TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Founder Guide: Speakers, Startup Battlefield and Discounts
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 brings six stages, 200-plus sessions and a $100,000 Startup Battlefield to San Francisco from October 13 to 15 for startup founders.
Summary
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 runs October 13 to 15 at Moscone West in San Francisco, focusing on building enduring companies in the AI era. The three-day event offers more than 200 expert sessions across six stages, plus the Expo Hall, Side Events and networking. Prices rise as opening approaches, with $100 savings still available before the event, 50% off a second ticket and limited $75 Expo+ passes for people affected by layoffs this year.
Programming serves founders from idea stage through scaling. The Disrupt and Builders stages cover technology leadership, fundraising, hiring, go-to-market strategy, products and growth. Four specialist stages address AI agents, models and monetization, physical AI in robotics, manufacturing, healthcare and defense, financial technology, and infrastructure including chips, compute, energy, networking and data centers. Founder Pass holders receive app-based investor matchmaking and access to the Deal Flow Café, while Side Events target hiring, partnerships and industry networking.
Startup Battlefield features 200 companies selected August 20, with $100,000 for the winner. Applications are closed, but international expansion is planned and the 2027 process will resemble 2026. Speakers include Rivian’s RJ Scaringe, Amazon’s Panos Panay, Tether’s Paolo Ardoino, Bluesky’s Toni Schneider and Rose Wang, Replit’s Amjad Masad and Cerebras’ Andrew Feldman, with more announcements pending. Previous founders reported three times oversubscription and more than 100 investor approaches after Battlefield confirmation, while another held nearly 30 investor conversations after pitching.
Positives
- More than 200 expert sessions across six stages give founders practical guidance on fundraising, hiring, products, growth, AI and infrastructure.
- Startup Battlefield awards $100,000 and exposes 200 companies selected August 20 to investors and event attendees.
- Founder Pass holders receive app-based matchmaking and access to one-on-one investor meetings in the Deal Flow Café.
- One previous founder reported three times oversubscription and more than 100 investor approaches after Battlefield confirmation.
- Second tickets are 50% off, while people affected by 2026 layoffs can access limited $75 Expo+ passes.
Risks & concerns
- Ticket prices increase as the October 13 opening approaches, and the remaining $100 saving expires when the event begins.
- Applications for the 2026 Startup Battlefield are closed, leaving prospective competitors to consider the similar 2027 process.
- The discounted $75 Expo+ passes for people affected by layoffs are available only in limited quantities.
- A packed October 13 to 15 schedule requires founders to book networking opportunities and plan meetings in advance.
- Additional speakers remain unannounced immediately before the event, leaving final lineup details incomplete.