Early-stage founders, this is your moment. Are you ready to put your startup to the test on the ultimate global stage? The Startup Battlefield is calling. Nominations for TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200, the world’s most iconic startup pitch competition, are officially open.
Step onto the main stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 and go head-to-head in front of world-class VC judges and the entire TechCrunch audience. This is where breakout companies are forged. Compete for $100,000 in equity-free funding, earn global exposure, and get real, unfiltered feedback from the investors who shape the future of tech.
Startup Battlefield alumni include Trello, Mint, Dropbox, Discord, and Fitbit. That is over 1,700 startups that once stood exactly where you are now. The next breakout does not happen by accident.
Competition is fierce, so enter early. Thousands of startups apply each year, and this year’s field will be even more competitive. TechCrunch reviews every nomination, but founders who enter early give themselves a strategic edge. If you are serious about winning, do not wait to join the fight.
Participants in Startup Battlefield 200 receive significant perks. These include a free exhibit table for all three days of Disrupt, four complimentary Disrupt passes, and startup branding in the Disrupt event app. Founders also get press list access, lead-generation opportunities, and access to exclusive founder masterclasses. The chance to pitch live on the Disrupt Stage comes with direct feedback from top-tier, world-famous VCs and a shot at the $100,000 equity-free prize money.
Separately, mark your calendar for the TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026. On June 23 in Boston, more than 1,100 founders will come together for a full day focused on growth, execution, and real-world scaling. Learn from founders and investors who have shaped the industry. Connect with peers navigating similar growth stages. Walk away with tactics you can apply immediately. You can save up to $300 on your pass or save up to 30% with group tickets for teams of four or more.
To enter the Startup Battlefield arena, we are looking for bold, early-stage founders with an MVP and a vision that challenges the status quo. If you are bootstrapped, pre-seed, or seed-funded, this battlefield was made for you. Series A startups in capital-intensive industries may also qualify.
Nominations close in mid-June, but champions do not wait for the last call. Prepare early. Nominate early. Fight for your place on tech’s biggest stage.