TechCrunch Disrupt is the most watched event in the startup world — a three-day convergence of founders, investors, journalists, and operators that has served as the public debut for companies now worth billions.
Startup Battlefield
The centerpiece of Disrupt is the Startup Battlefield competition. Early-stage startups pitch in front of a panel of top-tier venture capitalists and the TechCrunch editorial team for a $100,000 grand prize and, more importantly, exposure that can change a company’s trajectory overnight.
Past Battlefield companies include Dropbox, Mint, Yammer, and Fitbit. The 2025 competition is open for applications now.
Startup Alley
Hundreds of early-stage companies exhibit in Startup Alley, the sprawling expo floor where attendees can discover and demo the next wave of consumer, enterprise, and deep tech products. It’s one of the best places in the industry to spot trends before they become mainstream.
Who Attends
- Founders looking to raise, recruit, and get press coverage
- Investors from seed through growth stage seeking deal flow
- Journalists covering the next big thing
- Engineers and designers evaluating opportunities and trends
Speakers & Programming
Each year, Disrupt attracts marquee speakers — founders of category-defining companies, prominent VCs, and leaders from Big Tech. Panels, fireside chats, and roundtables run alongside the Battlefield throughout the three days.
TechCrunch Disrupt is where the next generation of startups announce themselves to the world. Whether you’re pitching or watching, it’s the most energized room in tech.
General admission tickets start at $249. Startup Battlefield applications are free and reviewed by the TechCrunch editorial team.