Show Me the Money: A Series for Founders and Funders
Raising capital and structuring investments have never been more complex—or more critical—for startups and their backers. This series dives into how corporate venture capital (CVC) and traditional VC firms are reshaping the innovation landscape—and how recent Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) rule changes are shifting the way founders and funders plan for equity, growth and exits. Along the way, we’ll spotlight the rising influence of CVCs, bust persistent myths and give founders an inside view of how these investors make decisions and create value.
Each session will tackle the latest market shifts, equipping attendees with the knowledge to structure smarter deals and position themselves for long-term success. And this is just the beginning—stay tuned for additional programs, including an upcoming session on government funding opportunities for startups.
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Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Pillsbury’s Silicon Valley Office
2550 Hanover Street
Palo Alto, CA 94304
Inside CVCs – How Corporate Investors Drive Innovation
This panel will explore how leading CVC investors make decisions, balance strategic and financial objectives and add value beyond the check—demystifying what “strategic capital” really means in 2025.
James McKell, Venture Executive, Chevron Technology Ventures
Anish Srivastava, Venture Partner, Swisscom Ventures
Moderator:
Christina Pearson, Global Co-Head, Corporate and Securities, Co-Leader, CVC Practice, Pillsbury
Additional panelists to be announced soon.
Agenda
5:00 – 5:30pm: Check-In and Networking
5:30 – 6:30pm: Panel Discussion and Q&A
6:30 – 7:00pm: Networking
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Pillsbury’s San Francisco Office
Four Embarcadero Center, 22nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
Founders + Funders – VC Market Updates and QSBS Rule Changes
This session will unpack recent changes to QSBS rules, including the impact of OBBBA, while exploring venture market dynamics and fundraising trends, giving founders and funders practical insights for structuring investments and positioning for success into 2026.
Brett Willis, Tax Partner, Pillsbury
Paul Casas, Co-Leader, CVC Practice, Pillsbury
Ryan Sells, Partner, Pear VC
Moderators:
Eunice Choi, Leader, Private Capital Sponsor Practice, Pillsbury
David Holland, VC Investment Funds Partner, Pillsbury
Agenda
5:00 – 5:30pm: Check-In and Networking
5:30 – 6:15pm: Panel Discussion and Q&A
6:15 – 7:00pm: Networking
Pillsbury Moderators
Pillsbury Panelists
Brett R. Willis
Partner
Paul Casas
Partner
Additional Panelists
James McKell, Venture Executive, Chevron Technology Ventures
Anish Srivastava, Venture Partner, Swisscom Ventures
Ryan Sells, Partner, Pear VC
Sponsor
Pillsbury