bar has shifted from 'interesting idea' to 'why this team, why now, and why this market can move fast enough to matter.'

Founder/operator read

If you're pre-product, tighten the story around insight, urgency, and the first proof points you can surface. Fundraising conversations will likely reward clarity, momentum, and founder credibility more than polished demo theater.

Original source

Read original