TiECon East 2026 Announces Startup Funding Panel

Founders and investors to discuss raising capital in an AI-driven market

BOSTON (August 5, 2026) — As investors become increasingly selective, TiECON East 2026 will spotlight a timely panel examining what founders must demonstrate to secure funding in today's highly competitive, AI-driven market.

The session, "What You Actually Have to Prove to Get Funding," will take place from 1:00–2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, at the Burlington Marriott Hotel during TiECON East 2026, co-hosted by TiE Boston and TiE New York .

Chaired by Ling Cheung Hughes, Managing Member of Ling Cheung Hughes Intellectual Property Consulting, and moderated by Matthew Commons, Founder and Managing Partner of Commons Partners, the panel features:

• Vivjan Myrto, Partner, Hyperplane Venture Capital

• Jean Pham, Founder & CEO, Cellens

• Ellen Rubin, Operating Partner, Glasswing Ventures

• Nitzan Shaer, Founder & CEO, Wevo

The panel will explore what investors look for before making funding decisions, including leadership quality, market size, product-market fit, unit economics, execution capability, and the traction signals that distinguish venture-backable companies.

As AI lowers barriers to building products, investors are focusing less on the technology itself and more on proof that founders can create lasting customer value, grow efficiently, and maintain competitive moat in an ever-changing technology landscape.

"This panel moves beyond general fundraising advice to focus on specific milestones, metrics, and proof points investors expect to see before writing a check,” said Ling Cheung Hughes, session chair.

The panel complements the conference theme, "The Next Growth Playbook: Product, Market and Capital in the Age of AI," and is part of a full day of keynote presentations, fireside chats, panel discussions, and the Startup Showcase featuring 18 emerging companies.

TiECON East 2026 takes place Friday, October 2, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, Massachusetts.

For registration and additional information, visit www.tieconeast.com.

About TiE Boston

Founded in 1997, TiE Boston connects entrepreneurs, executives, investors, and innovators through mentorship, education, networking, and community engagement programs that foster entrepreneurship and innovation.

About TiE New York

TiE New York is a volunteer-led, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs throughout the Greater New York region. As part of the global TiE network, the organization provides mentorship, education, funding connections, and resources to help founders build and scale successful companies.