Maria Palma, general partner at Freestyle Capital, image via Maria Palma Maria will be a part of an outstanding panel at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. We’re thrilled that it is happening at Moscone West, from October 27-29! With her extensive experience in both operating and investing, Palma aims to provide actionable advice to aspiring founders on one of the most critical phases in their entrepreneurial journey: raising their first round of funding.
Palma has an impressive history, including catching deep experience with Kindred Capital and RRE Ventures. There, she honed her skills in traversing the often tricky landscape of venture capital. Prior to joining Array, she served as CMO and CEO at other high-growth startups including Eyeview. This experience has allowed her to develop a unique perspective on the challenges entrepreneurs face. Her varied background makes her uniquely qualified to be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to raise money to fund their missions.
Expertise in Venture Capital
With a strong career at some of the most notable firms under her belt, Maria Palma heads to the VC world with a deep well of experience and perspective. As a general partner at Freestyle Capital, she’s on the lookout for early stage investments. Today she helps startups learn from her operational insights to become successful companies. Palma told us that she learned a lot from her previous experiences at Kindred Capital and RRE Ventures. She, if anything, is more attuned to the dynamics between investors and founders.
Her policy work, combined with her leadership roles in high-growth startups, has exacerbated her perspective. Palma’s extensive experience as a founder herself makes her uniquely empathetic toward today’s founders as they continue to face the sometimes overwhelming challenge of obtaining funding. This uncommon combination of operational and investment expertise will be on full display throughout her panel discussion at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.
Engaging with Industry Leaders
Maria Palma will take the stage with more than 250 other tech titans on our Builders Stage. Her session will focus on the all-important time—our first year—of getting our first round of funding. This is often the make-or-break moment for the most entrepreneurs. Palma’s experiences are sure to inspire packed houses, as she focuses on what’s holding people back and how to break through those barriers.
This marquee event will bring over 10,000 founders and funders together, making it an unprecedented networking opportunity. Palma’s participation highlights her dedication to creating an environment where innovation thrives and helping the next generation of entrepreneurs take those crucial first steps on their fundraising journey.
Recognition and Contributions
Maria Palma’s expertise has not gone unnoticed. She’s been featured in national media including Business Insider and CNBC. This just points to her remarkable power in the venture capital ecosystem. Her recent recognition in Crain’s 40 Under 40 is a reflection of her wonderful contributions and clear impact in the industry.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Palma actively engages with the startup ecosystem through her role on the VC Council of Startup:NYC. This deep engagement is a testament to her commitment to developing talent and supporting a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem.