TechCrunch Disrupt 2021: A User's Guide

TechCrunch Disrupt 2021: A Comprehensive Guide

TechCrunch Disrupt 2021 is set to begin in just three days. This guide provides essential information regarding what attendees can anticipate at the event.

Pre-Event Activities on Monday, September 20th

While the core of TechCrunch Disrupt commences on Tuesday, September 21st, preliminary events and previews will be available starting Monday. Attendees should log in to the Hopin platform by 12:00 PM PDT on Monday to participate.

A series of exclusive speed networking sessions are scheduled. During these sessions, one participant from each will be chosen to receive a limited-edition TechCrunch Disrupt swag bag.

Important Time Zone Information

All scheduled sessions and events will be conducted in Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). Please adjust your schedules accordingly to ensure you don't miss any key presentations or networking opportunities.

Be prepared for a dynamic and insightful experience at TechCrunch Disrupt 2021. The event promises valuable connections and a glimpse into the future of technology.

Networking Opportunities

Monday, September 20th

A series of focused networking sessions are scheduled throughout the day to facilitate connections and knowledge sharing among attendees.

• 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Investor Connections:
  This Peer to Peer session provides a platform for connecting with the Disrupt investor community. Participants can exchange contacts, valuable insights, and specialized expertise.
• 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Early Stage Founder Meetup:
  Founders who are launching at Disrupt can meet one another. The goal is to share experiences and build a supportive network.
• 1:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: The Full Stack – Tech Professionals:
  This session is designed for data analysts, engineers, hackers, data scientists, and software developers. It’s an opportunity to connect with the technical talent driving innovation.
• 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: BIPOC & Women of Disrupt:
  All women and BIPOC individuals, along with their allies, are invited to this gathering. It aims to foster inspiration and network growth within these communities.
• 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: B2B2Connect – Enterprise Solutions:
  If your work centers on solutions that empower businesses, this is the session for you. Connect with the SaaS and Enterprise community to exchange ideas.
• 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: DNA/Tech – Advancements in Biology:
  Scientists utilizing technology and engineering to advance health and biology are encouraged to attend. This session focuses on the intersection of these fields.
• 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Planet/Impact – Sustainable Technologies:
  For those dedicated to environmental impact, this networking session centers on sustainability, green tech, and clean tech initiatives.
• 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: MoneyMatters – Financial Innovation:
  Connect with leaders reshaping financial services, banking, and the cryptocurrency landscape during this networking event.
• 4:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Actuator – Robotics & AI:
  This session brings together the builders of robotics and hardware with the scientists developing the artificial intelligence that powers them.
• 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: The Station – Future of Mobility:
  Individuals involved in pushing the boundaries of mobility – including drone technology, autonomous vehicles, and transportation – are invited to share insights.

These networking sessions offer valuable opportunities to forge connections and collaborate with peers in specific areas of interest.

Event Stages at Disrupt

Disrupt features two primary stages: the Disrupt Stage and the Extra Crunch Stage. These venues offer distinct experiences tailored to different attendee interests.

Disrupt Stage Highlights

The Disrupt Stage is the central hub for keynotes and discussions. It showcases interviews and panel sessions featuring prominent figures within the technology industry.

A core component of the Disrupt Stage is the Startup Battlefield competition. This event provides a platform for emerging companies to present their innovations.

Extra Crunch Stage Focus

The Extra Crunch Stage is dedicated to providing actionable insights for entrepreneurs and founders. It’s packed with practical, how-to sessions designed to accelerate business growth.

Attendees seeking specific guidance on building and scaling a company will find valuable resources at the Extra Crunch Stage.

A comprehensive schedule of events, including times and locations, can be found here.

Breakout Session Highlights

In addition to the main stage events at Disrupt, attendees can participate in focused, interactive sessions designed to provide valuable advice and insights. These gatherings offer ample opportunity to have your specific questions addressed. Importantly, access to these sessions is included with an Expo Pass. If you haven't secured yours, a complimentary Expo Pass is available until Monday.

All session times listed are in Pacific Daylight Time.

Tuesday, September 21st

• 9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.: Exploring the potential of VCoin to revolutionize the global metaverse economy.
• 9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.: An overview of the $49 billion developer landscape, presented by Dell.
• 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Discover how Mambu can help you achieve complete customer satisfaction.
• 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Learn about advancements in precision biology and their impact on saving lives, with Mayfield.
• 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Addressing the untapped potential within business technology workflows, a discussion with Wrike.
• 11:35 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.: Focusing on the needs and future of the next generation, presented by Mayfield.
• 12:00 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.: Gaining insights into the evolving enterprise software market, courtesy of Vista Equity Partners.
• 1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.: Demo Derby – Witness how startups are challenging conventional methods with cutting-edge data analytics, AI, and modern app development, in collaboration with Google Cloud.
• 2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.: Strategies for thriving with a distributed workforce, presented by Velocity Global.

Wednesday, September 22nd

• 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: The Belgian Startup Pitch Competition, hosted by hub.brussels.
• 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: TTA Taiwan Pavilion Pitch-Off Session – Focusing on innovations in Healthcare and Enterprise solutions.
• 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.: Achieving sustainable IT practices through the use of Prometheus, Grafana, and Hardware Sentry.
• 11:00 a.m. – 11:33 a.m.: The Korea Pavilion Pitch Session, hosted by KOTRA.
• 11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.: Addressing challenges in US healthcare with a streamlined platform, presented by Cedar Cares.
• 12:00 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.: Utilizing agile market research to accelerate growth throughout the entire product lifecycle, with Momentive.ai.
• 1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.: Preparing for an IPO and ensuring security from the outset, a discussion with Diligent.
• 1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.: Strategies for accelerating growth in a direct-to-consumer business, presented by Google.
• 2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.: Navigating the process of securing funding from Corporate VCs, with insights from Intuit.

Thursday, September 23rd

• 9:00 a.m. – 9:55 a.m.: Building a thriving remote-first engineering culture, presented by Remote.
• 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: TTA Taiwan Pavilion Pitch-off Session – Showcasing advancements in Smart Tech.
• 11:00 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.: Examining the relationship between software complexity and onboarding time, with Flatfile.
• 1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.: Discover the latest innovations from leading Japanese startups during the live JETRO pitch session.
• 1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.: Leveraging visual communication to strengthen your startup’s brand identity, presented by Canva.

Disrupt Conference Roundtable Discussions

Attendees of the Disrupt conference consistently highlight the value of our focused, small-group discussions. Participate in these exclusive virtual talks covering topics like securing funding, bolstering security, recruitment strategies, and common challenges faced by founders.

Attendance for each of these specialized sessions is limited to foster more engaging conversations. Early arrival is recommended to guarantee your place.

Tuesday, September 21st

• 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Cyvatar presents: How Netflix Revolutionized Cybersecurity.
• 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: CISO2CISO: Navigating Disruption with Cyvatar.
• 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Addressing the Most Difficult Founder Issues, featuring Neesha Tambe of TechCrunch.

Wednesday, September 22nd

• 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: The Persistent Ransomware Threat – A Discussion with Cyvatar.
• 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Overcoming Startup Hiring Difficulties with Eric Eldon from TechCrunch.
• 2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.: Exploring Fundraising Obstacles, led by Jordan Crook of TechCrunch.

Thursday, September 23rd

• 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Startup Recruitment Challenges – Insights from Eric Eldon, TechCrunch.
• 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Navigating Fundraising Hurdles with Jordan Crook, TechCrunch.

Partner Sessions

Given the extensive schedule at the conference, selecting the most anticipated events can be challenging. Attendees should prioritize these compelling partner sessions taking place on the Extra Crunch Stage. All times listed are in Pacific Daylight Time.

Tuesday, September 21st

• 9:45 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.: Exploring Bioplatforms for Planetary Preservation with Mayfield.
• 10:45 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.: Considering a Venture into the Space Industry? A discussion with The Aerospace Corporation.
• 12:25 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.: Recognizing the Winners of the Inaugural Connection I.T. Superheroes Awards.
• 1:25 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.: Analyzing How Circle’s $4.5B IPO Will Reshape Startup Funding, presented by SeedInvest.
• 2:25 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.: The Role of AI in Enhancing Customer Interactions: How Brands are Innovating in the Digital Landscape with Soul Machines.

Wednesday, September 22nd

• 9:45 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.: Unveiling the Future of Entertainment: The Connected TV Metaverse, featuring Foxxum | rlaxx TV.
• 10:45 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.: Highlighting Pioneers in Human and Planetary Wellbeing with Mayfield.
• 12:25 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.: Empowering the Small Business Sector Through Cloud Technology, a presentation by Xero.
• 1:25 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.: Addressing the Oversight of a Significant Talent Pool Crucial for Current Growth, with Checkr.
• 2:25 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.: Navigating the Steps Following Seed Funding: Preparing for a Series A Round with Samsung Next.
• 2:45 p.m. – 3:05 p.m.: The Potential of Electric Generation as a New Opportunity for American Businesses, presented by Ford Motor Company.

Thursday, September 23rd

• 9:40 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Investigating Neurological Approaches to Enhance Quality of Life with Mayfield.
• 10:40 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Strategies for Expanding Businesses and Generating Value with a Distributed Workforce, featuring Upwork.
• 11:35 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.: Presentations from the Finalists of the Esri Hackathon.
• 12:20 p.m. – 12:40 p.m.: Solutions for Eliminating Styrofoam in Protective Packaging, with Cruz Foam.
• 1:25 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.: Identifying the Key Component to Broadening Access to Cryptocurrency, presented by KuCoin.

Startup Pitch Sessions at TechCrunch Disrupt

TechCrunch consistently showcases promising new ventures, and startup pitch sessions are a central component of this. Disrupt provides numerous opportunities for startups exhibiting in the expo to present their ideas. These sessions are all scheduled according to Pacific Daylight Time.

Tuesday, September 21st

• 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: A pitch session will be held in Startup Alley.
• 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Another Startup Alley Pitch Session is planned.
• 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: A further opportunity for startups to pitch in Startup Alley.

Wednesday, September 22nd

• 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: The Belgian Startup Pitch Competition, hosted by hub.Brussels, will take place.
• 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: A pitch-off session will be conducted by the TTA Taiwan Pavilion, focusing on Healthcare and Enterprise solutions.
• 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.: Startups will present their concepts during a Startup Alley Pitch Session.
• 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: An exclusive Investor Networking Session, featuring startups from the Taiwan Pavilion and facilitated by Taiwan Tech Arena, is scheduled.
• 11:00 a.m. – 11:33 a.m.: A Startup Pitch Session will be presented by the Korea Pavilion in collaboration with KOTRA.
• 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: A Startup Alley Pitch Session will be held.
• 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Another Startup Alley Pitch Session is scheduled.

Thursday, September 23rd

• 9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.: A Startup Alley Pitch Session will be conducted.
• 10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.: The TTA Taiwan Pavilion will host a pitch-off session concentrating on Smart Tech innovations.
• 11:40 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.: A Pitch Deck Teardown session will be available on the Extra Crunch Stage.
• 1:00 p.m. – 1:50 p.m.: Leading Japanese startups will demonstrate their latest technologies with JETRO.

Expo and Expo Crawl

The expo showcases a multitude of early-stage founders who are introducing innovative products and services. Specific time slots have been allocated within the event schedule to connect with these ambitious business creators.

Attendees can locate and save sessions featuring these founders by searching for "Expo" directly within the agenda.

Discovering New Ventures

The Expo Crawl is designed to facilitate discovery of emerging companies. It provides a focused opportunity to learn about their visions and offerings.

How to Participate

• Browse the agenda and identify sessions labeled as part of the Expo.
• Attend these sessions to engage directly with the founders.
• Utilize the agenda’s bookmarking feature to save sessions of interest.

This curated experience allows for efficient networking and insight gathering into the latest startup landscape.

Maximizing Your Expo Experience

Don't miss the chance to explore the Expo area and connect with the next generation of innovators. It’s a valuable opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of cutting-edge developments.

By actively participating in the Expo Crawl, you can stay ahead of the curve and identify potential collaborations or investment opportunities.

Engaging Activities and Rewards

Disrupt isn't solely focused on intensive work; a variety of enjoyable activities and games have been organized. Participants are encouraged to obtain and finalize the Disrupt Passport to qualify for exciting prizes.

These prizes include a VanMoof X3 e-bike, premium Bose noise-canceling headphones, and a Sonos Beam Sound Bar.

How to Participate

The Disrupt Passport serves as your entry into the prize draw. Completing all the challenges outlined within the passport increases your chances of winning.

• A VanMoof X3 e-bike is the grand prize, offering a stylish and eco-friendly transportation solution.
• High-quality Bose noise-canceling headphones provide an immersive audio experience.
• The Sonos Beam Sound Bar delivers exceptional sound quality for home entertainment.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to engage with these fun elements and potentially win valuable rewards during Disrupt!

Recordings and Transcripts of Sessions

Were you unable to attend a particular session? Recordings from both the Extra Crunch Stage and the Disrupt Stage will be made available on the Disrupt event webpage following the conclusion of the conference.

Furthermore, transcripts of these sessions are accessible through Otter.ai.

Otter.ai Access for Attendees

Otter.ai is providing event attendees with complimentary access for one month.

• To redeem this offer, utilize the promotional code: TCDISRUPT2021.

We look forward to connecting with you at Disrupt!