Live only at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Why most founders are already behind on raising a Series A in 2027

If you’re planning to raise a Series A in the next 12 to 24 months, the rules you think you’re playing by may already be outdated.

Series A isn’t just harder — it’s slower, more selective, and increasingly unforgiving. The bar has shifted, and many founders are still optimizing for a version of the market that no longer exists.