TechCrunch Disrupt: dates, who attends, and how founders get in
“TechCrunch Disrupt is where you’ll find innovation for every stage of your startup journey. Whether you’re a budding founder with a revolutionary idea, a seasoned startup looking to scale, or an investor seeking the next big thing, Disrupt offers unparalleled resources, connections, and expert insights to propel your venture forward.”
- Next edition
- Oct 13–15, 2026 · TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 source
- Where
- Moscone West, San Francisco, United States source
- Format
- in-person · 3 days (2025 and 2026)
- Tickets
- $75–$1,099 (2026; the low end is the limited qualifying Layoff Expo+ offer). Standard listed pass prices run from $299 to $1,099 (2026). source
- Startup pass
- No application or participation fee (2026). source
- Startup Battlefield 200
- $100,000 equity-free prize money and the Disrupt Cup (2025); $100,000 (2026). source
- Cadence
- Annual, three-day editions; the completed 2025 edition was in late October, and the announced 2026 edition is in mid-October.
AIClimateHealth & biotechFintechRoboticsConsumerCrypto & web3SpacePre-seedSeedSeries AGrowthPublicFoundersInvestorsCorporates
Next edition
| Dates | Oct 13–15, 2026 source |
|---|---|
| Edition | TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 |
| Venue | Moscone West, San Francisco, United States source |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| Tickets | techcrunch.com source |
Deadlines that matter to founders
- Jun 8, 2026 — Startup programme application (passed) · apply
- Jun 8, 2026 — Startup Battlefield 200 application (passed) · apply
- Oct 13, 2026 — Early bird: Attendee Pass · apply
- Oct 13, 2026 — Early bird: Founder Pass · apply
- Oct 13, 2026 — Early bird: Investor Pass · apply
- Oct 13, 2026 — Early bird: Non-Profit Pass · apply
- Oct 13, 2026 — Early bird: Student Pass · apply
- Oct 13, 2026 — Early bird: Expo+ Pass · apply
- Oct 13, 2026 — Early bird: Layoff Expo+ Pass · apply
Ticket tiers as published
| Tier | Price | Includes | Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attendee Pass source | $949 (2026) | Access to Industry Stages, Breakout Sessions, Roundtables, matchmaking meetings, the Expo Hall, and onsite activations (2026). | 2026 |
| Founder Pass source | $999 (2026) | Attendee Pass benefits plus speaker Q&A, investor-founder networking, the Deal Flow Café, and a curated investor list (2026). | 2026 |
| Investor Pass source | $1,099 (2026) | Attendee Pass benefits plus investor-founder networking, the investor-only StrictlyVC session, and a curated founder list (2026). | 2026 |
| Non-Profit Pass source | $399 (2026) | Access to stages, Breakout Sessions, Roundtables, matchmaking meetings, the Expo Hall, and onsite experiences; listed for nonprofit and public employees (2026). | 2026 |
| Student Pass source | $349 (2026) | For students or recent graduates; the ticket page lists speaker Q&A, investor-founder networking, matchmaking meetings, and other onsite opportunities (2026). | 2026 |
| Expo+ Pass source | $299 (2026) | Expo Hall access and matchmaking meetings; does not include access to the Industry Stages or Roundtables (2026). | 2026 |
| Layoff Expo+ Pass source | $75 (2026) | Limited offer for people impacted by layoffs in the prior year; includes Expo Hall, Breakout Sessions, select Side Events, one-to-one meetings, and app matchmaking, but not Industry Stages or Roundtables (2026). | 2026 |
How founders get in
TechCrunch describes Disrupt as a three-day (2026) in-person gathering with founder-focused sessions on fundraising, hiring, go-to-market, AI strategy, and scaling; Startup Battlefield pitches; an Expo Hall; and app-based meetings and networking. The Founder Pass adds investor-founder networking and access to the Deal Flow Café.
- For the next announced edition, TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, scheduled for 2026-10-13 to 2026-10-15 at Moscone West in San Francisco, purchase a Founder Pass; the current posted price is $999 (2026). The most recent completed edition was Disrupt 2025, held 2025-10-27 to 2025-10-29.
- To enter as a selected startup and compete, apply to Startup Battlefield 200. The 2026 application deadline was 2026-06-08 and applications are closed. It is free to apply and participate; eligible applicants need a functional MVP, with bootstrapped, pre-seed, and seed companies welcome and some Series A companies considered case by case. Selected companies receive a free exhibit table and four all-access passes (2026).
- For a separate paid exhibit table, the organizer’s 2026 Exhibit Program listed a $12,500 package, but the organizer says all tables are booked. This is distinct from the free table for selected Startup Battlefield companies.
| Startup programme | Startup Battlefield 200 is the startup application and selection program, separate from buying an attendee pass. Apply through the official application page; the 2026 application round is closed. Selected companies exhibit and can compete onstage. source |
|---|---|
| Startup price | No application or participation fee (2026). source |
| Includes | For selected startups: a free exhibit table for all three event days, four all-access passes, a featured startup profile in the event app, and press-list access (2026). |
| Eligibility | Early-stage companies worldwide and across industries, with a functional MVP. Bootstrapped, pre-seed, and seed startups are welcome; some Series A companies may qualify case by case, particularly in capital-intensive industries (2026). |
| Founder discounts | The 2026 ticket offer gives 50% off a second ticket for a co-founder, colleague, partner, or peer on select ticket types, while the offer is available before doors open on 2026-10-13. |
| Students | Student Pass: $349 (2026), for students or recent graduates. The ticket page lists access to speaker Q&A and investor-founder networking, matchmaking meetings, and other onsite opportunities. |
| Exhibiting | The 2026 Exhibit Program package was $12,500, nonrefundable and nontransferable. It included a three-day 6′ × 30″ table, table linen and chairs, app-based lead generation, Silver Tier branding, and ten team passes (five all-access and five Expo+). The organizer says all tables are booked. |
| Investor pass | Purchase an Investor Pass and complete TechCrunch’s eligibility verification. The pass includes investor-founder networking, the investor-only StrictlyVC session, and access to a curated founder list (2026). source |
| Investor eligibility | For verified investors (2026). |
| Press | For the 2026 edition, accredited journalists can apply for a limited press pass using the organizer’s form. TechCrunch says applicants hear back approximately two weeks before the event; non-accredited media are directed to general admission or partnership options. |
| Application required | No, tickets are purchased |
Startup Battlefield 200
| Prize | $100,000 equity-free prize money and the Disrupt Cup (2025); $100,000 (2026). source |
|---|---|
| Format | Startup Battlefield 200 is the pitch competition. In 2025, 200 selected startups pitched and demonstrated over three days; the top 20 pitched live onstage, with six minutes per pitch, and the top five advanced to the final. For 2026, the organizer describes 200 selected early-stage startups and 20 onstage finalists; the competition is scheduled for 2026-10-13 to 2026-10-15. |
| Eligibility | Early-stage startups with a functional MVP; bootstrapped, pre-seed, and seed companies are welcome, and some Series A companies may be considered case by case. The 2026 application round is closed. |
| Application deadline | Jun 8, 2026 source |
Winners
- Glīd (2025) — $100,000 equity-free funding and the Startup Battlefield Cup, Kevin Damoa source
Judges
- Kirsten Green, 2025 final-round judge; Founding Partner at Forerunner source
- Kevin Hartz, 2025 final-round judge; General Partner at A* source
- Aileen Lee, 2025 final-round judge; Founder and Managing Partner at Cowboy Ventures source
- Kevin Rose, 2025 final-round judge; Partner at True Ventures source
- Stacy Brown-Philpot, 2026 final-round judge; Founder and Managing Partner at Cherryrock Capital source
- Chi-Hua Chien, 2026 final-round judge; Co-founder and Managing Partner at Goodwater Capital source
- Dayna Grayson, 2026 final-round judge; Co-founder and General Partner at Construct Capital source
- Carter Reum, 2026 final-round judge; Co-founder and Managing Partner at M13 source
- Alexa von Tobel, 2026 final-round judge; Founder and Managing Partner at Inspired Capital source
Meeting investors there
The organizer says founders can book meetings with investors aligned to their stage and sector, use the app’s AI-powered matchmaking, consult the opt-in investor list, and meet investors in the Deal Flow Café or Networking Lounge. source
| Matchmaking | TechCrunch Events app source |
|---|---|
| Formats | Founder Pass access to the Deal Flow Café, a dedicated founder-and-investor space. · AI-powered matchmaking and scheduled one-to-one meetings through the TechCrunch Events app. · A curated opt-in investor list for founders. · Impromptu conversations in the Networking Lounge. |
| Meetings arranged | 2,000+ curated Braindate meetings (2025; advertised by the organizer before the event) source |
Investor firms the organiser lists (2025 completed edition outcomes; next announced edition: 2026-10-13 to 2026-10-15, Moscone West, San Francisco. 2026 ticket prices shown: Attendee Pass $949 (regular $1,049), Founder Pass $999 (regular $1,099), Investor Pass $1,099 (regular $1,199).)
ForerunnerA*Cowboy VenturesTrue VenturesCherryrock CapitalGoodwater CapitalConstruct CapitalM13Inspired Capital
The full investor list is available to registered attendees; see the official investor page.
Before you go: the hub's cold email to VCs playbook covers the pre-event outreach that fills a meeting calendar, and Causo matches your stage and thesis to the funds in its database so you know who to ask for a meeting.
Who speaks (2025 completed edition outcomes; next announced edition: 2026-10-13 to 2026-10-15, Moscone West, San Francisco. 2026 ticket prices shown: Attendee Pass $949 (regular $1,049), Founder Pass $999 (regular $1,099), Investor Pass $1,099 (regular $1,199).)
- Mark Wahlberg, Co-founder · MUNICIPAL
- RJ Scaringe, Founder and CEO · Rivian
- Alexa von Tobel, Founder and Managing Partner · Inspired Capital
- Garrett Langley, CEO and Co-founder · Flock
- Panos Panay, SVP, Devices, Alexa & Leo · Amazon
- Anna Goldie, Founder & CEO · Ricursive Intelligence
- Andrew Feldman, CEO and Co-founder · Cerebras Systems
- Amjad Masad, CEO and Co-founder · Replit
- Toni Schneider, CEO · Bluesky Social
Full lineup: official speakers page.
Notable past speakers
- Chris Barman, CEO · Slate Auto (2025)
- Roelof Botha, Managing Partner and Steward · Sequoia Capital (2025)
- Dick Costolo, Co-Founder and Managing Partner · 01 Advisors (2025)
- Phoebe Gates, Co-founder · Phia (2025)
- Elad Gil, CEO · Gil & Co (2025)
- Vinod Khosla, Founder · Khosla Ventures (2025)
- Roy Lee, CEO and Co-Founder · Cluely (2025)
- Aaron Levie, Co-Founder & CEO · Box (2025)
- Tekedra Mawakana, Co-CEO · Waymo (2025)
- Brynn Putnam, Founder, MIRROR, and CEO · Board (2025)
Sponsors and partners
Platinum Plus Partners (2026) 2
Platinum Partners (2026) 12
Platinum (2025) 7
Startup Battlefield sponsor (2025) 1
Government partners: ACCIO / Catalonia Trade & Investment (2025), Enterprise Ireland (2025), Invest Hong Kong (2025), JETRO (2025), KOSME (2025), KOTRA (2025, 2026), Invest in Türkiye (2026), The Polish Investment and Trade Agency (2026), Upper Silesian Fund (2026)
Full list: official partners page.
Startups there
300+ showcasing startups (2025); 200 Startup Battlefield companies selected to exhibit (2026). The 2026 figure is the Battlefield cohort, not a published total for the full expo. · official startup directory
Alumni the organiser highlights
- Dropbox — TechCrunch identifies Dropbox as a Startup Battlefield company discovered before it became widely known. source
- Trello — TechCrunch identifies Trello as a Startup Battlefield company discovered before it became widely known. source
- Cloudflare — TechCrunch identifies Cloudflare as a Startup Battlefield company discovered before it became widely known. source
- Discord — TechCrunch identifies Discord as a Startup Battlefield company discovered before it became widely known. source
- HomeBoost (2025) — TechCrunch's Best Showcase Stage pitch for Sustainability. source
- Investwise (2025) — TechCrunch's Best Showcase Stage pitch for Built World. source
- Rax (2025) — TechCrunch's Best Showcase Stage pitch for Consumer. source
- Cashew Research (2025) — TechCrunch's Best Showcase Stage pitch for Enterprise. source
- AWEAR (2025) — TechCrunch's Best Showcase Stage pitch for Health. source
- JustiGuide (2025) — TechCrunch's Best Showcase Stage pitch for Policy + Protection. source
Programme
| Tracks | Disrupt Stage — big-picture conversations on AI, venture, and global tech; includes Startup Battlefield 200 (2026). · Builders Stage — fundraising, hiring, product-market fit, go-to-market, and scaling (2026). · AI Stage — AI agents, generative AI, enterprise workflows, software pricing, and security (2026). · Smart Money Stage — fintech, payments, embedded finance, stablecoins, and fraud prevention (2026). · Smart Systems Stage — AI infrastructure, energy, automation, robotics, and climate systems (2026). · Real World AI Stage — robotics, autonomous systems, space hardware, and physical AI (2026). source |
|---|---|
| Side events | The official 2026 program lists 50+ partner- and participant-hosted Side Events outside the venue during Disrupt Week, 2026-10-11 to 2026-10-15. The program includes meetups, networking, panels, workshops, parties, and happy hours; some events require registration or have restricted entry. |
| Awards | In the completed 2025 edition, Glīd won the Startup Battlefield prize and Disrupt Cup; Nephrogen was runner-up. Other published 2025 Startup Battlefield 200 awards included Best Showcase Stage pitch by industry group: HomeBoost (Sustainability), Investwise (Built World), Rax (Consumer), Cashew Research (Enterprise), AWEAR (Health), and JustiGuide (Policy + Protection); Best Booth was a tie between Billight and Calificadas; the Spirit of Disrupt award went to Sponstar. The 2026 competition is scheduled for the upcoming edition; its results were not yet published as of 2026-10-07. |
| Call for speakers | For the 2026 edition, speakers applied through the Audience Choice Program for breakout or roundtable sessions. TechCrunch reviewed applications, selected finalists, and let readers and applicants’ followers vote; the highest-voted sessions earned event slots. Applications ran from 2026-03-30 to 2026-05-29; voting ran 2026-06-08 to 2026-06-12. The application round is closed. |
| Volunteering | The 2026 volunteer program offered a free three-day Attendee Pass after selection, in return for at least 12 volunteer hours and attendance at the mandatory in-person orientation on 2026-10-12. Applicants had to be at least 18; local applicants were preferred. A $50 commitment deposit was refunded after volunteering. Applications closed 2026-09-22. source |
| Languages | American English |
| Official app | TechCrunch Events |
| Hashtag | #TechCrunchDisrupt2024 (used in TechCrunch’s official 2024 livestream; no 2026-specific hashtag was found on the event pages) |
Past editions, as published
| Edition | Dates | Attendees | Investors | Startups | Recap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 source | Oct 27–29, 2025 | 10,000 attendees (2025) | — | Startup Battlefield 200 cohort; 20 finalists; winner Glīd and runner-up Nephrogen (2025). | recap · report · video · photos |
| 2024 source | Oct 28–30, 2024 | — | — | 20 Startup Battlefield competitors; winner Salva Health and runner-up GeCKo Materials (2024). | recap · report · video |
| 2023 source | Sep 19–21, 2023 | — | — | Startup Battlefield 200 cohort; 20 top companies; winner BioticsAI (2023). | report |
| 2022 source | Oct 18–20, 2022 | — | — | Startup Battlefield 200 cohort; 20 selected to compete (2022). | |
| 2021 · Online · Virtual edition; attendee information referenced the Hopin platform. source | Sep 21–23, 2021 | — | — | 20 Startup Battlefield competitors; winner Cellino and runner-up Nth Cycle (2021). | report |
| 2020 · Online · Virtual edition; five-day event (2020). source | Sep 14–18, 2020 | — | — | Startup Battlefield winner: Canix (2020). | report |
Cities: New York (2010; first edition); San Francisco (2025; most recent completed edition)
Official links and socials
In the press
- And the winner of Startup Battlefield at Disrupt 2025 is: Glīd — TechCrunch (2025)
- Scenes from TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 — TechCrunch (2025)
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Startup Battlefield 200: Celebrating outstanding achievements — TechCrunch (2025)
Prepare for it
- How to cold email VCs — book the meetings before you land.
- The 12-slide seed deck — what to have ready when a partner says "send me the deck".
- Pitch Deck Roaster — a slide-by-slide pass before you submit to Startup Battlefield 200.
- Accelerator deadlines — the application windows that open around the event.
Sources
Every fact above was read from one of these official pages on Oct 7, 2026:
- apps.apple.com/cn/app/techcrunch-events/id6800088732
- techcrunch.com/2020/05/22/startup-battlefield-is-going-virtual-with-techcrunch-disrupt-2020
- techcrunch.com/2020/09/18/and-the-winner-of-startup-battlefield-at-disrupt-2020-is-canix
- techcrunch.com/2021/09/23/and-the-winner-of-startup-battlefield-at-disrupt-2021-is-cellino
- techcrunch.com/2023/09/21/startup-battlefield-winner-techcrunch-disrupt-2023
- techcrunch.com/2025/10/17/together-we-make-disrupt-unforgettable-thank-you-to-our-sponsors
- techcrunch.com/2025/10/23/announcing-the-top-judges-for-the-final-round-of-startup-battlefield-200-only-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2025
- techcrunch.com/2025/10/23/only-4-days-until-techcrunch-disrupt-2025-kicks-off-in-san-francisco-and-ticket-rates-increase
- techcrunch.com/2025/10/29/and-the-winner-of-startup-battlefield-at-disrupt-2025-is-glid
- techcrunch.com/2025/10/30/scenes-from-techcrunch-disrupt
- techcrunch.com/2025/11/07/techcrunch-disrupt-2025s-startup-battlefield-200-celebrating-outstanding-achievements
- techcrunch.com/2025/11/07/techcrunch-disrupt-2025s-startup-battlefield-200-celebrating-outstanding-achievements
- techcrunch.com/2026/10/05/meet-the-startup-battlefield-200-judges-wholl-decide-the-winner-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2026
- techcrunch.com/events
- techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2021
- techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2022
- techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2023
- techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2024
- techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2025
- techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2025
- techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2025/partners
- techcrunch.com/events/tc-disrupt-2025/startup-battlefield
- techcrunch.com/events/techcrunch-disrupt
- techcrunch.com/events/techcrunch-disrupt/agenda
- techcrunch.com/events/techcrunch-disrupt/attendee-portal
- techcrunch.com/events/techcrunch-disrupt/founder-pass
- techcrunch.com/events/techcrunch-disrupt/investor-pass
- techcrunch.com/events/techcrunch-disrupt/layoff-expo-ticket
- techcrunch.com/events/techcrunch-disrupt/partners
- techcrunch.com/events/techcrunch-disrupt/press
- techcrunch.com/events/techcrunch-disrupt/speakers
- techcrunch.com/events/techcrunch-disrupt/tickets
- techcrunch.com/startup-battlefield
- techcrunch.com/startup-battlefield
- techcrunch.com/startup-battlefield/about
- techcrunch.com/storyline/techcrunch-disrupt-2024-day-3-the-future-of-wordpress-perplexity-ai-and-colin-kaepernick/page/1
- techcrunch.com/video/speeding-ahead-lessons-for-the-genai-evolution
- businesswire.com/news/home/20220927006106/en/TechCrunch-Disrupt-2022-Announces-Expanded-Startup-Battlefield
TechCrunch Disrupt: frequently asked
When is TechCrunch Disrupt 2026?
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 runs Oct 13–15, 2026 at Moscone West, San Francisco, according to the organiser's published dates.
How much does TechCrunch Disrupt cost?
Published ticket prices run $75–$1,099 (2026; the low end is the limited qualifying Layoff Expo+ offer). Standard listed pass prices run from $299 to $1,099 (2026).. Startups: Startup Battlefield 200 is the startup application and selection program, separate from buying an attendee pass. Apply through the official application page; the 2026 application round is closed. Selected companies exhibit and can compete onstage. (No application or participation fee (2026).).
How do startups get into TechCrunch Disrupt?
Startup Battlefield 200 is the startup application and selection program, separate from buying an attendee pass. Apply through the official application page; the 2026 application round is closed. Selected companies exhibit and can compete onstage. Eligibility as published: Early-stage companies worldwide and across industries, with a functional MVP. Bootstrapped, pre-seed, and seed startups are welcome; some Series A companies may qualify case by case, particularly in capital-intensive industries (2026).
What is Startup Battlefield 200?
TechCrunch Disrupt's pitch competition. Prize as published: $100,000 equity-free prize money and the Disrupt Cup (2025); $100,000 (2026).. Eligibility: Early-stage startups with a functional MVP; bootstrapped, pre-seed, and seed companies are welcome, and some Series A companies may be considered case by case. The 2026 application round is closed.
How big is TechCrunch Disrupt?
10,000+ founders, investors, and builders (2025; organizer-published event-day figure) attendees, 300+ exhibiting startups (2025; published by TechCrunch on the event's first day) startups, per the organiser.