TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Startup Battlefield Judges Revealed

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Startup Battlefield Approaches

The highly anticipated Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is fast approaching, and the stakes are exceptionally high this year.

A substantial prize of $100,000 awaits the victor, motivating the top 20 early-stage startups to prepare their most compelling presentations.

The Disrupt Stage and Expert Judges

These startups will present on the Disrupt Stage from October 27-29 at Moscone West in San Francisco.

A panel of experienced VC judges will rigorously evaluate each pitch, offering insightful questions and carefully assessing the potential of each venture.

Opportunities for Founders and Investors

Founders will benefit from the opportunity to receive valuable feedback from these seasoned investors, learning what constitutes a successful pitch and a viable business model.

Investors, in turn, can identify promising, pitch-ready startups to integrate into their investment portfolios.

Witness the Competition

For all attendees, the event provides a thrilling spectacle – a high-stakes startup competition where 20 TechCrunch-vetted companies compete for the equity-free prize and the prestigious Disrupt Cup.

Registration and Savings

Secure your spot now by registering to watch the event and take advantage of savings of up to $444 on your pass.

Consider bringing colleagues or friends and benefiting from bundle pass discounts of up to 30%.

Don’t miss the chance to experience this exciting “World Series” of pitch competitions live!

Introducing the Latest Additions to the Battlefield 200 Judging Panel

We are pleased to announce the fourth group of judges who will be participating in the competition. Just one more announcement of judges remains. Keep checking the Disrupt agenda for the reveal of the final five individuals.

Allison Baum Gates, General Partner, SemperVirens Venture Capital

Currently serving as a general partner at SemperVirens, Allison Baum Gates directs investments within the healthcare, fintech, and enterprise SaaS sectors. She has successfully secured funding totaling hundreds of millions of dollars from Limited Partners across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Her investment portfolio includes over 70 companies, encompassing nine unicorn-status businesses and 24 successful exits, and she currently holds 10 board seats. Ms. Gates has been profiled in prominent media outlets like the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and TechCrunch. She also shares her knowledge as a lecturer in management at Stanford GSB and authored “Breaking into Venture” (McGraw-Hill, 2023), a guide to the venture capital landscape. Her forthcoming book, “Beyond the Pitch: The Psychology of Raising VC Funding,” is scheduled for release next year. She earned a B.A. in Economics with Honors from Harvard University and possesses fluency in three languages.

Katelin Holloway, Founding Partner, SevenSevenSix

Katelin Holloway is a founding partner at SevenSevenSix, the venture capital firm established by Alexis Ohanian. Leveraging over two decades of operational experience gained at companies such as Pixar and Reddit, Holloway focuses on investing in groundbreaking startups spanning a wide range of industries.

Her investment philosophy centers on supporting solutions that enhance human capabilities and resilience, specifically in areas like health advancements, exploration of new technologies, sustainability initiatives, creative endeavors, and overall enrichment of the human experience. At SevenSevenSix, Holloway integrates her operational background with a strong dedication to assisting founders as they overcome initial hurdles and expand their businesses. She is committed to redefining venture capital by empowering entrepreneurs to address significant global challenges while generating substantial returns.

Miloni Madan Presler, Partner, Institutional Venture Partners (IVP)

Miloni Madan Presler is dedicated to collaborating with companies that prioritize purposeful innovation – those that address genuine needs rather than simply innovating for the sake of it. As a general partner at Institutional Venture Partners (IVP), she concentrates on supporting founders who develop products and solutions that are truly essential.

She actively seeks out businesses that bridge gaps in fragmented markets, streamline outdated processes, and deliver data-driven platforms with the potential to revolutionize entire industries. Madan believes that these companies, and their lasting impact, will extend far beyond any individual investment, and this commitment to enduring change drives her approach to every partnership.

Sara Ittelson, Partner, Accel

Sara Ittelson joined Accel in 2022, focusing her investment efforts on early-stage companies in the consumer, enterprise, and artificial intelligence sectors. Prior to her role at Accel, she served as the head of strategic partnerships at Faire and previously held a position in Global Business Development at Uber.

Ms. Ittelson hails from Chico, California, and is an alumna of both Northwestern University and Stanford University.

Rinki Sethi, Founding Partner, Lockstep

Rinki Sethi currently serves as chief security officer at Upwind Security and is also a founding partner at Lockstep. Previously, she held the position of vice president and chief information security officer at Twitter, BILL, and Rubrik.

She also held senior security leadership positions at Palo Alto Networks, IBM, eBay, and Intuit. Sethi offers extensive expertise to both the private sector and corporate boards, contributing to the development of security strategies at the executive level.

Secure Your Disrupt Pass Today

An opportunity to witness the year's most compelling startup pitch competition is now available. Startup Battlefield 200 is renowned for its dynamic atmosphere, significant challenges, and insightful questioning, serving as a crucial platform for emerging companies.

Numerous successful brands, including Discord, Trello, and Mint, initially gained prominence through participation on the Disrupt Stage. Don't delay – register now to secure your place before ticket costs are raised.

A Launchpad for Innovation

The competition provides a unique environment for early-stage ventures to showcase their potential. It’s a high-pressure scenario designed to identify and elevate the most promising new businesses.

• Electrifying Energy: Experience the excitement of live pitches.
• High Stakes: Witness startups competing for significant investment.
• Sharp Questions: Observe insightful scrutiny from industry experts.

Startup Battlefield has a proven track record of identifying future leaders. Participating or observing offers valuable insights into the world of venture capital and innovation.

Image Credits:Kimberly White / Getty Images