TechCrunch Disrupt 2021: Today's Highlights

TechCrunch Disrupt 2021: A Kickoff to Innovation

The official commencement of TechCrunch Disrupt 2021 is now underway! For the duration of the next three days, we will be hosting prominent figures, industry leaders, and groundbreaking technologies. This event also showcases a diverse range of innovative startups and the talented individuals who drive them.

Prepare to delve into Disrupt for insights, emerging trends, inspiration, and opportunities to learn, develop, expand, and realize your business objectives. The primary challenge, naturally, is determining where to begin? Day one alone features over 36 distinct sessions.

Navigating Day One's Sessions

While attendees are fully capable of independently navigating the conference, we wish to highlight a selection of today’s scheduled sessions. Refer to the Disrupt agenda for precise timings, which will automatically adjust to your local time zone.

Don't miss out: Full access Disrupt 2021 passes are available for purchase here. If you're seeking a limited experience, the Expo and breakout sessions are accessible without charge here.

Featured Sessions Today

Strategic Capital Allocation: Where to Cut and Where to Spend in First-Check Fundraising: A common aspiration for founders securing funding is growth. However, what does this truly entail? And how should newly acquired capital be distributed across a startup’s various priorities? This panel, featuring Henri Pierre-Jacques of Harlem Capital, Richard Kerby of Equal Ventures, and Nisha Dua of BBG Ventures, will provide guidance on maximizing investment impact while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The Evolving Cannabis Landscape: Pot, Pottery and Beyond: Currently, alcohol is widely available, while cannabis has historically been stigmatized. This paradigm is undergoing a significant shift. The legal cannabis market is projected to exceed $13 billion in value in 2021, attracting interest from major corporations in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Actor and comedian Seth Rogen will discuss his passion for cannabis and the origins of Houseplant. He will be joined by Haneen Davies, Houseplant’s chief commercial officer, and Michael Mohr, co-founder and CEO.

Interactive Learning Opportunities

Startup Pitch Feedback Sessions: Equip yourself with your preferred note-taking method and observe startups from Startup Alley as they present their ideas and receive constructive criticism from TechCrunch’s experienced editorial team. Gain valuable insights from observing others’ presentations and potentially acquire advice to refine your own pitching abilities.

Building Lasting Communities: How to Cultivate a Community for your Company that Actually Lasts: “Community” is undeniably the defining term in the startup world this year. This panel, featuring Lolita Taub of Community Fund, Alex Angel of Commsor, and Katelin Holloway of Seven Seven Six, will separate hype from reality. Founders will gain a deeper understanding of the increasing importance of chief community officers in startup culture and their contribution to financial success.

Numerous other valuable opportunities await you. Remember that your pass grants access to on-demand video recordings of all sessions, mitigating any scheduling conflicts. Explore, connect, collaborate, and personalize your TechCrunch Disrupt experience!