The Art of Fundraising: Narrative, Positioning, Capital
A curated NYC gathering for founders, investors, and operators exploring startup fundraising, founder positioning, venture capital, and investor psychology.
Fundraising is no longer just about traction. It’s about how you tell the story.
Join us for an evening with founders, investors, and operators exploring how narrative, positioning, and personal brand shape fundraising outcomes in today’s market.
This is not a passive panel discussion.
Expect real insights, live feedback on your Brand, and high-signal conversations.
Expert Panelists
Tanya Montmean — Managing Partner, StartLinkVenture (Strategic Fundraising & VC Access Advisory)
Former J.P. Morgan investment banker with a decade of experience in fundraising and capital markets across the US and Europe.
Deep expertise in venture fundraising, investor positioning, and strategic capital formation, helping high-growth companies raise capital and scale internationally.
Jan Napieraj — Investment Advisor, Polish Investment & Trade Agency (PAIH)
Advises high-growth companies and international investors on market entry, expansion, and capital access.
Bridges European innovation ecosystems with global investment opportunities.
Nathaniel Norman — Principal, Aurelian Labs (Venture Studio)
Former Managing Partner of Onyx Norse Fund, with deep experience in venture investing and company building.
Now focused on launching and scaling startups from inception within a venture studio model.
Aleksandr Kirakosian — CEO, Bright Concept (Brand Execution Firm)
Serial entrepreneur with 15+ years of industry experience. Bright Concept helps brands translate creative concepts into real production — reliably, repeatedly, and at scale.
Special Guest Session
Dave Wolovsky — Founder, Self Science Coaching
Dave works at the intersection of mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and performance psychology, helping founders and professionals communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and emotional resilience under pressure.
Event Sponsor
Wizbee — Performance Nootropics for High Performers
Wizbee is a new-age nootropics company focused on enhancing brain performance, mental clarity, focus, and cognitive endurance for ambitious professionals, founders, and goal-oriented high performers.
Agenda
4:00 PM — Warm Up & Networking
Arrivals, informal connections, curated audience
5:00 PM — Panel Discussion: Fundraising is a Narrative Game
• Why personal branding and storytelling are critical in today’s fundraising environment
• Why strong companies still struggle to raise
• What makes a founder story compelling to investors
• Common mistakes in positioning and messaging
• How VCs evaluate narrative vs fundamentals
5:30 PM — Founder Presence Reset
Nerve-Settling & Pitch Desensitization Exercise Led by Dave Wolovsky, Founder of Self Science
Before entering the live feedback session, participants will be guided through a short nervous-system regulation exercise designed to help founders manage pitch anxiety and communicate with greater clarity and confidence.
The session includes:
• 30–60 seconds of light movement
• A 3–5 minute mindfulness visualization
• Practical techniques for noticing and reframing nervousness before pitching
The exercise focuses on helping founders become more comfortable with visibility, feedback, and high-pressure fundraising conversations.
5:40 PM — Workshop: Live Brand Feedback
• Positioning
• Story
• Investor narrative
In-depth, actionable feedback from speakers and experts
Interactive session with founders, investors, and operators
Bring your challenges — positioning, storytelling, fundraising
6:15 PM — Networking & Wizbee product presentation
7:00 PM — Close
Who Should Attend
• Founders (pre-seed to Series A)
• Investors & emerging managers
• Operators working closely with founders