BOSTON — As investors become increasingly selective, TiECON East 2026 will spotlight a timely panel examining what founders must demonstrate to secure funding in today’s highly competitive, AI-driven market. The session, “What You Actually Have to Prove to Get Funding,” will take place from 1:00–2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, at the Burlington Marriott Hotel during TiECON East 2026, co-hosted by TiE Boston and TiE New York . “This panel moves beyond general fundraising advice to focus on specific milestones, metrics, and proof points investors expect to see before writing a check,” said Ling Cheung Hughes, session chair. The panel complements the conference theme, “The Next Growth Playbook: Product, Market and Capital in the Age of AI,” and is part of a full day of keynote presentations, fireside chats, panel discussions, and the Startup Showcase featuring 18 emerging companies. TiECON East 2026 takes place Friday, October 2, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, Massachusetts.