TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 AI Stage: Speakers Revealed

The AI Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

The TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 event will feature a dedicated AI Stage, showcasing the individuals driving innovation in technology, creative fields, and cybersecurity.

Leading venture capitalists will share their perspectives on securing funding within the quickly changing AI environment. They will discuss the criteria used to identify and invest in promising AI startups.

Featured AI Pioneers

The event will host leaders from groundbreaking startups that are actively reshaping the technological landscape. These include:

• Apptronik
• ElevenLabs
• Hugging Face
• Runway
• Wonder Dynamics
• Writer
• Wayve

These companies are at the forefront of AI’s expanding influence across various sectors.

Insights and Industry Transformation

Attendees of the AI Stage at Disrupt will gain exclusive access to information regarding how recent advancements are revolutionizing industries and user interactions.

Startups and investors alike will benefit from understanding the essential knowledge needed to maintain a competitive edge.

Event Details and Registration

Additional sessions and speakers are being finalized and will be announced shortly.

Tickets for Disrupt 2025 are now available. The event will be held from October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco.

Register before July to take advantage of savings of up to $675. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in engaging discussions across the AI Stage, as well as the Space, Builders, Going Public, and Disrupt stages.

Introducing the AI Stage Lineup

Betting on the Next Wave: What VCs Want in AI Startups

Speakers will be announced shortly.

A new generation of founders and altered investor expectations are emerging from advancements in AI, spanning from model infrastructure to specialized applications. Leading VCs will share their current interests, discussing defensibility in an era of AI dominance and the requirements for securing subsequent funding rounds.

Creative Machines and Where AI Meets Imagination

Nikola Todorovic, co-founder and CEO of Wonder Dynamics, and additional speakers to be confirmed

AI is now not only streamlining processes but also actively participating in the creation of art, media, and immersive experiences. Nikola Todorovic, CEO of Wonder Dynamics, will join a panel of creative technologists to examine AI’s impact on the creative landscape, the blurring of lines between artists and algorithms, and the new possibilities for storytellers and designers.

Nikola Todorovic presented onstage during the “Featured Session: Understanding the Role of AI in Reshaping the Film & Television Industry” at the 2023 SXSW Conference and Festivals, held at the Austin Convention Center on March 14, 2023 in Austin, Texas.Image Credits:Diego Donamaria / Getty Images

Writing the Future with AI?

May Habib, co-founder and CEO of Writer

What implications arise when AI gains the ability to write with intention, personality, and persuasive power? Writer’s CEO, May Habib, will discuss the evolving connection between language and machines, and the significance of generative content for the future of branding and business.

Why the Next Frontier Is Search

Edo Liberty, founder and CEO of Pinecone

In a world saturated with data, the ability to locate relevant information is paramount. Edo Liberty, founder of Pinecone, will explain why infrastructure, rather than algorithms, may be the key to unlocking AI’s full potential, and what advancements are on the horizon in the pursuit of smarter applications at scale.

Intelligence in Motion and the Future of Physical AI

Jeff Cardenas, co-founder and CEO of Apptronik; and Raquel Urtasun, founder and CEO of Waabi

The transformative moment for AI in the physical realm is approaching. Raquel Urtasun, CEO of Waabi, and Jeff Cardenas, CEO of Apptronik, will demonstrate the challenges and breakthroughs involved in integrating intelligence into physical systems, whether in autonomous vehicles or robotic platforms. This panel will explore the advancements driving the next generation of physical machines, from simulation to sensor technology and safe scaling.

Image Credits:Apptronik/Mercedes

Building Intelligence for Modern Defense

Ethan Thornton, founder and CEO of Mach Industries

Mach Industries is pioneering the integration of AI into the complex and sensitive field of defense. CEO Ethan Thornton will discuss the requirements for building in high-stakes environments, where speed and autonomy are critical, and why a fundamental rethinking of infrastructure is essential.

Driving Intelligence

Alex Kendall, co-founder and CEO of Wayve

Alex Kendall is redefining how machines perceive and interact with the world, from self-driving cars to self-learning systems. The CEO of Wayve will explore how real-world autonomy is shaping the next phase of AI, and how advancements in autonomous driving could lead to progress in other areas.

From Ads to Films: Creating with Code

Alejandro Matamala Ortiz, co-founder and chief design officer of Runway

Creative professionals are not being replaced, but rather empowered by new tools. Alejandro Matamala Ortiz, co-founder of Runway, will share how machine learning is transforming creative work, the implications of AI-native tools for visual storytelling, and why this represents the beginning of a new creative era.

Shaping the AI Stack

Thomas Wolf, co-founder and CSO of Hugging Face

Hugging Face is instrumental in defining responsible AI development, encompassing models, datasets, ethics, and infrastructure. Co-founder and CSO Thomas Wolf will discuss the evolving power dynamics within the AI ecosystem, the growth of community-driven innovation, and the challenges of maintaining openness while accelerating progress.

Synthetic Voices and Real Impact

Mati Staniszewski, co-founder and CEO of ElevenLabs

Synthetic speech technology is gaining prominence, with applications ranging from audiobooks to virtual avatars. ElevenLabs is at the forefront of this innovation. CEO Mati Staniszewski will discuss the challenges of creating AI that replicates human speech and how voice technology is transforming creative industries, accessibility, and entertainment.

Mati Staniszewski spoke onstage during the “The AI Voice Revolution” panel discussion on day three of SXSW London 2025 at the Truman Brewery on June 4, 2025 in London, England.Image Credits:Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for SXSW London

Love, Lies, & Algorithms: The Truth about AI in Matters of the Heart

Mark Kantor, head of product and Innovation at Match Group; Eugenia Kuyda, Founder of Replika; and additional speakers to be announced.

AI is subtly altering how we connect, form relationships, and experience love. This panel will explore the impact of technology on modern relationships, examining both the benefits and drawbacks. From dating apps to digital companions, we will consider the future of human connection.

AI and National Security in the High-Stakes Race to Innovate

Sri Chandrasekar, managing partner at Point72; Justin Fanelli, CTO of The Navy; and Kathleen Fisher, director of DARPA

AI is reshaping national security strategies, influencing defense capabilities, financial markets, and naval operations. Kathleen Fisher of DARPA, Sri Chandrasekar of Point72, and Justin Fanelli, CTO of the Navy, will discuss cutting-edge AI breakthroughs driving security innovation, and their implications for entrepreneurs, investors, and global stability.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: An Exploration of Artificial Intelligence

The future of AI will be thoroughly examined at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. This event presents a unique opportunity to participate in discussions that will define the trajectory of artificial intelligence.

Over two days, the dedicated AI Stage will host continuous presentations from pioneering founders, leading venture capitalists, and prominent figures in the industry.

Event Details and Stages

Alongside the AI Stage, Disrupt 2025 will also feature four additional stages focusing on key areas of innovation. These include Space, Builders, Going Public, and the core Disrupt stage.

The event is scheduled to take place from October 27th to 29th at Moscone West in San Francisco.

Early Bird Ticket Information

Attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets promptly to benefit from savings of up to $675. These discounted prices are available until after July.

Prepare to discover the upcoming advancements in AI that are poised to revolutionize technology, foster creativity, enhance security, and impact numerous other fields.

Image Credits:Kimberly White / Getty Images