Why Events Are More Critical Than Ever

The Era of Events

Venture Capital has always hinged on relationships, but now, face-to-face gatherings matter more than ever.

From major AI breakthroughs to the growing demand for in-person connection, powerful tailwinds are making events a core differentiator for VCs.

It's not enough anymore to be a market participant. Now, you need to be an active ecosystem contributor, and be seen by the right people at the right events.

Put simply: if you're an emerging or top-tier fund, you're expected to deliver polished, high-impact gatherings.

Anything less can leave the wrong impression about your firm's capability to fund or truly support founders.

So why is this happening?

1. The In-Person Comeback

   Yes, we've seen the rise of virtual platforms and events, but deals are still forged most effectively in-person – whether it's a founder summit, investor conference, side event, or discreet networking dinner.

   Firms not investing in curated gatherings risk missing out on crucial trust building moments.

   Firms that do show up (and do it well) immediately stand out as serious players.

   
   

2. AI’s Accelerating Pace & Email Becoming Crowded

   With artificial intelligence moving at breakneck speed, it’s critical to stay current with top founders, researchers, and thought leaders.

   In-person events are the fastest track to meaningful connections because email inboxes have become overcrowded.

   People are increasingly using an AI notetaker and/or triage tool, etc., meaning they’re unlikely to remember your words on a virtual call.

   
   

3. The Brand Factor: Impressing LPs and Founders

   The top VCs all have one thing in common: they understand that every event is a high-stakes reflection of their brand. Invitations, check-ins, and follow-ups have to look polished from start to finish. 

   “If I get a free invitation to an event being hosted by a venture capital firm, I'm starting to wonder “why are they leveraging free software when they're supposed to be giving money to me to run my business?” - Foundation Capital Founder

    If you’re still relying on disjointed tools or haphazard planning, you not only risk looking unprepared—you risk sending the message that you’re not invested in forging deeper partnerships.

   
   

4. Network Management vs. “Just Another Party”

   Events aren’t about throwing parties—they’re a strategic way to activate networks and build your firm’s reputation.

   The difference between success and failure often lies in how well you collect and utilize information: who met whom, who followed up, and which relationships turned into deals.

   Falling behind this standard can make you look outdated—especially when your competitors are running seamlessly orchestrated gatherings.

   
   

5. The New Norm—Everyone’s Doing It, So Should You

   Emerging VCs seeking credibility and established firms protecting their legacy share one imperative: to showcase their brand as forward-thinking, security-conscious, and relationship-focused.

   The community now expects a certain level of sophistication around event management. If you’re not delivering the same experience the top-tier VCs do, it may suggest you’re not as serious or prepared to compete in today’s market.

   
   

   Bottom Line: Events are no longer a “nice-to-have.”

   They’re a core strategic lever for building trust, sourcing, closing deals, and fortifying your brand.

   AI is moving fast, relationships are becoming more critical by the day, and reputations are made or broken by how effectively firms show up in person.  If your events aren’t keeping pace, you’re signaling to LPs, founders, and peers that you’re behind the curve. The best VCs already have a secret weapon—Gatsby—to handle every detail.

Reach out here to learn how Gatsby can help you level-up