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The Builders Stage brings practical strategies for scaling startups to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
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- DeepHorus
The Builders Stage is making a return to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, offering a focused platform for startup founders and operators to learn practical scaling strategies. The event will be held at Moscone Center in San Francisco from October 13-15, 2026, and is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees. The stage is designed to address the specific challenges companies face when transitioning from early-stage building to sustainable growth.
A distinguished lineup of speakers has been announced for the agenda, featuring leaders from the forefront of technology and venture capital. Keynotes and panels will include Grant Lee, CEO of Gamma; Leah Solivan, founder of Precedent.vc; and Robby Stein, VP of Product at Google. The sessions aim to deliver candid conversations and real-world case studies rather than theoretical advice.
The agenda tackles pressing issues in the current tech landscape, particularly the impact of artificial intelligence. One session, titled "How to Win When You're Not Building AI," will focus on core business fundamentals like retention and revenue quality amidst the AI hype. Another panel will address the existential threat many founders feel from giants like OpenAI and Anthropic potentially entering their market space.
The stage also covers critical operational pillars beyond product strategy. Discussions will explore the intense competition for AI talent, including new approaches to compensation, equity, and culture. Founders will learn about securing pre-seed funding even before having a fully built product, reflecting the evolving expectations of investors in a competitive market.
Practicality is the core promise, with every session designed to provide immediately actionable strategies. Attendees will have opportunities for direct engagement with speakers through live Q&A sessions. The event structure includes six industry-focused stages, with the Builders Stage specifically dedicated to growth challenges from fundraising to preparing for Series A rounds.
Early registration for Disrupt 2026 is now open, with a current offer to save up to $330 before the next ticket price increase. The return of the Builders Stage signals a continued emphasis on hands-on, problem-solving content for the entrepreneurial community. As the AI landscape rapidly reshapes business models, this track provides a crucial forum for navigating the new rules of building a scalable company.
