Investors are fixtures at tech conferences, yet many misunderstandings remain between event organizers and VC platform staff. At Sesame Summit 2025, we got them to talk to each other on how this collaboration could go more smoothly.
At Sesame Summit 2024, we uncovered unspoken issues between VCs and event organizers. For example, organizers often resent VCs hosting side events that don’t benefit the main conference — yet many VCs, even at last year’s Biarritz event, didn’t realize this.
Talking to both sides, we found out that there were many unanswered questions. For example: Do VCs really need events to source deals anymore? Do organizers actually read speaker application forms? And are diversity panels helping anyone — or just ticking boxes?
So at Sesame Summit 2025, we did something rare. We put VC teams and event pros in the same room and asked: How can this relationship actually work?
Led by futurist Henry Coutinho-Mason, startup event wizard Austė Šilkaitytė, and myself, our goal wasn’t to run yet another panel. It was to crowdsource a set of working principles — a 10 Commandments-style field guide for anyone navigating the increasingly murky waters between content, capital, and curation.
🧠 What events really think
1. Events aren’t Glassdoor — but maybe they should be.
What if event organizers had a private rating system to assess which VCs are actually engaging, insightful speakers? And which ones ghost last minute or bring recycled content? The idea of a VC “Glassdoor” for speaking slots raised some eyebrows… and a few smirks.
2. Don’t overestimate speaker application forms.
Let’s be honest — some events barely source speakers through application forms. If the forms are there, odds aren’t zero, but be realistic in your expectations. For example, speaker submissions may work better with smaller events than with larger ones that mostly rely on curation, not inbound.
3. Think beyond sales: Investor Relations is the way to go.
Several organizers agreed: having a dedicated IR person to manage VC relationships is now essential. Not just to land deals — but to grow actual trust. Think investor relations, not logo hunting.
4. Ask VCs what they really want.
Top events shared a knowledge nugget that may help newcomers: VCs have different goals that events can help them achieve. Spoiler alert: it’s not always dealflow. Sometimes it’s LPs, recruitment, FOMO, or brand-building. But if we don’t ask, we just assume. And that’s where the value chain breaks.
5. Smaller is smarter.
It’s not all about mega-stages, especially when it comes to aligning with VC goals. Events should explore curated formats to connect VCs with other asset managers — think LP-GP dinners, Family Office lunches, or side events with Business Angels and PE firms.
💼 What VCs really think
6. “We should probably pay more often.”
Yep — someone actually said it. Especially for side events and private meetings that piggyback on an existing event: It deserves some of the benefit, too. Respect the work, fund the ecosystem.
7. “We could prep our speakers better.”Too many VCs send associates or partners to panels unbriefed. It shows. If you want to be on stage, prep like it matters.
8. “We know where the editorial gold is.”
VCs know which companies are the hottest before anyone else; and that also applies to their portfolio. If they can help events access the best of the best before their big news break, it’s a win-win for programming and press alike.
9. “Enough with the diversity panels.”
Female investors shouldn’t only be invited to “Women in VC” panels or as moderators. Invite them to talk about AI, SaaS, mobility — their actual expertise.
10. “Have an opinion — or stay off stage.”
This is one thing that people in charge of VC comms their partners would listen to: The best speakers aren’t neutral. They’re bold. VCs who challenge the room are remembered. The ones who say what everyone already knows? Not so much.
🤖 The visual breakthrough
One of the unexpected highlights? The AI-generated visual metaphors, produced in real-time from anonymous sketches thanks to Henry’s VisuAIze system.
Instead of Post-it chaos, we got instant clarity — and laughs.
“Using AI visuals made tackling tough topics accessible, even fun,” Henry shared in his LinkedIn post. “People could share anonymously, mistakes broke the ice, and even awkward truths felt easier to explore.”
This wasn’t just tech-for-tech’s-sake. It shifted the whole tone of the workshop — from informal to memorable. When the image does the talking, people listen and remember.
For instance, the above was a telling reminder that VC firms are frustrated with frequent turnover on event programming teams from one year to the next, with very junior staff that keeps changing. Hence their ask: At least send a handover email.
🧩 Who was in the room?
This wasn’t theoretical. These were real operators from both sides:
- Events: 4YFN, Arctic15, DigitalK, France Digitale, How to Web, JEC World, Oslo Innovation Week, SXSW, TechChill, Techarena, Tomorrowland/Love Tomorrow, VivaTech, Web Summit.
- VCs: Brighteye, daphni, Elaia, Karma Ventures, Partech, Revaia, Samaipata, Serena, Target Global, Ventech, and others.
🎯 What happens next?
It’s clear we’re still figuring this relationship out.
But one thing’s obvious: better collaboration starts with transparency. About expectations. About incentives. About goals that go beyond stage time and sponsor logos.
So here’s our call to action — for VCs and events alike:
- Events: Invest in real investor relations. Ask better questions. Say no more often.
- VCs: Treat events like strategic partners, not vendors. Show up with intent. And yes — bring your wallet, not just your ego.
We’ll keep refining these “10 Commandments” with the Sesamers community. But for now? Let’s stop playing the same old game and build something better, together.