Ellen Chisa Joins TechCrunch 2025 to Share Enterprise Startup Wisdom
Are you curious about how early-stage enterprise startups get off the ground? Wondering what it takes to bet on great ideas before they become the next big thing? Then you’ll want to hear what Ellen Chisa, partner at Boldstart Ventures, is bringing to the table at TechCrunch All Stages 2025.
She’s set to be one of the featured speakers at the event, and trust us — if you’re into tech, startups, or enterprise products, you don’t want to miss this. But who is Ellen Chisa, and why should you care? Let’s dig into it.
Who is Ellen Chisa?
Ellen has worn many hats in the tech world. She’s been a product manager at giants like Microsoft and Kickstarter. She co-founded her own startup, and now she’s investing in others. At Boldstart Ventures, she’s helping launch the kind of enterprise software companies that can change the way businesses work.
But what makes Ellen really stand out is her blend of technical know-how, user-centered thinking, and practical experience in building from scratch. She gets what entrepreneurs go through — not just the big wins but the tough, messy parts too.
Why TechCrunch All Stages Matters for Founders
If you’re a startup founder, early employee, or even just testing the waters with your big idea, TechCrunch All Stages is a goldmine. It’s a place where investors, innovators, and industry leaders come together to talk about what’s really happening in startups — beyond the headlines.
This multi-day event covers every stage of the startup journey, from the first sketch on a napkin all the way to IPO. It’s also a great space to hear real talk from people like Ellen, who’ve been through the early chaos and come out the other side.
Here’s what you can expect at the event:
- Actionable advice from top VCs and founders
- Networking opportunities with investors and fellow entrepreneurs
- Workshops and fireside chats that dive deep into startup challenges
- Pitch sessions for young companies to share their ideas
Ellen’s Unique Take on Early-Stage Enterprise Startups
Let’s face it — building an enterprise company isn’t exactly glamorous. You’re not inventing the next viral app or social media platform. You’re solving deep, complex problems for businesses. But that’s exactly where the opportunity lies.
At Boldstart, Ellen focuses on “day-one” enterprise startups — the kind that don’t even have a product yet, just a strong founding team and a big idea. She’s betting early and betting smart.
So what does she look for in founders? According to Ellen, it’s all about:
- Deep understanding of the problem space
- Humility and the ability to adapt
- Technical strength with a vision for end users
- Clear communication between technical and business stakeholders
Basically, if you can explain a tough idea in simple words and show how it fixes a real pain point, you’re on the right track.
Tales From the Early Days of Startups
Here’s the thing about startups: they rarely go as planned. Ellen knows that personally. In past interviews, she’s talked about how rough it was to build her own product and try to get users on board. It wasn’t always smooth sailing — and that’s the point.
She understands that early days are often filled with self-doubt, endless bug fixes, and feedback that’s more confusing than helpful. But that’s part of the journey. Founders don’t succeed because everything is perfect — they succeed because they learn how to push through the chaos and keep building.
And when someone like Ellen, who’s been in the trenches, shares those stories, it’s way more valuable than generic startup advice you’d find on a blog.
The Power of Patience in Enterprise Software
If you’re building an enterprise startup, expect things to move slowly at first. Deals take time. Users have to get approval from other teams. There might be compliance regulations to consider. It can feel like swimming through molasses.
But Ellen emphasizes the value of playing the long game. Enterprise markets might not be flashy, but they’re massive. If you can build trust and deliver value, that slow drip will eventually turn into a flood of opportunity.
How can you prepare for this?
- Build a strong foundation with the right team and infrastructure
- Talk to potential customers constantly — even if you don’t have a final product
- Don’t over-engineer too soon; focus on what solves the biggest problem first
This patient, problem-first mindset is something Ellen champions — and it’s often what separates successful founders from the rest.
More Than Just Software: Building for Humans
It’s tempting to think that enterprise products are just tools for big teams who sit behind desks all day. But if Ellen’s experience in product design has taught her anything, it’s that every tool is used by a human.
Whether you’re building for developers, operations teams, or sales managers, someone is sitting at a desk trying to do their job. Understanding that human and what frustrates or empowers them is key to building something they’ll actually use — and love.
Why You Should Tune In to Ellen’s Session
Ellen brings a rare combination of empathy, technical skill, and business sense. She’s lived the startup rollercoaster, and now she’s helping others buckle in and enjoy the ride (even the scary parts).
If you want insights on what VCs really look for in early-stage enterprise founders, how to validate your product idea, or just practical advice on staying sane during a chaotic build — her session at TechCrunch All Stages 2025 is a can’t-miss moment.
Here’s what you’ll walk away with:
- A deeper understanding of early-stage enterprise challenges
- Tips on navigating the slow burn of enterprise sales
- How to connect your product vision to real problems
- Clarity on what smart investors really care about
Final Thoughts
The startup world loves to chase shiny things. But sometimes, the biggest wins come from focusing on less glamorous — but super important — problems. That’s the world Ellen Chisa is diving into at TechCrunch 2025, and her insights could change how you think about building and funding your next big thing.
So whether you’re a founder dreaming big, an investor watching from the sidelines, or just a curious tech enthusiast, tune in to see what Ellen and Boldstart are up to — they might just inspire your next move.
Ready to learn from the best minds in enterprise tech?
Don’t miss Ellen Chisa’s session at TechCrunch All Stages 2025 — where real talk meets real opportunity.