TechCrunch Founder Summit returns to Boston on November 4, 2026.
The full-day gathering at the SoWa Power Station brings founders of all stages together with venture capitalists and seasoned entrepreneurs. It focuses on the practical work of building and scaling a business.
This event sits alongside the publication’s other founder-centric programmes, offering a more hands-on experience than the larger Disrupt conference.
Those seeking talks from Anthropic, Nvidia, OpenAI, and Benchmark can still secure Disrupt tickets. Founder Summit is better suited to those wanting a concentrated crash course to plan ahead for 2027.
Investors and founders may purchase tickets with a $200 discount.
Who is the TechCrunch Founder Summit for?
Starting a company involves complex mechanics ranging from fundraising and hiring to legal, marketing, PR, and leadership. Investors must also vet and develop founders as they build their skills.
The event connects attendees with community members who have faced constructive failure and massive success.
When and where is TechCrunch Founder Summit?
The event takes place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the SoWa Power Station in Boston.
Public transportation provides access via the Orange Line at Back Bay or Tufts Medical Center stops, or the Broadway stop on the Red Line.
What is on the TechCrunch Founder Summit agenda?
The agenda emphasises fundraising, AI-native building, and leadership.
Sessions include:
- The New Rules of Raising Capital: Brian Devaney, partner at Underscore, discusses what investors look for now and where founders lose leverage without realising it.
- The CEO Job Never Gets Easier: HubSpot co-founder and Sequoia partner Brian Halligan explains how the CEO role changes at each stage of growth.
- Built for AI From Day One: 7AI co-founder and CEO Lior Div details what changes when AI is the foundation of a company rather than a bolt-on feature.
- Not Every Dollar Is Equal: Cogent Security co-founder and CEO Vineet Edupuganti covers evaluating investors and cap-table trade-offs beyond valuation.
- How to Spot the ‘King of the Hill’ Company: TDK Ventures investment director Tina Tosukhowong unpacks a framework for evaluating startups on economics, scalability, and timing.
- Your Company Is Who You Hire: NEA partner Melissa Taunton discusses early hiring decisions that shape a startup’s culture and execution.
- The Boston Founder Playbook: HqO co-founder and CEO Chase Garbarino shares how to build a category-defining company outside Silicon Valley, having raised $200 million and scaled to 30+ countries.
- Finding Product Market Fit Before You Scale: Bessemer Venture Partners’ Kent Bennett talks about validating demand and avoiding scaling before the fundamentals are in place.
Didn’t this event have a different name?
Yes. Founder Summit was formerly known as Early Stage and All Stage. The mission remains the same this year, but the name has changed.
Is TechCrunch Founder Summit just panels, or is there more to it?
Founder Summit is not merely a series of panels, though the agenda provides valuable insights. Breakout sessions offer more intimate discussions on vital topics.
Networking is available via the Braindate app to connect investors with founders or facilitate founders with similar challenges to reach shared solutions. Students can also use this time to build their network.
Founder Summit week runs from November 1-7. This period hosts all Side Events to expand opportunities for gathering with the community. Applicants may apply to host their own Side Event.
How much does a ticket cost, and how can I get the best price?
Pricing moves in phases, with an increase scheduled after October 16. Current tiers are Investor for $399, Founder for $199, and students for $149.
A second ticket for a co-founder or co-worker receives a 50% discount. Bundles for groups of four or more offer additional reductions.
Is there a free way to attend?
Volunteers are needed to staff the event. Participants receive free access to programming beyond their shift and a behind-the-scenes look at how the event comes together.
Applications for this programme close October 19.
Where can I register and learn more?
Full event information, including speaker details, the agenda, and logistics, is available online. Ticket information across all three tiers is also accessible there.
Current discounts expire October 16.
What it means
For people making things, the shift to AI-native building means the conversation has moved past adding AI to existing products. The focus is now on companies where AI is the core foundation. This changes how founders approach product development and how investors evaluate potential returns. The event aims to provide practical guidance on navigating this new reality, from capital raising to hiring.
