Next five VCs judging Startup Battlefield 200 contenders at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
TechCrunch has announced five more venture capitalists who will judge startups at Startup Battlefield 200 during TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. They will help select which of the 200 chosen companies advance to the live pitch competition, where finalists present to an audience of founders, investors, media and customers.
The judges named include Caleb Appleton of Bison Ventures, Sara Deshpande of Maven Ventures and Aatish Nayak of Kleiner Perkins; the article also profiles the other two newly announced judges. Their experience spans areas including physical AI, consumer software, AI, robotics and early-stage company building. TechCrunch says 20 judges have been revealed so far, with five more to be announced for the final judging panel; those judges will choose the winner of a $100,000 equity-free prize and the Disrupt Cup.
- Five more venture capitalists have joined the Startup Battlefield 200 judging panel.
- The judges will help choose which startups reach the live competition.
- The final judges will select a winner for $100,000 and the Disrupt Cup.
Art Business Celebrity Companies Cricket Culture Entertainment Sport