During the pre-seeding stage, VCs do not often analyze. No revenue curve, retention metrics, no CAC. That doesn't mean they're guessing. That means they're looking at everything else. At TechCrunch All Stage 2025 held in Boston on July 15th, Charles Hudson, Managing Partner and Founder of Precursor Ventures, will showcase the subtle, high-stakes signals that are important when data is scarce and pitch is everything.
In his session, “All Ways to Know that VCS is valuing your company with a pre-seed,” Hudson pulls back the curtains on how investors evaluate early stage opportunities and why founders often underestimate the weight of seemingly small choices.
We lean into this thought-provoking discussion at TC All Stage, featuring founders and VCs at every stage. Sign up now and save up to $210 by June 22nd by 11:59pm.
It's not just an idea. It's about how you run the show.
From choosing a co-founder to how you carry out the fundraising process, everything you do or don't do is a signal. Charles Hudson highlights the general red flag that surprises investors before a single term sheet is on the table. For example, the dynamics of discrepancies of co-founders can suggest poor employment instincts. Sloppy outreach? Signals you're not doing your job. These are implicit clues that allow you to make or break rounds. Most founders never heard of it.
Charles Hudson breaks it all with TC at every stage
Hudson saw it all. As the founder of Precursor Ventures, he was one of the earliest followers of a breakout startup long before he had the traction to prove himself. He built his company to support the founder at the most dangerous moments before it became clear. Before that, as a partner at SoftTech VC, he was deeply present in the world of mobile infrastructure. He knows and does not speculate on markers of long-term possibilities. He pattern matching with purpose.
For early founders, this is a session that could change your trajectory.
TC All Stage took place at the Sowa Power Station in Boston on July 15th and is powered by Fidelity Investments. This is a day summit for startup builders who want practical, unfiltered insights from the experts who have done their work. Come to the playbook. Stay for a signal check. Charles Hudson brings both. Sign up now and save up to $210 on your ticket by June 23rd.