TechCrunch has revealed the initial agenda for the Builders Stage at Disrupt 2026, one of six industry-focused tracks at the conference. The stage is aimed at founders looking to move beyond the early stages of building a startup and towards scaling it, covering topics such as fundraising, hiring, go-to-market strategy and AI. It matters because it gives startup operators and investors attending the event practical, real-world guidance rather than purely theoretical discussion, drawn from leaders across the venture and technology ecosystem.

Confirmed speakers include Grant Lee of Gamma, Leah Solivan of Precedent.vc and Google's Robby Stein, alongside panels featuring figures from Baillie Gifford, General Catalyst, Radical Ventures, Webflow, Airbyte, Blackstone N1 and Redpoint Ventures. Announced sessions address competing against AI giants such as OpenAI and Anthropic, building durable businesses outside the AI hype cycle, capital strategy for fast-scaling AI startups, and the challenge of hiring and retaining AI talent. Disrupt 2026 takes place at Moscone Center in San Francisco from 13-15 October, with more than 10,000 attendees expected and further speakers and sessions still to be announced.