The Builders Stage is returning toTechCrunch Disrupt 2026, bringing together founders, startup operators, and investors for practical conversations on what it takes to build and scale successful companies.

Key Takeaways from TechCrunch Disrupt 2026’s Builders Stage:

• Mastering Scalable Growth:Gain actionable strategies from industry titans on transitioning from startup inception to sustainable, large-scale company operations, covering fundraising, talent acquisition, and market penetration.
• Navigating the AI Revolution:Understand how to thrive whether you’re building cutting-edge AI or leveraging it, with sessions addressing defensibility against tech giants and securing specialized AI talent.
• Practical, Real-World Insights:Engage directly with founders and investors through candid conversations and case studies, offering immediate, implementable solutions to today’s most pressing startup challenges.

Unlocking Growth: The Builders Stage Returns to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 to Forge the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

In the ever-accelerating world of technology, mere innovation is no longer enough. The true challenge lies in transforming a brilliant idea into a robust, scalable enterprise that can withstand market shifts and attract top talent. This is precisely the mission ofTechCrunch Disrupt 2026’s Builders Stage, set to ignite minds and inspire action from October 13-15 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Designed as a pivotal hub for founders, startup operators, and discerning investors, this stage promises an unparalleled deep dive into the practicalities of not just building a company, but scaling it successfully amidst today’s dynamic market forces.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn from the vanguard of the tech ecosystem. Luminaries like Grant Lee, CEO and co-founder of Gamma, and Leah Solivan, founder and general partner at Precedent.vc, will share their hard-won wisdom, offering perspectives honed through direct experience. They’ll be joined by Google’s VP of Product, Robby Stein, and many more, offering insights that transcend theory to deliver tangible value. Through candid discussions, real-world case studies, and interactive Q&A sessions, speakers will unpack critical topics such as sophisticated fundraising strategies, securing top-tier talent in a competitive landscape, crafting impenetrable go-to-market plans, navigating the complexities of AI integration, and making the crucial operational decisions that underpin long-term growth and market leadership.

With an expected attendance of more than 10,000 founders, investors, startup operators, and technology leaders, Disrupt 2026 is an essential gathering for anyone serious about their place in the tech future. The Builders Stage, in particular, stands out as a beacon for those ready to move beyond foundational concepts and tackle the intricacies of expansion, offering a roadmap to sustained success. This is your moment to gain a decisive advantage.Register today and secure your spotbefore the next ticket price increase, ensuring you don’t miss out on these invaluable insights and networking opportunities.

Beyond Conception: Built for Founders Ready to Scale

Launching a startup is an impressive feat, a testament to vision and grit. But transforming that nascent venture into a company capable of sustained, exponential growth is an entirely different, often more daunting, challenge. The Builders Stage at Disrupt 2026 is meticulously crafted to address this exact transition. As one of six specialized, industry-focused stages at the event, it is singularly dedicated to equipping founders with the tools, strategies, and knowledge needed to navigate the demanding journey of growth from seed stage to market dominance.

From the perennial quest for capital and the fierce competition for top talent, to meticulously constructing resilient go-to-market engines and strategizing for the critical leap from seed funding to a successful Series A round and beyond, every facet of scaling is explored in depth. Each session is designed to be intensely practical, delivering actionable strategies that attendees can implement immediately within their own organizations. Furthermore, the format encourages direct engagement, offering invaluable opportunities to pose questions and gain personalized insights directly from speakers during live Q&A segments. This immersive experience is your chance to elevate your company from a promising startup to an enduring industry leader, armed with the wisdom of those who have successfully navigated these very challenges.Secure your pass to Disrupt 2026 todayand unlock savings of up to $330 before rates increase.

The Core Curriculum: A Glimpse into the Builders Stage Agenda

Without further ado, here’s your first look at the meticulously curated Builders Stage agenda. This initial release offers a robust lineup, with more speakers and sessions slated for announcement as we draw closer to the event, promising an even richer experience designed to tackle the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing today’s founders.

Navigating the AI-Dominated Landscape

The rapid and pervasive rise of artificial intelligence has undeniably reshaped the venture capital landscape, consumer expectations, and market attention. These crucial sessions confront the realities for founders operating both directly within and adjacent to the AI sphere, offering strategies for resilience and differentiation.

How to Win When You’re Not Building AI

With Shan Shan, Investment Manager, Baillie Gifford; and Yuri Sagalov, Managing Director at General Catalyst

While AI commands significant buzz and investment, the most enduring and valuable companies of tomorrow might not be those directly developing AI models or agents. This critical session is tailored for founders who are vying for attention and capital in an AI-obsessed market, but whose core business may not be AI-centric. Panelists will dissect what truly matters in today’s environment: focusing on efficient growth, ensuring robust customer retention, cultivating high-quality revenue streams, and maintaining disciplined execution. They will passionately argue why foundational business principles, rather than fleeting hype cycles, remain the bedrock upon which breakout, lasting businesses are built, offering a refreshing perspective amidst the AI frenzy.

What Happens When OpenAI Ships Your Roadmap

With Michel Tricot, CEO and Co-founder, Airbyte; Rob Toews, Partner, Radical Ventures; and Linda Tong, CEO, Webflow

A pervasive anxiety grips nearly all AI founders today: the fear that an industry giant like OpenAI or Anthropic could suddenly launch a product that directly competes with, or even renders obsolete, their core offering. Even robust, innovative products face the constant risk of being reduced to mere “features” within the larger, rapidly expanding platforms of these dominant players. This vital session will delve deep into identifying where genuine defensibility still exists in this competitive arena. Experts will provide actionable strategies and frameworks for founders grappling with, or anticipating, direct competition from rapidly evolving AI giants, offering pathways to innovation, strategic pivots, and sustainable differentiation.

Funding and Scaling the Future of Tech

The capital markets are always in flux, and understanding the evolving dynamics of investment and scaling is paramount for any founder seeking to grow from an idea to a multi-stage company. These sessions decode the modern investor mindset.

Building the Next Generation of AI Giants

With Jas Khaira, Global Head, Blackstone N1

AI startups are not just innovating at an unprecedented pace; they are also scaling faster and demanding significantly more capital than any previous generation of tech companies. Jas Khaira, Global Head of Blackstone N1 – a prominent investment firm known for backing transformative technologies – will share invaluable insights into what truly distinguishes enduring companies from those with early, but unsustainable, momentum. This session will provide founders with a clear understanding of how to strategically think about capital deployment as they scale, and precisely what Blackstone, and other leading institutional investors, scrutinize when evaluating and backing the next wave of category-defining businesses. This is a must-attend for any founder planning their long-term financial strategy.

Winning Pre-Seed Without a Product

With Puneet Agarwal, Managing Partner, True Ventures; Austin Clements, Managing Partner, Slauson & Co.; and Minal Hasan, General Partner, K2 Global

Securing early-stage funding is often the first major hurdle for founders, and the idea of raising capital without a fully developed product might seem audacious. Yet, many successful ventures secure pre-seed investment based on vision, team, and market insight alone. This session, featuring seasoned venture capitalists Puneet Agarwal of True Ventures, Austin Clements of Slauson & Co., and Minal Hasan of K2 Global, will demystify the art of the pre-seed pitch. They will share expert advice on how to articulate your vision, showcase your team’s potential, validate market demand, and effectively secure crucial early capital even before your product is ready for launch. Learn what VCs truly look for when investing in nascent ideas, how to build compelling narratives that attract essential early backing, and the common pitfalls to avoid at this critical stage.

The Human Capital: Talent, Culture, and Retention

In a talent market fiercely competitive for AI expertise and beyond, building and retaining a high-performing team is paramount for sustained growth. These sessions delve into the strategies for attracting and nurturing the best minds.

Competing for AI Talent: Pay, Equity, and Retention

With Matt Birnbaum, Founder, Wylder.co; Ioana Hreninciuc, Runware; and Atli Thorkelsson, VP, Talent Network, Redpoint Ventures

The explosive growth of AI startups has created an unprecedented demand for specialized talent, making hiring and retention significantly more challenging across the entire tech industry. Founders are now being forced to fundamentally rethink the human infrastructure of their startups, from compensation packages to cultural tenets. From intensely competing for scarce AI talent to strategically navigating secondary sales and rapidly evolving employee expectations, the landscape of compensation and culture is shifting. This crucial session will explore how leading companies are adapting their strategies for pay, equity, benefits, and overall team-building to not only attract but also retain the absolute best talent in a fundamentally changed and highly competitive market. Gain insights into innovative approaches to compensation structures, fostering inclusive and high-performing cultures, and building resilient teams that can thrive and grow in this new era of tech innovation.

This is just a preview of the unparalleled learning and networking opportunities awaiting you at the Builders Stage. Prepare to absorb knowledge, challenge assumptions, and forge connections that will define the trajectory of your company. With more speakers and topics still to be announced, the full agenda promises an even deeper dive into the most critical aspects of scaling a tech enterprise.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Just Build, Conquer with TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026’s Builders Stage isn’t merely an event; it’s an essential investment in the future of your company and your leadership. In an era where the pace of innovation is matched only by market volatility, founders need more than just inspiration – they need concrete strategies, battle-tested advice, and a network of peers and mentors who understand the intricate dance of scaling. By bringing together visionary leaders and actionable insights across critical domains like AI, fundraising, and talent, the Builders Stage provides the definitive roadmap for founders aspiring to build not just successful companies, but enduring legacies that shape the next generation of technology. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to transform your vision into a scalable reality and gain a decisive edge in the competitive global tech landscape.

Navigating the Next Frontier: Funding, AI, and Hyper-Growth Strategies for Modern Startups

In an era defined by breakneck technological advancement and shifting market dynamics, the landscape for startups is evolving at an unprecedented pace. From securing initial capital to scaling products to billions of users, and fundamentally rethinking team structures with AI, founders face a complex set of challenges and opportunities. Recent insights from leading investors and product visionaries highlight the critical shifts defining success in today’s competitive environment.

Key Takeaways

• AI as an Integrated Partner:AI is no longer just a feature; it’s a co-founder, a core architect of product experiences, and a strategic imperative shaping team structures and operational efficiency.
• Radical Evolution of Funding & Exits:The path to capital and successful exits has tightened and diversified, demanding founders to demonstrate concrete traction earlier, strategize for M&A from day one, and adapt to significantly more rigorous Series A expectations.
• Accelerated Growth & Authentic PMF:New baselines for traction mean achieving significant ARR in months, not years. Founders must master rapid Go-To-Market strategies and possess a keen eye to differentiate genuine product-market fit from fleeting hype.

The New Calculus of Capital: Beyond Traditional Funding Paths

The journey to securing funding has become more intricate, with expectations escalating across every stage. For pre-seed ventures, the stakes are higher than ever, as investors like Christina Wallace of BFG and Sandhya Venkatachalam of Axiom Partners emphasize that capital is often committed long before a tangible product exists. At this nascent stage, founders are selling more than an idea; they’re selling their unique story, unshakeable conviction, and a demonstrable founder-market fit. Building credibility in the absence of revenue is paramount, making the founder’s narrative and passion critical differentiators for that pivotal first check.

As companies mature, the challenges persist. The landscape for a Series A round in 2027 is projected to be significantly more demanding. Investors such as Jahanvi Sardana from Index Ventures, Shailendra Singh from Peak XV, and Janelle Teng Wade from Bessemer Venture Partners underscore that “fundable” will be redefined. Outdated fundraising playbooks are obsolete, with top investors scrutinizing metrics, team composition, and traction with renewed intensity. Founders planning to raise in the coming years must understand these heightened expectations, focusing on sustainable growth, defensible moats, and clear paths to profitability to stand out from the pack.

Beyond traditional fundraising, the conversation around exits is also shifting dramatically. Karl Alomar from M13 and Lindsey Mignano of Mignano Law Group reveal that “M&A Is Now an Early-Stage Strategy.” Savvy founders are no longer solely building for a distant IPO; they are strategically positioning their companies for potential acquisition from day one. As capital tightens and exit pathways evolve, understanding the mechanics of M&A early provides a significant competitive advantage. This involves integrating product strategy with partnership considerations to create the optionality for big-dollar outcomes, even for smaller, agile companies, fundamentally reshaping how startups define long-term success.

AI as the Unifying Force: Reshaping Product, People, and Possibilities

The profound impact of Artificial Intelligence resonates throughout every facet of the modern tech ecosystem. AI is not merely a tool for adding features; it’s a fundamental paradigm shift that’s forcing a complete re-evaluation of product development, team composition, and strategic execution.

Maria Angelidou-Smith, CPO of Reddit, alongside leaders from Square and Uber, highlights how AI is “Rebuilding Consumer Products for the AI Era.” This involves a complete redesign of how users search, discover, communicate, travel, and make decisions. Product teams are grappling with what users genuinely desire from AI-enhanced experiences versus where automation should be resisted. The goal is to leverage AI for truly transformative user benefits without sacrificing the human element or creating unnecessary complexity.

Internally, AI is reshaping the very fabric of startup teams. Josh Reeves, CEO and Co-founder of Gusto, explores “Hiring When AI Is a Co-Founder.” With AI agents increasingly handling tasks across engineering, support, and operations, the traditional definition of an early-stage team is being rewritten. Founders face the crucial decision of what responsibilities humans should retain versus what can be effectively delegated to AI. Building these hybrid teams without compromising speed, accountability, or culture is a new frontier for high-growth startups.

Technically, navigating the rapidly evolving AI landscape demands new strategies. Mo Jomaa of Capital G and Zuzanna Stamirowska of Pathway discuss “The Real Tokenmaxxing: How the Best AI Companies Navigate a Multi-Model World.” The frontier of AI is moving too fast for any single model to dominate indefinitely. Successful AI products are increasingly orchestrating across multiple models, rather than placing all bets on one. This panel delves into the complexities of evaluating new models, managing escalating costs and ensuring reliability at scale, and architecting products that can adapt as quickly as the underlying technology itself.

The future capabilities of AI are also a central theme. Shay Grinfield of Greenfield Partners leads “Revealing AI Disruptors 60: What Can AI Do Next?” This session shifts the conversation from what AI models can merely “say” to what they can demonstrably “do.” The focus is on emergent areas where AI agents are navigating the open web, completing complex tasks, undertaking ambitious research, and even operating beyond digital screens. A new infrastructure layer is emerging to support this scale, and the discussion culminates in the unveiling of Greenfield Partners’ 2026 AI Disruptors 60, spotlighting the companies pushing the boundaries of AI into unprecedented territory.

Mastering Product-Market Fit and Hyper-Growth in a Compressed Timeline

The journey from a minimum viable product (MVP) to a global phenomenon requires a fundamental shift in decision-making. Robby Stein, VP, Product at Google, explains “From MVP to Billions of Users: How Product Decisions Must Change at Scale.” The instincts that drive success in the early MVP phase can become detrimental when a product serves billions. Leaders must learn to balance speed with trust, and innovation with reliability, understanding that every update now carries immense weight and impact across a global user base.

The imperative for rapid growth has never been stronger. Ryan Meadows of Lovable, Tomasz Tunguz of Theory Ventures, and Ben Broca of Polsia outline “The 90-Day GTM: Why $0–$10M ARR Is the New Baseline (and How to Actually Get There).” The definition of “traction” has dramatically accelerated, with what once took years now expected in mere months. AI-enabled execution, faster distribution channels, and heightened investor expectations are compressing Go-To-Market timelines. Founders need tactical levers in the critical first 90 days to accelerate revenue generation and achieve significant ARR, quickly reaching this demanding new baseline to stand out.

However, this hyper-growth environment also introduces new challenges in accurately assessing product-market fit (PMF). Rajeev Dham of Sapphire Ventures and Rahul Vohra of Superhuman Mail address “PMF Red Flags: How to Tell If You Really Have It.” In an AI hype cycle, superficial signals like early excitement, usage spikes, or successful pilot programs can be mistaken for durable traction. Founders must learn to distinguish false PMF from genuine, sustained adoption. Investors and operators are actively seeking signals of true retention and pull, separating temporary momentum driven by novelty from deep, enduring user value.

Finally, for those just starting, Grant Lee of Gamma and Leah Solivan of Precedent.vc offer “The Zero-to-1K Playbook: How to Get Your First 1,000 Customers Without a Marketing Budget.” This session provides actionable strategies for early-stage companies to acquire their crucial initial user base through lean, creative, and community-driven approaches, proving product value and building momentum before significant marketing spend.

Bottom Line

The current tech landscape demands unprecedented agility, strategic foresight, and a profound understanding of evolving market dynamics. From reimagining funding strategies and embracing AI as a co-pilot to mastering hyper-accelerated growth and discerning true product-market fit, success hinges on a founder’s ability to adapt, innovate, and execute with precision. The future belongs to those who not only keep pace with change but actively shape it.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is rapidly approaching, and for founders navigating the labyrinthine journey from ideation to IPO, the Builders Stage promises to be an indispensable compass. Far from theoretical discussions, this curated series of sessions dives deep into the tangible challenges and triumphs of startup life, offering battle-tested strategies from those who’ve built, scaled, and secured funding in the trenches. From nailing that elusive first customer to surviving the psychological rigors of leadership, the Builders Stage is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the frameworks, insights, and mental fortitude needed to thrive in today’s hyper-competitive landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Beyond the First Spark:Learn how to achieve initial customer acquisition without massive marketing spend, focusing on founder-led distribution and repeatable innovation to transition from a single hit product to a sustainable, multi-product engine.
• Resilience & Retention are Paramount:Understand the often-unspoken psychological toll of founding, while also mastering the strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in an intensely competitive market.
• Demystifying the Investor Mindset:Gain direct access to venture capitalists, uncovering what truly separates fundable startups, the evolving narratives that resonate, and how to navigate the critical post-launch period.

The Builders Stage: Your Blueprint for Startup Success at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

The startup ecosystem is dynamic, demanding, and often unforgiving. Success isn’t just about a great idea; it’s about execution, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to learning. The Builders Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is meticulously crafted to address these core tenets, offering a comprehensive masterclass for founders at every stage. Let’s unpack the invaluable insights awaiting attendees.

Igniting the Spark: From Zero to Viral

The initial hurdle for any startup is proving its value and attracting its first users. The Builders Stage dedicates critical time to this foundational challenge, acknowledging that early-stage companies often lack the budget and brand recognition of established players. Instead, they must lean on ingenuity and founder-driven strategies.

The session“Early Customer Acquisition: From Zero to One”, featuringAmira Valliani, Co-founder and CEO, Stillfront, andElia Wallen, Founder and CEO, Engine, promises a deep dive into this crucial phase. It dismantles the myth that early customer acquisition is about marketing spend, instead championing founder-led distribution and relentless execution. Attendees will learn actionable tactics spanning community building, product-led growth (PLG), founder-led sales, strategic outbound efforts, and cultivating word-of-mouth momentum. This isn’t just theory; it’s a playbook for leveraging urgency and creativity when resources are scarce.

Building on this initial traction, the session“How to Create Viral Growth and Capitalize on It”withZach Yadegari, Founder, Cal AI, explores the exhilarating yet challenging journey of scaling rapidly. Going viral overnight is one thing; sustaining that momentum is an entirely different beast. Yadegari will share Cal AI’s experience navigating explosive growth, the immense product pressure that comes with it, and the realities of building in a distribution-driven market. This fireside chat offers invaluable lessons on how to convert fleeting breakout attention into durable retention and lay the groundwork for long-term company building, ensuring that viral success isn’t just a flash in the pan but a springboard for sustainable growth.

Building a Resilient Company: Product, People, and Persistence

Once the initial spark is lit and growth is underway, the focus shifts to creating a robust, adaptable, and human-centric organization. This involves not only thinking strategically about product evolution but also critically about the people who build it and the leaders who guide them.

Many startups falter after their first success, failing to replicate their initial magic. The session“So You’ve Got a Hit Product. How Does Your Company Do It Again?”, featuringFilip Kaliszan, CEO and Co-founder, Verkada,Aaron Jacobson, Partner, New Enterprise Associates, andMaddi Holman, General Partner, Daring Ventures, tackles this head-on. They will reveal the precise operational playbook for moving beyond a single great product to engineer a compounding “Second Act.” This includes mastering capital allocation, systemizing internal innovation, and proactive strategies to prevent the core product’s growth curve from flattening – a crucial lesson for long-term viability.

The current talent landscape, particularly with the explosive growth of AI startups, presents unprecedented challenges for hiring and retention.“Hiring, Compensation and Culture in the Most Competitive Market Ever”, withMatt Birnbaum, Founder, Wylder.co, andAtli Thorkelsson, VP, Talent Network, Redpoint Ventures, explores how founders are rethinking the human infrastructure of their companies. This session will delve into adapting compensation models, evolving culture, and refining team-building strategies to attract and retain top talent amidst rapidly changing incentives and employee expectations.

Finally, acknowledging the profound personal toll of entrepreneurship,“Yes, It’s Hard to Be a Founder: An Honest Conversation”brings a vital human element to the stage.Nell Daly, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Revenge Capital,David H. Rosmarin, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School, andJack Withinshaw, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Airspeeder, will candidly unpack the hidden costs of high-growth environments. From burnout and decision fatigue to the identity strain under sustained pressure, this session provides founders with crucial systems, habits, and mental frameworks to endure and perform at their peak, underscoring that psychological well-being is as critical as strategic acumen.

Decoding the Capital: Navigating the Battlefield

For many, TechCrunch Disrupt culminates in the intense Startup Battlefield. Beyond the spotlight, founders must understand how investors perceive their ventures and what truly resonates in a pitch. The Builders Stage offers unparalleled access to the minds behind the checks.

In“The High-Conviction Filter: What We Learned From the Battlefield”,Alexa von Tobel, Inspired Capital, andChi-Hua Chien, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Goodwater Capital, will offer a candid debrief. These Startup Battlefield judges will dissect the trends and founder qualities that truly stood out, shedding light on shifting investor expectations and the narratives that captivated them. This session will also explore the evolution of startup storytelling and the critical 12 months after a major launch or funding round, providing a realistic view of maintaining momentum post-spotlight.

The opportunity to engage directly with leading VCs is often invaluable.“Ask the Investors”features an all-star panel includingStacy Brown-Philpot, Founder & Managing Partner at Cherryrock Capital;Chi-Hua Chien, Co-founder & Managing Partner, Goodwater Capital;Dayna Grayson, Construct Capital;Carter Reum, Co-founder and Managing Partner, M13; andAlexa Von Tobel, Inspired Capital. This audience-led Q&A is your chance to pose the toughest questions on what truly separates a fundable startup from the rest. Expect candid answers on team dynamics, traction metrics, market opportunity, pitch delivery, and the infamous “red flags” that can derail a deal. Come prepared to learn directly from the decision-makers themselves.

Join the conversations and make the connections at Disrupt

The Builders Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is more than just a series of talks; it’s a concentrated injection of real-world wisdom, actionable strategies, and critical connections for anyone serious about building a impactful company. If you’re ready to build smarter, scale faster, and learn from the leaders shaping the future of startups,secure your pass to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 today.