Backers & Builders by Kraken & Ink
Backers & Builders is a curated ETHDenver side event for early-stage and late-stage protocol founders and serious builders, not conference noise. Join a small group of builders for closed-door conversations with top crypto VCs on how they are thinking about 2026, plus direct access to the Kraken Exchange, Kraken institutional, and Ink teams, including the opportunity to apply for early-stage investment from a $500K+ capital pool.
What you get:
Unfiltered insight into what VCs are actually backing next
The opportunity to apply for up to $500K+ in early-stage capital from Kraken and Ink
A curated room of serious founders (no retail, no pitch theater)
Clear post-event follow-ups
How to join: Registration is application-based, and approval is required.
📅 February 18, 2026
⏰ 12:00–5:00 PM
📍 Location shared upon acceptance
Agenda:
12:00-1:00 Networking Lunch & Registration
1:00-1:05 Welcome & Opening Remarks
Calvin Leyon, Head of Onchain at Kraken
1:05-1:40 Panel - A tactical guide on how an L1 (Espresso) prepares for launch
Ellie Davidson, Head of R&D at Espresso
Bruno Faviero, CEO at Magna
Nick Santomauro, Head of Onchain Marketing at Kraken
1:45-2:20 Panel - What Breaks at Scale: Lessons Projects Learn Before too Late
Katya Ternopolska, VP, Sales & Partnerships at Sentora
Val Gui, xStocks
Colton Conley, Arrington Capital
Matt Immerso, Blockchange Ventures
Nick Santomauro, Kraken
2:20- 3:00 Break
3:00 - 3:50 Panel - Launching Into 2026: What Still Matters When the Cycle Turns
Stephen McKeon, Collab+Currency
Maria Shen, Electric Capital
Mason Nystrom, Pantera
Rob Schmultz, Blockchange Ventures
Calvin Leyon, Head of Onchain at Kraken
We look forward to seeing you there!