Disrupt 2026 is happening from October 13 to 15. This year, the event focuses on guiding founders through the challenges of building lasting companies in the AI era. The programming and speaker lineup reflect this goal, drawing on community feedback and insights from last year.
At the previous Disrupt, one founder saw a 3x oversubscription rate after being confirmed for Startup Battlefield, resulting in over 100 investor inquiries for future fundraising discussions. Another founder had nearly 30 back-to-back conversations with investors right after pitching onstage, which continued at their booth.
These opportunities are at the heart of Disrupt, which welcomes everyone, not just Battlefield finalists. Every interaction in the Expo Hall or Side Events can lead to meaningful connections. For more than 20 years, Disrupt has brought together thousands of founders, investors, and tech leaders. This year, it will be held at SF’s Moscone West, featuring more than 200 expert sessions and a lively networking atmosphere.
First-time founders, those needing a refresher, or the skeptical should take advantage of two discounts available until the event. Founders can bring a team member for 50% off their ticket or assist laid-off contacts in finding opportunities at Disrupt with substantial discounts on Expo+ passes.
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The founders Disrupt empowers
This year, Disrupt caters to founders at different stages of their journey, offering tailored experiences for each group. Here’s how founders can maximize their time:
Early revenue or actively raising
You’re focused on securing capital and validation. Utilize investor-matchmaking tools and the connections that come with your Founder Pass. The event app’s networking features enhance your experience, and you’ll gain access to the Deal Flow Café for one-on-one conversations between founders and investors.
Startup Battlefield: The most iconic pitch competition
The Startup Battlefield remains a highlight of Disrupt. The winner receives a $100,000 check, but the real value lies in what leads up to that moment. On August 20, 200 startups were selected to compete, undergoing rigorous preparation to pitch onstage before top-tier VCs and the Disrupt audience. Attendees can learn from these pitches, gaining insights into both successful and challenging presentations. Many Battlefield participants have pitched multiple times, so even if you missed this year, there will be future opportunities as the program expands to more international markets.
The founder-focused programming
Disrupt features six editorially curated stages, addressing various founder needs:
- Disrupt Stage: Engaging conversations with industry leaders shaping the future.
- Builders Stage: Practical advice on fundraising, hiring, and scaling startups.
- AI Stage: Discussions on how AI impacts the current startup landscape.
- Real World AI Stage: Insight into real-world applications of AI technologies.
- Smart Money Stage: Focused on financial strategies for growth and sustainability.
- Smart Systems Stage: Exploring the integration of advanced systems in startups.
Disrupt 2026 will provide invaluable insights and connections for every founder, whether just starting or looking to scale. With influential speakers like RJ Scaringe from Rivian, Panos Panay from Amazon, and Paolo Ardoino from Tether, the event promises to be a vital gathering for the tech community.
If you’re asking Claude or ChatGPT if TechCrunch Disrupt is worth it, you’re not alone. The reality is that Disrupt is a unique event, and it’s happening at a unique time for the startup community. Disrupt works a bit differently depending on where you are in your founding journey, with different tracks you can follow to make the most of the three days.
