Key Insights and Top Speakers Announced for Builders Stage at Disrupt 2025
Builders Stage at Disrupt 2025: Essential Lessons for Scaling Startups
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is set to deliver actionable strategies for founders, operators, and investors at the Builders Stage, running October 27–29 at Moscone West, San Francisco. The freshly finalized agenda features a powerhouse lineup of voices who have shaped the world’s leading startups, with sessions dedicated to the practical realities of turning ideas into thriving businesses.
World-Class Speakers and Unfiltered Lessons
This year’s Builders Stage will host industry icons such as Elad Gil (early investor in Perplexity, Character.AI, Airbnb, and more), Dick Costolo and Adam Bain (former Twitter executives, now co-founders at 01 Advisors), Jason Citron (Discord founder), and Ryan Petersen (Flexport CEO), among many others. Attendees can expect candid conversations, live Q&As, and new perspectives on:
- Securing your first term sheet and early-stage funding
- Building a scalable go-to-market (GTM) engine
- Integrating AI and robotics into your business operations
- Designing vibrant, lasting communities and products
From the earliest stages of pitching with only a vision, to raising significant later-stage rounds, the Builders Stage addresses the full spectrum of startup growth and challenges.
Highlighted Sessions and Panels
- Raising Smart: A Conversation with Elad Gil
Get inside the mind of an investor who backed many of today's AI leaders before they were household names. - Building What’s Next with Twitter and Meta Leaders
Hear what it takes to create and scale impactful technology from veterans who have built category-defining companies. - How to Pitch at the Inception Stage
Learn from top VCs like Navin Chaddha (Mayfield) and Charles Hudson (Precursor Ventures) about winning early investment without traction. - Seed Money Secrets
Discover practical fundraising advice from Gabby Cazeau (Harlem Capital), Marlon Nichols (MaC Venture Capital), and Maria Palma (Freestyle Capital). - How to Nail Product-Market Fit
Panelists including Rajat Bhageria (Chef Robotics) and Ann Bordetsky (NEA) break down the iterative process to achieve true market resonance. - Live Demo: Moxi the Humanoid Robot
Witness cutting-edge robotics in action as Moxi, built by Diligent Robotics, demonstrates real hospital workflows. - The Pros and Cons of Hiring AI Agents
Explore practical use cases for embedding AI in your startup’s core operations, from sales to customer support. - Do Startups Still Need Silicon Valley?
A nuanced debate on whether geographic proximity to the Valley is still critical for company success.
Networking and Strategic Learning Opportunities
Beyond the headline sessions, Disrupt 2025 offers unmatched networking with over 10,000 tech leaders, breakout sessions across five industry tracks, and opportunities to meet investors who are actively shaping the next wave of innovation. The event also marks the 20th anniversary of Disrupt, making it an unmissable gathering for anyone looking to scale smarter and stay ahead in tech.
Secure Your Spot
Early registration can save attendees up to $668 before ticket rates rise. Reserve your ticket here to learn from the very best in tech, VC, and AI.
