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The founder’s guide to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Everything you need to know
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- DeepHorus
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will take place at San Francisco’s Moscone West from October 13 to 15. The event is built around one question: how to build an enduring company in the AI era. More than 200 expert sessions across six stages will offer practical lessons.
The conference targets founders, investors, startup team members, and tech leaders. TechCrunch has run Disrupt for years in cities including New York and San Francisco. Its 2026 programming reflects community feedback and current startup realities.
Past attendees show the event’s potential. One founder reported a 3x oversubscription rate after Startup Battlefield confirmation and more than 100 investor inbounds. Another held nearly 30 back-to-back investor conversations after pitching onstage, with investors following them to their booth.
Organizers say such outcomes are not limited to Battlefield finalists. Conversations in the Expo Hall or Side Events can also create opportunities. Disrupt offers tracks for pre-seed, early-revenue, and scaling founders.
Pre-seed and idea-stage founders can prioritize the Builders Stage, Startup Battlefield semifinalist pitches, the Expo Hall, and industry roundtables. Early-revenue or actively raising founders can use investor-matchmaking tools, Founder Pass networking, and the Deal Flow Café. Scaling teams can seek talent, strategic partners, and market visibility.
Discounts run until the event begins. Founders can bring a team member for 50% off, and laid-off members of their network can access steeply discounted Expo+ passes. A separate $100 pass discount is also ending soon.
TechCrunch, which has operated for more than 20 years, says Disrupt is designed for a unique moment. The event focuses on building companies in AI, not merely predicting its future. For founders raising, scaling, or adapting to AI, the three days promise practical answers and connections.
