Join TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco, Oct 27-29, for AI trends, Startup Battlefield, and networking with 1,200+ VCs. Learn from Roelof Botha, save $668 on tickets, and boost your startup’s future.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, October 27-29 in San Francisco, delivers 250+ sessions on AI, scaling, and community building.
Startup Battlefield has launched 1,500+ startups, raising $32 billion—think Dropbox or Yammer.
Over 10,000 attendees, including 3,000+ founders, connect with top VCs and speakers like Aaron Levie.
Tickets start at $1,475; early bird deals save $668, with group discounts easing costs.
Unlike CES or Web Summit, Disrupt’s pitch focus and investor access make it a must for founders.
Why TechCrunch Disrupt Matters
The stage lights burn hot. Your palms sweat as you face a panel of venture capitalists, your startup’s future hanging on a five-minute pitch. This is TechCrunch Disrupt, the San Francisco conference where dreams become billion-dollar realities. Since 2010, it’s been the proving ground for startups, where founders meet 1,200+ investors and tech’s biggest minds—like Wayve’s Alex Kayyal or Sequoia’s Roelof Botha share what’s next. Running October 27-29 at Moscone West, Disrupt 2025 is your shot to join 10,000 innovators shaping AI, fintech, and more. It’s not just an event; it’s where your startup could catch fire.
Disrupt’s track record speaks louder than hype. Its Startup Battlefield has birthed companies like Dropbox, which turned a pitch into a $10 billion giant. Whether you’re pitching, networking, or soaking up insights, this is where you find the spark to scale.
A Legacy of Launching Giants
Back in 2010, TechCrunch (later acquired by AOL and Yahoo Inc.) kicked off Disrupt in New York, aiming to spotlight scrappy startups. It moved to San Francisco, becoming a magnet for ambition. Over 1,500 Battlefield startups have raised $32 billion—more than some countries’ GDPs with 250 exiting successfully. Think Yammer, acquired for $1.2 billion, or Vurb, a mobile search gem snapped up by Snapchat.
Not every moment was smooth. In 2013, a tone-deaf app called Titstare sparked backlash, pushing organisers to tighten ethical standards. That misstep shaped today’s focus on inclusivity, ensuring diverse voices shine. From mobile apps in the early days to 2025’s AI-driven agenda, Disrupt evolves with tech itself, staying a step ahead of the curve.
What’s on at Disrupt 2025
Picture yourself weaving through a crowd of 10,000 at Moscone West, your phone buzzing with meeting invites from the event app. Disrupt 2025, October 27-29, packs 250+ sessions across five stages: Disrupt, AI, Builders, SaaS, and Fintech. Day 1 starts with a bang—Sequoia’s Roelof Botha unpacking AI’s geopolitical stakes. Day 2? Wayve’s Alex Kayyal reveals how autonomous vehicles learn like humans. By Day 3, Box’s Aaron Levie breaks down enterprise AI for founders chasing efficiency.
Want to build a loyal audience? Discord’s Jason Citron shares community-building secrets. Struggling with equity packages? Experts from Pulley and 645 Ventures have answers. This packed agenda isn’t just talk—it’s a roadmap for your startup’s next move. That legacy of launching giants sets the stage for what’s coming.
Speakers Who’ll Ignite Ideas
Ever wonder what it’s like to hear from tech’s top minds? Disrupt 2025 delivers. Roelof Botha (Sequoia Capital) brings investor wisdom, while Navy CTO Justin Fanelli tackles tech’s role in defence. Waymo’s Tekedra Mawakana and Netflix’s Eunice Kim dive into AI’s real-world impact. A must-see: Campuswire’s Tade Oyerinde on creating communities that stick.
Get there early for Q&A—those slots fill fast with 10,000 attendees. One founder shared on Reddit how a question to a past speaker (think GM’s Mary Barra) led to a game-changing mentor. Pro tip: Use Braindates in the app to book one-on-one chats and cut through the crowd. These talks aren’t just inspiring; they’re your chance to ask the questions that move your startup forward.
Startup Battlefield: Your Big Break
Imagine stepping onto the Battlefield stage, 1,200+ VCs watching, $100,000 equity-free on the line. Startup Battlefield is Disrupt’s heart, where 200 pre-Series A startups compete, and 20 finalists pitch to win. Since its start, it’s launched 1,500+ companies, raising $32 billion. Last year, geCKo Materials won for sustainable tech, proving Disrupt spots what’s next.
Not pitching? You’re still in the game. One founder landed 3,000 app installs after media buzz from attending. Apply early for Battlefield—deadlines are tight. Or search “TechCrunch Disrupt alumni success stories” to see how Vice AI turned a pitch into partnerships. This is where your idea meets opportunity.
Trends Shaping Disrupt 2025
Disrupt is like a sneak peek at tech’s future. AI dominates 2025, from robots learning like humans (embodied intelligence) to voice AI with ElevenLabs’ Mati Staniszewski. Other hot topics? Equitable hiring, low-earth-orbit manufacturing, and crypto acquisitions, Coinbase just nabbed its sixth in six months. Fusion startups, a big focus, have raised $7.1 billion.
With 10,000 attendees, the crowd can feel overwhelming. One past attendee joked on Reddit about navigating “a sea of branded backpacks.” Use the event app to book targeted meetings and skip the chaos. These trends aren’t just talk—they’re your chance to spot the next big opportunity.
How Disrupt Stacks Up
Should you pick Disrupt over other conferences? CES draws 170,000 for shiny gadgets, but it’s less about founders meeting VCs. Web Summit’s 70,000 attendees offer broad networking, yet Disrupt’s 1,200+ investors and Battlefield pitches drive bigger funding outcomes. Collision and TNW are close, but Disrupt’s AI focus and $32 billion alumni track record give it an edge.
Reddit users say Disrupt is a slam dunk for B2B SaaS but trickier for consumer apps due to media focus. Unlike Web Summit’s virtual options, Disrupt is in-person only—a bummer for some. Search “ROI of attending TechCrunch Disrupt” for stories of founders landing seed rounds. If you’re hunting investor traction, Disrupt’s your best bet.
Tickets and Logistics Made Simple
Let’s talk cash. Tickets start at $1,475, but grab them by September 5 to save $668. Teams of 4-9 save 15%; 10+ get 30% off. No single-day passes, and refunds are tough 50% by July 31. Kids under 18? They need an adult.
On a budget? Volunteer by September 30 for a free pass. Side events, like the Future of Work Mixer on October 26, add networking without breaking the bank. Moscone West is central but packed—arrive early to beat the rush. Post-event, alumni networks keep the momentum going, unlike most conferences.
Why You Can’t Miss Disrupt
Your startup’s next big break could be a conversation away. With 3,000+ founders and 1,200+ VCs, Disrupt is where deals happen. One founder shared on Reddit how a coffee chat turned into a seed round. Battlefield’s $32 billion in funding shows the stakes—Flexport’s Ryan Petersen used policy insights from Disrupt to scale. Even non-pitchers gain from media buzz and leads.
Worried about cost? B2B founders get the most bang for their buck; consumer apps may need extra hustle. Search “TechCrunch Disrupt volunteer opportunities” to join for free. This isn’t just an event—it’s your shot to meet the people who can change your trajectory.
Your Next Step
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is where your startup could find its spark, whether it’s a VC handshake, a Battlefield win, or an AI insight that shifts your strategy. Don’t wait. Grab early bird tickets by September 5 to save $668 and secure your spot among 10,000 tech leaders. Your future starts here. Make it count.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TechCrunch Disrupt?
TechCrunch Disrupt is a top San Francisco tech conference (Oct 27-29, 2025) with 250+ sessions on AI, startups, and networking. It draws 10,000+ founders and VCs, featuring Startup Battlefield, where 20 startups pitch for $100,000, driving innovation and connections.
How much are tickets for Disrupt 2025?
Tickets start at $1,475, with early bird savings of $668 by September 5. Groups of 4-9 save 15%, 10+ get 30% off. No single-day passes; refunds are 50% by July 31. Volunteering offers free access.
Who are the key speakers at Disrupt 2025?
Roelof Botha (Sequoia), Aaron Levie (Box), and Alex Kayyal (Wayve) headline, joined by Netflix’s Eunice Kim and 200+ others. Sessions dive into AI, community building, and startup scaling, offering actionable insights.
Is TechCrunch Disrupt worth attending?
For founders and VCs, it’s a no-brainer 1,200+ investors and $32B in alumni funding. B2B SaaS thrives; consumer apps may struggle. High costs hurt, but group discounts and volunteering make it accessible.
What is Startup Battlefield?
Startup Battlefield is Disrupt’s pitch competition for 200 pre-Series A startups. Twenty finalists vie for $100,000 equity-free. Alumni like Dropbox raised $32B, with 250 exits, making it a launchpad for success.
How does Disrupt compare to CES?
Disrupt focuses on startup pitches and VC networking (1,200+ VCs, $32B raised), while CES (170K attendees) showcases gadgets. Disrupt’s AI and founder focus make it ideal for early-stage startups chasing funding.
