NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2025 — The New York startup community gathered once again on Tuesday evening for the monthly Entrepreneurs Roundtable, a nonprofit event series that has become a fixture in the city’s tech ecosystem since its founding in 2007.
This month’s featured guest was Somak Chattopadhyay, managing partner at Armory Square Ventures, who shared insights on venture investing before taking questions from attendees. Following the Q&A, five early-stage founders pitched their companies, receiving direct feedback from Chattopadhyay — a rare opportunity for entrepreneurs to hear unfiltered advice from a seasoned investor.
The event, hosted by Sara Werner of Lowenstein Sandler, followed the established Roundtable format: introduction, keynote remarks, Q&A, founder pitches, and open networking. The format has proven resilient over nearly two decades, attracting entrepreneurs eager for candid investor perspectives and a chance to connect with peers.
A Longstanding Platform for Founders
Launched in 2007 by Murat Aktihanoglu and Jonathan Axelrod, Entrepreneurs Roundtable has organized more than 200 events in New York. Its sister initiative, Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator (ERA), founded in 2011, has invested in and supported over 300 startups, producing four unicorns, including TripleLift, Katapult, Thirty Madison, and Glia. Collectively, ERA alumni have raised more than $2 billion in capital, with market valuations exceeding $10 billion.
ERA invests $150,000 in exchange for 6% equity via a post-money SAFE, while offering founders access to a mentor network of more than 1,000 experts, alumni, and industry leaders. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where startups pitch to early-stage investors from around the world.
Building Community in NYC Tech
Entrepreneurs Roundtable has distinguished itself by remaining free and open to all, helping democratize access to mentorship and investor feedback in a city known for its competitive startup landscape. For founders, the chance to present before an active venture capitalist, receive pointed feedback, and network with fellow entrepreneurs represents a valuable steppingstone.
The September 9 event underscored New York’s role as a growing hub for innovation, where founders and investors continue to converge in search of the next breakout company.
For information about upcoming events and applications to pitch, visit eranyc.com or follow @eranyc on Twitter.
Somak Chattopadhyay
Armory Square Ventures
https://www.armorysv.com/team/somak-chattopadhyay
Sara Werner
Lowenstein Sandler
https://www.lowenstein.com/people/attorneys/sara-werner
