How to Raise in the Era of AI: Founder & Investor Panel

What does it take to be investor-ready in the era of AI? If you're raising in the next 12 months, this is the conversation to be in.
The fundraising playbook has changed. AI has shifted the metrics investors look at, the scrutiny companies face, and the bar for the AI story itself. And for Dutch founders, raising internationally is a leap that rarely gets discussed.
How to Raise in 2026 is a practical founder and investor conversation for late-seed and Series A+ founders. No slides, no pitches, no polished success stories. Just what to prepare, how long it takes, which numbers matter and where deals get stuck.
What we'll cover:
What "investor-ready" means in 2026, and what makes an AI story credible
Running a raise: timelines, founder time, investor lists and warm intros
Raising Dutch vs. international: what changes before and after the deal
Term sheets and diligence: the messy part, and what slows deals down
We'll close with one question for every speaker: "What do you wish you'd known before your last raise?"
Speakers
Matthijs Huiskamp, CEO, Altura: raising internationally after a Dutch growth journey
Jasper Spiegeler, CEO, OMRT: keeping momentum and financial infrastructure in place during a raise
Saumitra Dubey, Partner, Smartfin: the Series A/B investor view on what builds conviction
Arun Bhahirathan, Principal, Prosus Ventures: how corporate venture capital differs from traditional VC, and when it's the right fit.
Jitse Rupp, Founder, 0Delta and Fractional CFO (moderator): what investors will ask for in diligence, and how to have it ready on day one.
Agenda
17:30 Doors open, drinks and networking
18:00 Welcome
18:10 Founder and investor panel
18:55 Audience Q&A
19:15–20:30 Drinks and networking
Who should join
Late-seed and Series A+ founders preparing their next round, especially those considering international capital. CFOs and finance leads, and seed to Series B investors, are also welcome. This is not a first-time fundraising session.
Attendance is curated