The Builders Stage will make its return at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, uniting entrepreneurs, startup leaders, and investors for invaluable discussions on the dynamics of launching and growing thriving businesses.
Engage with influential figures in the startup and venture capital sectors, such as Grant Lee, CEO and co-founder of Gamma; Leah Solivan, founder and general partner at Precedent.vc; and Robby Stein, VP of Product at Google. Through enlightening discussions and practical case studies, speakers will offer actionable advice covering topics like fundraising, recruitment, market strategies, the role of AI, and the key operational choices that drive startup success.
Join over 10,000 entrepreneurs, investors, startup professionals, and tech innovators at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from October 13-15. Register now to benefit from early bird pricing before ticket costs rise.
Tailored for Ambitious Founders
Establishing a startup is one challenge, but creating a scalable business presents a unique set of obstacles. The Builders Stage is one of six focused stages at Disrupt 2026, aimed at assisting founders in overcoming growth challenges, from securing funding and recruiting talent to developing market strategies and advancing from seed to Series A funding.
Every session provides hands-on strategies that participants can implement immediately, along with opportunities for direct interaction with speakers during live Q&A sessions. Get your pass for Disrupt 2026 today and enjoy savings of up to $330 before prices go up.
Here’s a sneak peek at the Builders Stage agenda, with additional speakers and sessions to be announced as the event approaches.
Agenda for the Builders Stage
Winning Without AI
Featuring: Shan Shan, Investment Manager at Baillie Gifford; and Yuri Sagalov, Managing Director at General Catalyst
While AI has taken center stage in venture funding, many sustainable businesses will focus on core values rather than AI solutions. This discussion will guide founders on achieving steady growth, maintaining customer loyalty, and executing effectively, emphasizing that solid business fundamentals outweigh market fads.
Impact of OpenAI on Your Roadmap
Featuring: Michel Tricot, CEO and Co-founder of Airbyte; Rob Toews, Partner at Radical Ventures; and Linda Tong, CEO of Webflo
Many AI entrepreneurs are anxious about the possibility of established firms like OpenAI introducing competing products. This session will investigate how founders can maintain a competitive edge and build defensible business models in this rapidly evolving landscape.
Developing Future AI Leaders
Featuring: Jas Khaira, Global Head at Blackstone N1
AI startups are growing at unprecedented rates and attracting significant investment. Jas Khaira will outline what distinguishes long-lasting companies from those with fleeting success and how founders can approach scaling and capital acquisition strategically.
Navigating AI Talent Competition
Featuring: Matt Birnbaum, Founder of Wylder.co; Ioana Hreninciuc from Runware; and Atli Thorkelsson, VP of Talent Network at Redpoint Ventures
With the rise of AI businesses, securing top talent has become increasingly challenging. This session will explore how startups are adapting to an evolving job market by redefining their employment strategies, compensation structures, and company cultures.
Achieving Pre-Seed Success Without a Product
Featuring: Puneet Agarwal, Managing Partner at True Ventures; Austin Clements, Managing Partner at Slauson and Co; and Sandhya Venkatachalam, Founder and Managing Partner at Axiom Partners
Founders are increasingly expected to secure funding even before product launch. This session will discuss how to establish credibility and gain investor confidence through narrative and alignment with market needs.
Scaling Product Decisions from MVP to Billions
With Robby Stein, VP of Product at Google
Decisions that work for a minimum viable product can become problematic as user numbers soar. Robby Stein shares insights on navigating product management at scale while maintaining a balance between speed, trust, and innovation.
Integrating AI in Hiring Strategies
With Josh Reeves, CEO and Co-founder of Gusto; more speakers to be announced
AI is now seen as a partner in early-stage companies. This session will investigate how founders decide on responsibilities between human employees and AI, and how to create effective hybrid teams that prioritize growth and cultural alignment.
Revamping Consumer Products for the AI Age
Featuring: Maria Angelidou-Smith, CPO at Reddit
AI is prompting a rethinking of product design across industries. Leaders from various organizations will discuss how they are cultivating user-focused products in AI-enhanced environments.
M&A as an Early-Stage Strategy
Featuring: Karl Alomar, Managing Partner at M13; Lindsey Mignano, Founder of Mignano Law Group
Founders are increasingly thinking about acquisition strategies from inception, as they plan not just for IPOs but potential buyouts. This discussion will cover how to integrate M&A into product development and partnership strategies effectively.
Understanding Series A in 2027
Featuring: Jahanvi Sardana, Partner at Index Ventures; Shailendra Singh, Managing Director at Peak XV; and Janelle Teng Wade, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners
The criteria for Series A funding are becoming more stringent. Founders preparing to raise capital need to understand shifting expectations around metrics and traction in the 2027 funding landscape.
The 90-Day GTM: Establishing the $0–$10M ARR Baseline
Featuring: Ryan Meadows, Chief Revenue Officer at Lovable; Tomasz Tunguz, General Partner at Theory Ventures; and Ben Broca, Founder of Polsia
Today’s benchmarks for traction are accelerated. This session will analyze how new technologies, distribution channels, and investor perspectives are reshaping go-to-market strategies.
Navigating a Multi-Model World in AI
Featuring: Mo Jomaa, Partner at Capital G; Zuzanna Stamirowska, CEO and Co-founder of Pathway; more speakers to be announced
With rapid advancements, top AI companies are leveraging multiple models instead of relying on a single one. This discussion will cover strategies for evaluating new models and ensuring reliability while scaling.
AI Disruptors 60: What’s Next for AI?
Featuring: Shay Grinfield, Greenfield Partners
The AI landscape is evolving from theoretical applications to practical implementations. This session will feature discussions on breakthrough innovations and the companies paving the way for the future of AI.
Identifying True Product-Market Fit
Featuring: Rajeev Dham, Managing Director at Sapphire Ventures; Rahul Vohra, Founder and Head of Superhuman Mail; more speakers to be announced
With the current AI boom, distinguishing genuine product-market fit has become challenging. This session will address how to recognize false indicators of fit versus genuine traction.
Starting From Zero: Acquiring Your First 1,000 Customers
Featuring: Grant Lee, CEO and Co-founder of Gamma; Leah Solivan, Founder and General Partner at Precedent.vc; Elia Wallen, Founder and CEO of Engine
Initial customer outreach isn’t about budgets; it’s rooted in founder-led initiatives and execution. This discussion will reveal strategies for gaining early customers through grassroots efforts and direct engagement.
The Challenges of Being a Founder: An Open Dialogue
Featuring: Nell Daly, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Revenge Capital; David H. Rosmarin, Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School; Jack Withinshaw, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Airspeeder
Building a company can take a toll mentally as well as strategically. This honest discussion will highlight the unspoken pressures of high-growth environments and ways to manage psychological demands.
Creating Repeatable Success After Achieving a Hit Product
Featuring: Filip Kaliszan, CEO and Co-founder of Verkada; Aaron Jacobson, Partner at New Enterprise Associates; Maddi Holman, General Partner at Daring Ventures
Startups often falter by focusing on a singular successful product. This session outlines operational strategies for driving consistent innovation and developing a multi-product model.
Hiring, Compensation, and Culture in a Competitive Era
Featuring: Matt Birnbaum, Founder at Wylder.co; Atli Thorkelsson, VP of Talent Network at Redpoint Ventures; more speakers to be announced
Given the demand for AI talent, startups face challenges in recruitment and retention. This discussion will focus on evolving strategies for attracting and maintaining top talent amid changing expectations.
Strategies for Creating and Sustaining Viral Growth
Featuring: Zach Yadegari, Founder of Cal AI
Companies can achieve rapid growth but maintaining that ascent is often problematic. This session will provide insights from Cal AI on navigating growth challenges and establishing durable client loyalty.
The High-Conviction Filter: Lessons from the Battlefield
Featuring: Alexa von Tobel, Inspired Capital; Chi-Hua Chien, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Goodwater Capital; more speakers to be announced
What differentiates outstanding startups at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026? This debrief will explore the trends and founder attributes that shine through during the event and how storytelling is evolving within the startup sphere.
Questions for Investors
Featuring: Stacy Brown-Philpot, Founder & Managing Partner at Cherryrock Capital; Chi-Hua Chien, Co-founder & Managing Partner at Goodwater Capital; Dayna Grayson at Construct Capital; Carter Reum, Co-founder and Managing Partner at M13; Alexa Von Tobel, Inspired Capital
What influences an investor’s decision to fund a startup? This audience-centered Q&A session will provide insights into what characteristics make a startup attractive to potential investors.
Engage and Connect at Disrupt
If you’re eager to develop more effectively, scale quickly, and learn from industry leaders shaping the future of startups, reserve your entry for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 today.
