The Founder's Guide to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Everything You

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is built around one question: How do you build an enduring company in the AI era? Our programming and speaker lineup reflect that, shaped by community feedback and the reality on the ground. And everything kicks off in just a few days—act now before your chance to save $100 on your pass comes to an end. Last year at Disrupt, we spoke with founders about their experiences and saw the results of their attendance firsthand. One founder saw a 3x oversubscription rate after their confirmation for Startup Battlefield and more than 100 investor inbounds, fueling conversations about a future fundraising round. Another founder had nearly 30 back-to-back conversations with investors who flocked to them after a pitch onstage and followed them to their booth. That's not the exception at Disrupt—that's the point. And those opportunities aren't just available for Battlefield finalists. Every conversation in the Expo Hall or at a Side Event can create an opportunity for your startup. For years, whether held in New York, San Francisco, or elsewhere, Disrupt has brought together thousands of founders, investors, startup team members, and tech leaders. We're keeping that mission alive at SF's Moscone West this October 13-15 with a packed lineup of speakers, more than 200 expert sessions, a wealth of organized and serendipitous networking opportunities, and most of all, the chance to be in the same room as the person who could change your nascent idea or your current startup's trajectory. This guide is for founders who are just learning about Disrupt, need a refresher, or are skeptical about whether it's worth it. TechCrunch has been around for more than 20 years; we can take it. Before you dive in, there are two discounts running until Disrupt begins that you should know about. Founders can bring a team member along for 50% off their ticket by following this link, or you can help laid-off members of your network find their next opportunity at Disrupt with our steep discount on Expo+ passes. 

via TechCrunch