Thousands of applications were submitted for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, but only 200 startups qualified for the Startup Battlefield. Of that shortlist, just 20 will pitch on the Disrupt Stage over three days starting October 13. The outcome rests on the final decision of five investors.
Each judge founded or co-founded the firm they now lead. They have decades of experience backing ambitious founders, scaling companies, and making the large bets that define a venture firm. They know what separates a great pitch from a potentially great company, and they will decide this year’s champion.
The conversation continues after the final pitch. Later that afternoon, all five judges return to the Builders Stage for a live AMA. The audience can ask anything, from what stood out in the competition to what they look for in founders, fundraising, company building, and where they plan to invest next.
Tickets are available now. Save up to $100 and get a second pass at 50% off. Bring a group of four or more to save up to 30%.
Meet the five investors who will decide this year’s Startup Battlefield winner
Stacy Brown-Philpot, Founder and Managing Partner, Cherryrock Capital
Stacy Brown-Philpot leads Cherryrock Capital, a venture fund focused on Series A and Series B software companies built by Black and Latinx founders. Her portfolio includes Coactive AI, a multimodal AI platform for media and entertainment, and Vitable Health, which provides primary care plans for hourly workers. Brown-Philpot previously served as CEO of TaskRabbit, which was acquired by IKEA, and spent more than a decade in senior roles at Google. She holds an MBA from Stanford University.
Chi-Hua Chien, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Goodwater Capital
Chi-Hua Chien is a co-founder and managing partner of Goodwater Capital, where he invests exclusively in consumer technology — including mobile, fintech, e-commerce, digital health, and consumer AI — across the United States and Asia. With more than 17 unicorns backed across his career, his portfolio includes Spotify, Chime, Monzo, TikTok/Musical.ly, Coupang, Toss, and Udemy. Before co-founding Goodwater, Chien was a general partner at Kleiner Perkins and a principal at Accel.
Dayna Grayson, Co-Founder and General Partner, Construct Capital
Dayna Grayson is a co-founder and general partner at Construct Capital, a Washington, D.C.-based early-stage fund focused on technology for foundational American industries, including manufacturing, logistics, transportation, supply chain, and defense. Her portfolio includes Veho, Hadrian, Copia Automation, Arkestro, and Verve Motion. Before co-founding Construct, Grayson was a partner at NEA, where she led early investments, including Desktop Metal, which went public on the NYSE. She holds a degree in systems engineering from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Carter Reum, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, M13
Carter Reum is a co-founder and managing partner of M13, a consumer technology venture firm with $1.9 billion under management that invests in seed to Series B companies shaping the future of work, commerce, health, and money. Across more than 200 investments, M13 has backed companies such as Lyft, Pinterest, Ring, Daily Harvest, and Tonal — with 15 unicorns in the portfolio. Before launching M13, Reum co-founded VEEV Spirit, one of the fastest-growing independent spirits brands in the country, which was acquired in 2016. He is co-author of the national bestseller “Shortcut Your Startup” and holds a BA from Columbia University.
Alexa on Tobel, Founder and Managing Partner, Inspired Capital
Alexa Von Tobel is the founder and managing partner of Inspired Capital, which she co-founded with former U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker. Her portfolio includes MosaicML, acquired by Databricks, as well as Chief, Finix, and Dandy — with nine unicorns backed across her investing career. Before launching Inspired Capital, Von Tobel founded LearnVest, a financial planning platform acquired by Northwestern Mutual. She is a New York Times bestselling author and a certified financial planner.
One week until Startup Battlefield begins — grab your ticket now
Do not miss the ultimate pitch competition if you are currently scaling a startup or have an idea you are ready to launch. Startup Battlefield is a masterclass in how to pitch and scale a viable startup. VC judges will determine what it takes to scale, and you will hear firsthand what VCs look for when backing the next big innovation.
You can only witness this competition on the Disrupt Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, where 10,000+ founders, investors, operators, and tech enthusiasts gather to see what’s next and hear from 250+ tech leaders who’ve made waves across 200+ sessions spanning six industry stages, roundtables, and breakouts. See what’s next at one of the most anticipated tech conferences of the year.
Grab your ticket now, save up to $100, and get a second pass at 50% off before doors open on October 13. Laid off? Get your $75 Expo+ Pass before they’re gone.
