TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Builders Stage Agenda Revealed

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: The Builders Stage – A Hub for Startup Expertise

The creation of a successful startup requires dedicated effort. The Builders Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 27-29 at the Moscone West convention center in San Francisco, serves as a crucial meeting point for investors, experienced operators, and startup founders.

This platform facilitates discussions centered on practical strategies – the essential details of launching a venture and ensuring its functionality. This year’s event will feature prominent figures in the industry.

Featured Speakers at the Builders Stage

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from leading experts, including renowned investor Elad Gil, former Twitter CEO Dick Costolo, and Flexport founder Ryan Petersen.

For those seeking genuine, practical knowledge from individuals who have successfully established and invested in groundbreaking companies, the Builders Stage is the definitive location.

Addressing Critical Startup Challenges

The Builders Stage provides solutions for a wide range of startup hurdles. Whether you are navigating initial funding terms, developing an effective go-to-market strategy, or evaluating the potential of artificial intelligence integration, valuable answers await.

Expect open and honest dialogues, innovative approaches, and direct advice from those who have faced similar challenges. Every session will include a live Q&A segment, allowing audience members to have their most pressing questions addressed in real-time.

Maximize Growth with Actionable Strategies

Gain the knowledge needed to scale your business effectively. The Builders Stage offers actionable insights directly from leaders in the field.

Register today to secure your ticket and benefit from savings of up to $675.

• Event: TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
• Dates: October 27-29
• Location: Moscone West, San Francisco

A First Examination of the Builders Stage Agenda

Details regarding the agenda are available below, with further additions planned. The Disrupt 2025 agenda is continually expanding, featuring an increasing number of prominent figures and impactful discussions.

Cultivating Intelligence

An Exchange with Leading Investor Elad Gil

Prior to the widespread adoption of ChatGPT, Elad Gil was already making seed investments in companies such as Perplexity, Character.AI, and Harvey. This is in addition to his early support for businesses like Airbnb, Airtable, Anduril, Brex, Checkr, Coinbase, Deel, Figma, Flexport, GitLab, Gusto, Instacart, Notion, Opendoor, Pinterest, Rippling, Square, and Stripe.

Gil, who has also established companies including Mixer Labs (acquired by Twitter) and Color Health, consistently demonstrates an ability to anticipate future trends. He is currently focused on the evolving landscape of AI and investment strategies.

Image Credits:Slava Blazer for TechCrunch

Constructing the Future with Leaders from Twitter and Meta

Adam Bain and Dick Costolo, co-founders and managing partners, and David Fischer, partner, at 01 Advisors

Participate in an exclusive fireside conversation with these three influential investors from 01 Advisors, gaining insights into the challenges and rewards of building, scaling, and securing funding for early-stage startups. You will receive candid guidance and innovative viewpoints from seasoned professionals who are shaping the next generation of technological advancements.

Essential Seed Funding Insights for Every Founder

Gabby Cazeau, partner, Harlem Capital; Marlon Nichols, co-founder and managing general partner, MaC Venture Capital; and Maria Palma, partner, Freestyle Capital

Securing initial funding can be challenging, but it is certainly achievable. This panel brings together experienced investors to dissect the essential elements of successfully closing a seed round. From developing a compelling pitch to identifying suitable partners, receive practical advice to convert investor interest into tangible capital.

Strategies for Securing a Series A Round in 2026

Sangeen Zeb, general partner, GV, and more speakers to be announced

This candid discussion features leading VCs revealing the key factors that influence their decision to offer a term sheet with a favorable valuation. Learn about the crucial metrics and common pitch errors that can jeopardize a deal, and discover how to position your company for its first institutional investment.

What Investors Are Truly Seeking in Your Presentation

Medha Agarwal, general partner, defy.vc; Jyoti Bansal, CEO and co-founder, Harness; and Jennifer Neundorfer, general partner, January Ventures

Investors evaluate numerous pitches, but only a select few make a lasting impression. Gain direct feedback from VCs regarding what resonates with them, what causes concern, and the subtle cues that founders often overlook. This panel provides insider tips to help you create a pitch that captures attention, fosters trust, and secures funding.

Image Credits:Kimberly White / Getty Images

Exploring Alternative Startup Funding Options Beyond Venture Capital

Erik Allebest, co-founder and CEO, Chess.com; Kay Makishi, Lupoff/Stevens Family Office; and Gale Wilkinson, managing partner, VITALIZE Venture Capital

Venture capital is not the sole funding source available. Join a discussion with an angel investor, a family office representative, and a founder who successfully bootstrapped their company to explore alternative fundraising avenues. Discover how to access capital that aligns with your vision, preserves your control, and supports your progress.

Preparing for Future Funding Rounds

Lila Preston, head of growth equity, Generation Investment Management; Andrea Thomaz, CEO and co-founder, Diligent Robotics; and Zeya Yang, partner, IVP

Successfully raising later-stage funding requires strategic planning from the outset. These VCs and an experienced founder will share insights on building metrics, crafting compelling narratives, and cultivating relationships that position your startup for future funding success. Learn the essential steps to confidently secure larger investment rounds.

VC Investment Priorities for 2026

Nina Achadjian, partner, Index Ventures; Jerry Chen, general partner, Greylock; and Viviana Faga, general partner, Felicis

Are you interested in understanding where investment capital is flowing? This panel features top VCs sharing their investment priorities for 2026, highlighting emerging sectors and innovative technologies. This is a valuable opportunity for early-stage founders to gain insights into trends that could shape their businesses in the coming year.

Scaling Effectively

Navigating Business in Times of Instability

Ryan Petersen, founder and CEO, Flexport

In an era defined by uncertainty, opportunities also arise. Ryan Petersen, CEO of global logistics company Flexport, will share his valuable experiences in a fireside chat. With $2.3 billion in funding, Flexport’s technology connects international commerce and policy, providing Petersen with insightful economic perspectives. He has openly discussed topics ranging from tariff policies to AI, and has demonstrated resilience by temporarily stepping down as CEO before returning less than a year later. Founders should heed his advice on building a business in a constantly changing environment.

Achieving Product-Market Fit

Rajat Bhageria, founder and CEO, Chef Robotics; Ann Bordetsky, partner, NEA; and Murali Joshi, partner, ICONIQ

Developing a product is a complex undertaking. Creating a product that customers eagerly embrace, is appropriately priced, and delivers on its promises is even more challenging. However, achieving product-market fit is a pivotal moment for any startup, accelerating growth, funding opportunities, and overall traction. Learn from a founder who has experienced success and two investors who have guided numerous others through the process. This panel will provide strategies for smarter testing and intentional iteration, enabling you to move beyond guesswork and achieve sustainable growth.

Image Credits:Haje Kamps / TechCrunch

Determining Appropriate Salary and Equity for Early Employees

Randi Jakubowitz, head of operations and talent, 645 Ventures; Rebecca Lee Whiting, fractional general counsel for early-stage startups, Epigram Legal P.C.; and Yin Wu, CEO and founder, Pulley

Your initial hires are instrumental in shaping your startup’s future, but attracting and retaining top talent requires a competitive compensation package. This panel will explore strategies for designing equity and benefits packages that rival those offered by larger companies without exceeding your budget. Learn how to align incentives, improve retention rates, and build a team capable of scaling with your business.

The Impact of Vibe Coding on Early-Stage Hiring Needs

David Cramer, co-founder and CPO, Sentry; Lauri Moore, partner, Bessemer Venture Partners; and a speaker to be announced

Vibe-coding tools have dramatically accelerated product development, reduced costs, and lowered the technical skill requirements for building applications, particularly for early-stage startups. Some proponents even suggest that traditional coding skills may become obsolete. This panel will explore the extent to which these claims are valid and discuss the evolving role of developers in the startup ecosystem.

Integrating AI into Early-Stage Teams

Caleb Peffer, co-founder and CEO, Firecrawl, and more speakers to be announced

Many startups are already leveraging AI in various capacities, from prototyping and feature development to market research and sales preparation. Some are even building AI-powered products or incorporating AI features into their offerings. This panel will explore the potential of using AI as a core component of your operations, such as hiring AI agents for sales or customer support, and automating billing processes. Learn how to identify the most impactful use cases, streamline workflows, and maximize results with limited resources.

The Continued Relevance of Silicon Valley

Anh-Tho Chuong, CEO and co-founder, Lago; Heather Doshay, partner, head of talent, SignalFire; and David Hall, managing partner, Rise of the Rest seed fund, Revolution

While Silicon Valley remains a prominent startup hub, its importance is being questioned. This panel will debate whether founders still need to establish a presence in the Valley to succeed, or if opportunities are now sufficiently widespread to allow for success elsewhere. Hear perspectives from investors and founders who are redefining what it means to build, scale, and fund a company in today’s decentralized tech landscape.

Developing an Effective Go-to-Market Strategy

Max Altschuler, founder and general partner, GTMfund, and more speakers to be announced

A superior product requires a well-defined go-to-market strategy. This panel will provide insights into building a GTM function that drives growth, attracts customers, and scales efficiently. Hear from founders and GTM experts on hiring, messaging, sales tactics, and the key metrics that demonstrate the effectiveness of your approach.

Don't Miss Out: Register for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

Attend TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 this October and benefit from the knowledge shared by leading figures in the technology industry.

Alongside over 10,000 startup founders, venture capitalists, and tech professionals, you'll gain crucial insights.

Significant savings are currently available – up to $675 can be reduced from the standard pass price.

Secure your discounted pass today by registering here.

Image Credits:Jeff Bottari / Flickr

Event Highlights

• Gain access to live sessions featuring prominent tech leaders.
• Network with a community of 10,000+ industry professionals.
• Benefit from substantial savings on event passes.

This event provides a unique opportunity to learn from the best and connect with key players in the startup and venture capital ecosystems.