The investor’s guide to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Everything you need to know
TechCrunch has published an investor-focused guide to its Disrupt 2026 conference, taking place 13–15 October at Moscone West in San Francisco. The guide sets out how investors at different stages, from angels to growth-stage funds, should navigate the event, framing it as a chance to source deals and meet founders before rivals do. The piece is timed around a ticket promotion, with savings of up to $300 ending on 21 August.
The event will host over 20,000 curated meetings across three days, alongside more than 10,000 attendees including founders, investors and operators. A central draw is Startup Battlefield 200, described as a pre-vetted shortlist of 200 pre-Series A startups selected by TechCrunch's editorial and events teams. Confirmed speakers include Rivian's RJ Scaringe, Amazon's Panos Panay, Replit's Amjad Masad and Cerebras' Andrew Feldman, with the guide also noting past appearances by investors such as Elad Gil and Vinod Khosla.
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 runs 13–15 October in San Francisco.
- Guide tailors advice to angel, seed/Series A and growth-stage investors.
- Startup Battlefield 200 offers vetted access to 200 pre-Series A startups.
New here? Start with this
TechCrunch Disrupt is a technology conference where startup founders, investors and business leaders meet. It is held in San Francisco and includes talks, networking and Startup Battlefield, a showcase of early-stage companies selected by TechCrunch.
Investors range from angels, who often back very young companies, to funds that invest in businesses at later stages of growth. They attend events like this to meet founders, learn about emerging companies and consider potential investments. Startup Battlefield offers one way to see a group of young companies in one place.
The conference also brings together people from established technology and business firms, alongside startups. Such gatherings can help shape connections between entrepreneurs and investors, and draw attention to which new companies may attract funding.