TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 announced 200 startups have been selected as finalists for the Startup Battlefield competition, with 20 of them set to pitch on the Disrupt Stage across the three-day event. The competition, running from October 13 to 15, will determine the winner through a rigorous judging process led by five veteran investors.
The five judges, each having founded or co-founded their own investment firms, bring decades of experience in backing startups, building companies, and making high-stakes venture bets. They will evaluate pitches based on their potential to scale and create impactful ventures.
Among the judges is Stacy Brown-Philpot, founder and managing partner of Cherryrock Capital, who has backed companies like Coactive AI and Vitable Health. Chi-Hua Chien, co-founder of Goodwater Capital, has invested in unicorns such as Spotify and TikTok/Musical.ly.
Dayna Grayson, co-founder of Construct Capital, has supported firms like Desktop Metal and Veho. Carter Reum, managing partner of M13, has backed companies including Lyft and Pinterest. Alexa Von Tobel, founder of Inspired Capital, has invested in MosaicML and Chief.
The judges will not only evaluate pitches but also host a live AMA session on the Builders Stage, where they will answer questions from the audience about their investment criteria, company-building strategies, and future investment focus.
The Startup Battlefield competition is a masterclass in pitching and scaling a viable startup, offering insights into what venture capitalists look for in the next big innovation. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness the competition on the Disrupt Stage, where over 10,000 founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts will gather.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will also feature 250+ tech leaders across 200+ sessions, covering a wide range of topics and industry stages. Tickets are available with discounts for early registration and group purchases.
Source: techcrunch
