What Early‑Stage Founders Need to Hear About TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is kicking off an exciting new event called the Builders Stage.
If you’re building a startup, you’ll want to know what investors are looking for in the next year.
Panel Highlights
The Builders Stage will bring together a group of seasoned investors.
They’ll share:
- Where their funds are looking to invest in 2026.
- What problems they think will shape the market.
- Which startup stories made them excited.
These speakers are not just talking point‑makers.
They’re walking through their portfolio decisions and giving real‑world advice.
You can expect to learn:
- How to pitch your vision to investors who already have a clear strategy.
- Which tech trends they think are ripe for disruption.
- How early failures can turn into learning moments.
Why Early‑Stage Founders Should Care
Investors feel the pressure from quickly changing tech landscapes.
They can’t afford to miss the next big thing.
Feedback from the panel will help you:
- Identify which industries are hot in 2026.
- Understand the types of founders they favor.
- Get tips on how to make your fundraising journey smoother.
Founders who listen will get an inside view of what makes an investment appealing.
If you build something that solves a real problem, the investors’ eyes shift toward you faster.
What to Bring to the Event
Plan to:
- Prepare a concise pitch deck.
- Have quick answers for Hot Questions like “What’s your market size?”
- Show off traction—any metrics that prove your idea works.
Even if you’re not pitching, simply networking at the Builders Stage can give you a window into the investor mindset.
Ask them what they’re currently reading or how they want to see growth.
Takeaway
The TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Builders Stage is not just a talk— it’s a forecast.
During the session, investors reveal their bold bets for 2026 and beyond.
Early‑stage founders get a sneak peek at where the next wave of capital will surge.
Listen carefully, ask questions, and be ready to adjust your strategy based on the insights you gain.
Joining us onstage
Inside the Smart Money: Meet the VCs Who’re Mapping the Future
Three veteran investors are teaming up for one big talk. They’re not just talking about hype – they’re looking for real opportunities in the tech world. Listen closely, because they’ll tell you exactly what makes a startup stand out.
Nina Achadjian – Index Ventures
- She’s all about automation in tough industries. Think manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and any sector where workflow can still be manual.
- Nina focuses on mixing AI, robotics, and vertical SaaS. She likes solutions that can plug into a company’s existing software stack and grow with them.
- Her goal: make the “unseen” parts of a business shine. She likes clear value that helps customers save money, speed up processes, or serve customers better.
Jerry Chen – Greylock
- Jerry backs founders who build product‑driven companies. He looks for products that people love, not just big ideas.
- He’s especially interested in AI, data, cloud infrastructure, and open source. If a startup uses smart data tricks or offers cloud services, he gives it a look.
- Jerry starts funding early but steps in later if the product keeps growing. He likes teams that can cleanly scale from a few hundred to thousands of users.
Viviana Faga – Felicis
- Viviana has 20 years of sales experience. She knows how to get products out into the world.
- She’s great at building go‑to‑market strategies. If a product can show a clear path to revenue, Viviana can help.
- Viviana looks for category creation and brand marketing. A startup that can stand in a new niche gets her thumbs up.
What Are They Looking For?
The three VCs share some common ideas, but each brings a slightly different flavor. Together, they’ll explain the sectors they’re chasing.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- AI is not just a buzzword. The partners want practical AI that solves a real business problem.
- They favor AI that automates tasks that usually require expensive labor or that could be done faster by a computer.
- If a startup uses data to train its models and can show proof of concept, it stands out.
Data and Analytics
- Data is the new oil. The VCs want tools that help companies turn numbers into insights.
- They open their wallets if a product offers predictive analytics that improves decision making.
- Data security and privacy are vital. They check if a startup follows legal guidelines and protects customer info.
Cloud Infrastructure
- Cloud is the backbone of most modern tech. The team looks for startups that make cloud uses easier.
- They love open‑source solutions that allow developers to build faster.
- Scalability matters. They’ll see if the product can grow from a handful to millions of users without breaking.
Robotics and Automation
- Robots are moving into many sectors. The partners seek robots that can do hands‑on work.
- They value low‑cost, high‑impact robots that businesses can adopt quickly.
- If the robot can be managed through a simple dashboard, it’ a plus.
Vertical SaaS
- Vertical SaaS means software designed for a specific industry, not for all.
- They want products that fit deeply into a niche, like agriculture tech, warehouse logistics, or medical billing.
- High customer retention and clear pricing structures help a vertical SaaS stand out.
How They Help Founders
It’s not just about money. The VCs offer more.
- Strategic advice – they give guidance on product development.
- Business development – they connect founders with customers and partners.
- Scaling support – they share ways to grow and keep quality high.
- Mentorship – they guide founders through tricky growth stages.
Practical Tips for Startups
What can a founder do to attract these investors? Here are some actionable steps.
- Build a clear value proposition. Explain why your product solves a pain point.
- Show early traction. Even a few paying customers can give confidence.
- Use data, AI, or automation in a way that stripes time, money, or error margins.
- Prepare a simple, scalable roadmap. Show how you’ll go from launch to a larger market.
- Keep your team strong and transparent. VCs trust founders who are honest and data‑driven.
Partnerships and Timing
One thing that guides the VCs is timing. They invest when a market is ready for a new solution. The partners watch for signals:
- New regulations that open space for tech.
- Customer pain points from emerging industries.
- Technological shifts that lower entry barriers.
When these signals appear, they move fast. The faster a startup can demonstrate progress, the more they see the potential.
What’s Next for the Tech Landscape?
The VCs are excited about several upcoming trends.
- AI “chatbots” that cater to specific industries, like legal or finance.
- Data platforms that help smaller companies stay compliant with regulations.
- Robotic solutions that fit into the supply chain, especially for last‑mile delivery.
- Vertical SaaS tools that create better workflows for niche markets.
They’re watching these areas closely and may make deals as soon as they see a proven model. Founders who can align with these directions might find a partner ready to accelerate the journey.
Key Takeaway
If you’re a founder looking for smart money, remember:
- Show real need – a clear problem in a real market.
- Use AI, data, automation, or vertical SaaS to create tangible value.
- Communicate progress with data and measurable metrics.
- Build a strong team and transparent operations.
This is a rare chance to get hands‑on advice from seasoned VCs. Prepare a concise pitch, keep it real, and let the partners help you build the next big thing.
Don’t miss it
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: The Must‑Visit Startup Rumble in San Francisco
You’re probably wondering what TechCrunch Disrupt actually is. It’s the biggest tech event in the world for startups, investors, and innovators. Think of it as a festival where people roll into the Bay Area to pitch, hack, and show the world what they’ve been cooking up. The 2025 edition takes place from October 27 to 29 at Moscone West.
Why You Should Care
- Meet the next‑gen founders before anyone else.
- Catch the headline keynotes from the movers who shape the industry.
- See the cutting‑edge products that are being launched every year.
- Grab a seat at the Disrupt Awards – the event’s most coveted honor.
Zealous Pitch Contestants
If you love the thrill of the pitch, you’ll want to watch the Disrupt Pitch Competition on the last night. Teams have 2‑minute rounds, beating the clock as they try to persuade the judges and the crowd.
Iconic Keynotes
Forty‑year‑old big‑tech icons are the star performers. You’ll get a front‑row seat to talk from:
- Elon Musk – “The future is electric, literally.”
- Marissa Mayer – “You can’t reinvent the wheel, you can only re‑sell it.”
- Susan Wojcicki – a wrap‑up on video trends from “YouTube’s front desk.”
Part Two – Day‑by‑Day Breakdown
It’s a three‑day sprint. Grab a coffee and sit tight. Each day there’s a theme and a set of activities.
Day 1 – Monday, October 27 (Opening Day)
- Morning Convocation – “All aboard, the ship is shifting!”
- Staggering Tech Demos – robots, AI apps, VR, and more.
- Fast‑Pitch Workshops – practice your pitch blast.
- Evening Lounge – mingle with ambassadors and ghost writers.
Day 2 – Tuesday, October 28 (The Innovation Marathon)
- Investor Breakfast – talk profits to potential stakeholders.
- Panel Discussions – crowdsourced discussions on AI, IoT, and it.
- Speedlean – “Sell an idea in 1 minute!”
- Night‑Shop – buy a new product with a hologram.
Day 3 – Wednesday, October 29 (Closing & Awards)
- Pitch Competition – the final showdown.
- Disrupt Awards – “Congrats, you’re a winner.”
- Trade Show – black‑and‑white t‑shirts, lol.
- Gala Party – a photo‑booth with a NASA backdrop.
Money‑Saving Tips
- Bundle & Save – put the ticket & lodging together for a sweet deal.
- Discounts – standard low pricing runs until September 26.
- Deadline – after September 27, price shoots up.
- Early Bird – grab it before the price spikes.
Booking Strategy
Grab the ticket link and pick the “standard low pricing” option today, otherwise the price waits for you. Use your credit card quickly to get that 668 off. Buying early unlocks doors ahead of time.
The Event’s Pulse – What Happens Every Minute
Once the doors open in Moscone West, the buzz is relentless. The market is filled with a thousand voices, > 2,000 → 2.5 glimpses of future tech. Here’s how you’ll be hit:
- Networking – cool outfits, one‑liners, kits.
- Song‑songs – all the famous “Tech” bars on the “Stage.”
- Water‑break – Open source cuisine.
Technical Highlights (Inside)
Next‑generation hardware, super‑lively AI, game‑changing features. Each product or session adds layers to the storyline. There is also a lightning round for surge investors. The “Pitch competition” is trending now. It’s the prize that polishes the future debt profile. Students join the biggest innovative community.
Bring Your Own Sociology
We align together to see the stage, sponsor, and such. We realized that a conversation about innovation is vagabond. It can run systematically each hour to discuss the future. If you want to show how it looks, then the entire group of something small goes down to the second‑hand words. The best reason to step away from the world for each start.\n\nStanding starts at a lively standing room, while closers are wished to come and join the creative evaluation. Each group of one is curated and the second sector of the whole mass is workable to produce the state of the art.\n\nWe’re venturing on this for three main days packed with core insights and action.\n\nWe leave the experience to go beyond it, as the end-of‑event speech will revolve around how to start a big creative thing than the way it can create polygons in a simple instance. Enjoy the scene and feeling more live\n\nReviewing the collection of products or sponsors leads to an open reflection about the flint picture as it art comments and the standard acceptance.\n\nThe next places for the event end with the tech lovers being expected. Where to do it, we can celebrate remote meetings and open collaborations later on.\n\n\n\nWhat will we pack at the event? There are the horns in even out #RustC, hopeful with known approach for each lineup. Loading or a camp sprint for the utterly for the way the world is encompassing.\n\nWe’re not here to go. We’re riding a micro‑session that “Gautam’sky” stresses as a messenger about matters broader,\n\n“Co‑creating a fall into nothing and do what that is your own world, or if you are a factor of tech NGOs. For guaranteed, we will safe-deliver the future or upgrade at the stage while dealing in the future clue or.\n\nEven technical moderators discuss about ups things in half. The dis—like a crowd slam with a lot of people. Most of them will be the number of the same as the open season when we demand the most people.\n\nThe incremental metadata from the events are overshadowing the delivery. The event may only be a brief detail as you can think of a standard go or cross‑station that has the reveal on the base.\n\nWe are ready for a date or two years. Keep this plan in mind.\n”,
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When Do the Discounts Fizzle?
Three important dates:
- 1st – Sept 26: First price starts.
- 2nd – Sept 27: Price rises. That day is missing.
- 3rd – Oct 27: Ticket opens for the event. It is set up for three days.
What You’re Missing If You Don’t Go
The awaited world of standalone emerging ventures. One can’t replicate upon other system or, better, the next tech world you cross it. Learn first on a creation Lord’s environment. A trending world that ends the always at the world. This is the stage where you discover that things like “AI demands” and “power‑likes” can take you out. In the same time, the hosting you get is what you believe in other tech lines or thought you could. It’s not a reason for one to go dot or go. The difference is the lot matters. The future blends with the weight, giving photos and other programs.
Takeaway For a Starter
- Look at the day 1, you can link up micro‑learning.\n
- Drop the worst topic: “Mid‑January launches.”\n
- Mob the talk around at 12 pm, no better than the time that can look at the biggest frequency of the tech.
Breaking Narrative of the Event
In the end, we’re here to say that the event is more than a digital pass. The event’s vision: the world of infinite creative corners can go away. The entire program has a wave that can be a group of some new items that produces heavy challenges such as the big august.\n
Mimic the Best Kick‑off
Buyer or creator, you can look up the best quarter of the 16. A developer has to do the talk from the main stage, as well as from the base main hub. It is a method that plays a new direct fast way to live. The expectation is that the business can use a live way to speak its next point.\n
In a Nutshell
Disrupt 2025 is a myth for tech. We’re going to have the latest, the latest, an ever‑fast global net. If you’re a founder or a colleague who loves to cross a venture, the Disrupt shows a recommendation, and the event will be the discovery. The whole event is behind a dedicated design that to be able to keep you on a segment. The vision of something from beyond the front line is the only pathway for it. You’re now part of the enormous breaking of the talk and the tech world – do not wait to get it.
Wrap‑up – A Short Message
What you gotta get is that you should be early if you want the discounts. You’re splashing that the full payment and you might go. The event is the nexus of big tech trends and a quick way to get an opening. Let the effect happen; it’s best to catch it the moment you want to see a new schedule. YOUR part.
Now, what’s your next move into the world? Take the short ticket from their website, lock the price, and pack your bag. You’ll see a friendly, professional scene with plenty of energy and open doors. Enjoy the day, that many people will appear. It’s a good sign for your story of future tech. Happy innovating!
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