Startup Battlefield TC Disrupt 2021: Last Chance to Apply!

Don't Miss Out: Startup Battlefield Applications Close Soon

For weeks, we have encouraged submissions to the Startup Battlefield at TechCrunch Disrupt 2021. With just over 12 hours remaining until the May 27 at 11:59 p.m. (PT) application deadline, now is the time to act. Don’t delay – the experience itself, regardless of winning the $100,000 prize, has the potential to significantly benefit your company’s development.

A Real-World Example: Perygee's Journey

Consider this: Mollie Breen transitioned from a mathematical role at the National Security Agency to co-founding Perygee, an IoT/OT security startup. Her team participated in last year’s Startup Battlefield at Disrupt 2020. While they didn't advance to the final round, Breen readily shares her insights regarding the experience. Here’s a summary of her thoughts from a recent Q&A.

Why Apply to Startup Battlefield?

TC: What motivated your application to Startup Battlefield?

Breen: We were inspired by the success and expansion of other companies that had previously been Startup Battlefield participants. These companies demonstrated comparable progress to our own at the time of their applications, and their offerings mirrored ours in their capacity to revolutionize their respective industries.

The Value of the Training Process

TC: Could you describe the training you received?

Breen: The training proved exceptionally valuable, both in the immediate and long-term. Each team receives a dedicated weekly session with a Battlefield editor. These sessions involve rehearsing and meticulously reviewing every aspect of the pitch, from content to slide design. Following each session, I consistently received constructive criticism on all elements – the content itself, my delivery, and even the color choices within the presentation.

This presented a unique opportunity, and we dedicated extra time to stay ahead of schedule. We submitted drafts for review outside of scheduled hours and intensified our practice with potential Q&A scenarios. Consequently, we were exceptionally well-prepared for pitch day, and the benefits of this training have continued to impact Perygee long after the competition concluded.

The Experience of Pitching at Disrupt

TC: What was your experience pitching at Disrupt like?

Breen: Pitching at Disrupt was similar to other pitch events, but with a global audience. Having practiced our pitch extensively, the primary uncertainty during the competition was the Q&A session with the venture capital judges.

The added pressure of providing concise and compelling answers within a strict time limit, unlike typical one-on-one pitches, was notable. However, with the support of the TechCrunch team, I felt confident speaking before such a large audience. I encourage anyone hesitant about the stage to embrace the opportunity and trust in their preparation.

Impact Following the Pitch

TC: What impact did the pitch have on your company? Did you connect with investors, media, or partners?

Breen: It significantly accelerated our momentum. After Battlefield, we successfully closed an oversubscribed funding round. We also gained new beta users, including our very first user who contacted us after seeing Perygee featured on TechCrunch. Furthermore, we secured numerous press opportunities to share our story.

Nearly a year has passed since Startup Battlefield, and I continue to be amazed by how often people initiate conversations by mentioning they watched our pitch while learning about our company. This serves as a constant reminder of the lasting opportunities created by being a TechCrunch Battlefield participant.

Recent Developments at Perygee

TC: Do you have any exciting updates to share since your pitch?

Breen: At TechCrunch Battlefield, we were a small team in the MVP testing phase, preparing to begin fundraising. Since then, we have experienced growth across all areas. We’ve expanded both the founding and engineering teams, and we’ve successfully deployed our product to enterprise networks. Several of these deployments resulted from connections made through TechCrunch – and we’ve secured our seed funding!

Final Thoughts

TC: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Breen: I am thankful for the camaraderie and relationships we built with the other participating teams. Beyond the pitches themselves, we actively supported each other through group chats and social media. This support continues today, as we navigate business challenges and promote each other’s product launches. Startup Battlefield enabled me to connect with this incredible community of startups, something I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.

Final Call: Apply Now!

You have less than 24 hours to seize your opportunity. Submit your application to Startup Battlefield before the deadline of May 27 at 11:59 p.m. (PT). Don’t wait!