TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 has released the full agenda for its Builders Stage, a dedicated track designed for founders and startup operators tackling the challenges of scaling a company. The event, scheduled for October 13-15 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, will feature more than 10,000 attendees and a lineup of sessions focused on practical, real-world strategies rather than abstract theory.
What the Builders Stage Agenda Reveals About Startup Priorities in 2026
The agenda reflects a shift in founder and investor focus. While AI remains a dominant theme, several sessions address the reality that not every successful company will be an AI-native business. One panel, titled “How to Win When You’re Not Building AI,” features Shan Shan, an investment manager at Baillie Gifford, and will explore how founders can compete for attention in a market saturated with AI hype. The session emphasizes efficient growth, retention, and disciplined execution as enduring fundamentals.
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Another session, “What Happens When OpenAI Ships Your Roadmap,” directly confronts a common anxiety among AI founders: the risk that a large player like OpenAI or Anthropic will release a competing product. Panelists include Michel Tricot, CEO of Airbyte; Rob Toews, a partner at Radical Ventures; and Linda Tong, CEO of Webflow. The discussion will examine where defensibility exists and how startups can adapt when their product becomes a feature of a larger platform.
Fundraising, M&A, and the Changing Definition of Traction
Several sessions focus on the evolving mechanics of early-stage fundraising. “Winning Pre-Seed Without a Product” features Puneet Agarwal of True Ventures, Austin Clements of Slauson & Co., and Sandhya Venkatachalam of Axiom Partners. The panel will break down how founders can build credibility and secure investment before they have revenue or a finished product, emphasizing story, conviction, and founder-market fit.
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The Series A space is also under scrutiny. A session titled “The Series A in 2027” includes Jahanvi Sardana of Index Ventures, Shailendra Singh of Peak XV, and Janelle Teng Wade of Bessemer. They will discuss how fundraising metrics and investor expectations are shifting, and which outdated playbooks no longer work.
M&A is being treated as an early-stage strategy rather than an exit option. A panel with Karl Alomar of M13, Aklil Ibssa of Coinbase, and Lindsey Mignano of Mignano Law Group will explain how founders can build with potential acquisition in mind from day one, using product strategy and partnerships to create that option.
Go-to-Market, Hiring, and the Human Side of Scaling
The definition of traction has compressed. A session titled “The 90-Day GTM: Why $0–$10M ARR Is the New Baseline” features Ryan Meadows of Lovable and Tomasz Tunguz of Theory Ventures, examining how AI-enabled execution and faster distribution are shortening go-to-market timelines. The panel will cover tactical levers founders need in the first 90 days to accelerate revenue.
Hiring and culture are also being rethought. “Hiring When AI Is a Co-Founder” includes Josh Reeves of Gusto and will explore how startups are building hybrid teams where AI agents handle engineering, support, and operations. Another session, “Hiring, Compensation and Culture in the Most Competitive Market Ever,” features Matt Birnbaum of Wylder.co and Atli Thorkelsson of Redpoint Ventures, addressing how companies are adapting to compete for AI talent.
Founder mental health gets a dedicated session: “Yes, It’s Hard to Be a Founder: An Honest Conversation.” Panelists include Nell Daly of Revenge Capital, Dr. David H. Rosmarin of Harvard Medical School, and Jack Withinshaw of Airspeeder. They will discuss burnout, decision fatigue, and the systems that help leaders endure sustained pressure.
Practical Takeaways and Registration Details
The Builders Stage is one of six industry-focused stages at Disrupt 2026. Sessions are designed to deliver actionable strategies that founders can apply immediately, with live Q&A opportunities. Early-bird registration offers savings of up to $330 before ticket prices increase. The full agenda, with additional speakers and sessions, will be updated as the event approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 taking place?
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will be held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from October 13-15, 2026.
Who are the key speakers on the Builders Stage?
Speakers include Grant Lee (Gamma), Robby Stein (Google), Leah Solivan (Precedent.vc), and Michel Tricot (Airbyte), among many other founders and investors.
What topics will the Builders Stage cover?
The agenda includes sessions on AI competition, pre-seed fundraising without a product, M&A as an early-stage strategy, product-market fit red flags, and founder mental health.
How can I attend TechCrunch Disrupt 2026?
Tickets are available on the TechCrunch Disrupt website, with early-bird savings of up to $330 before prices increase.
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