From Raise to Reality: Lessons from Recent Series A Founders [presented by HubSpot for Startups & Silverton Partners | SXSW 2026]

​Raising a Series A is a milestone — but it’s also where expectations meet reality.

​Join HubSpot for Startups at HubSpot House inside Soho House for an invite-only, founder-first conversation with three Austin-based founders who raised Series A in the past year.

​Moderated by Addie Olsen Rasche, Principal Venture Investor at Silverton Partners, this panel goes beyond fundraising headlines to explore what actually changed after the raise — across different markets, buyer types, and growth paths. 

​Designed for early-stage founders who are looking to raise their next round, this session offers candid, practical insight into the shift from fundraising mode to operating reality.

​Our three panelists, all members of the HubSpot for Startups community, will share recent, unfiltered lessons from building through this transition in real time.

​Following the panel, stay for cocktails, light bites, custom chain-stitched bandanas, and relaxed networking with fellow founders inside the creative, intimate space. 

​Due to limited capacity, we’ll be reviewing requests to attend on a rolling basis, prioritizing early-stage founders.

​Panelists:

• ​Colton Seal - Co-Founder and CEO @ Routefusion

• ​Katherine Allen - Co-Founder and CEO @ Flo Recruit

• ​Ganesh Padmanabhan - Founder & CEO @ Autonomize AI

​Moderator:

• ​Addie Olsen Rasche - Principal at Silverton Partners