Every founder who applies Home Battlefield wants the same thing: to disrupt the Main Stage. Six minutes to pitch and demonstrate live in front of high-level Silicon Valley investors. Featured TechCrunch article published as your submission. A $100,000 non-stock prize and a shot at the Disrupt Cup.
And it can all be yours, but every road to Starter Battlefield success starts with the app. And we’ve actually extended the deadline for this year’s cohort to June 8th, so you only have a short window to submit yours.
Go here to launch that app nowbut for starters, we’ve got some tips based on past competitions and some details on why participant bonuses start before the main stage at Disrupt.
What it takes to make the starting Battlefield Top 20
Startup Battlefield Top 20 represents the best of the best from Startup Battlefield 200. Companies whose ideas are significantly different, category-defining, and can make a big impact in their industry or geography. The choice depends on which companies are more attractive, different and ready for the global stage.
Your product and founder videos are everything. They are the first impression and play the most important role in determining which companies are ready for the Disrupt stage. Show your product in action. Be specific about what makes you different. Let your confidence show on camera, not just your size.
Selected companies work closely with the TechCrunch team in pitch preparation prior to Disrupt. Each company pitches and demos live for six minutes on the Disrupt stage, followed by a live Q&A with high-profile investors such as Aileen Lee (Cowboy Ventures), Kirsten Green (Leader), Navin Chaddha (Mayfield), Chris Farmer (SignalFire), Dayna Grayson (Construct Capital), Ann Miuragateng (Flo Capitals), and Ann Tugateng (Flo Capitals).
Five of the top 20 are selected to perform again on the final day of Disrupt in front of a new panel of high-profile judges. The winner receives $100,000 in cash prize money and the Disrupt Trophy.
Check out the top 20 2024 and 2025.
Not originally selected for the Top 20? You are still on the run
The list is not final until Disrupt continues. Every year, things change – founders quit, schedules change, and the top 200 companies rise rapidly during the program.
We keep the Top 20 confidential until the event starts and keep a short list of companies willing to participate. This happens every cycle.
And more importantly, being at 200 is where the real opportunity begins. The scene is momentary. But the access, exposure and networking you get as part of a cohort goes far beyond that.
What every Startup Battlefield 200 company earned
You don’t have to be in the Top 20 for Startup Battlefield to change your trajectory.
Each selected company receives a fully funded demo booth at TechCrunch Disrupt; free event tickets for the team; access to a virtual pre-event program with world-class VCs, operators and founders; special pitch preparation; and an invitation to a private Launch Battlefield reception.
All 200 companies are participating in Disrupt. Whether on the Disrupt Stage competing for a $100,000 prize, or A Showcase Stage for the Best in the Industryboth are real opportunities to stand out in front of investors, press and partners who come to Disrupt to find out what’s next.
On the editorial side, every company taps into the TechCrunch ecosystem. Coverage is not guaranteed, but our editors actively monitor Startup Battlefield companies through articles. Installation Mode podcastthe Capital podcastand future updates as we grow. Prominent companies are often invited to perform, speak and give feedback on TechCrunch platforms. This is an opportunity that comes together over time.
Plus, you’re joining the Startup Battlefield alumni community, which includes over 1,700 companies like Dropbox, Discord, and Cloudflare that have collectively raised $32 billion and had 250+ pitches. This isn’t a mailing list – it’s a network of founders who have gone through the same experience and continue to support each other.
Alumni receive ongoing opportunities to pitch and speak at TechCrunch events, discounted and free entry to future events, and exclusive benefits from our partner network.
The scene is momentary. Networking, visibility and access are the last.
You get value just for applying to Startup Battlefield
Even if you are not selected, there are positives to applying. Applicants receive exclusive discounts on Disrupt tickets and showcase opportunities alongside the resources of our partners so you stay close to the ecosystem and come back stronger next time.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not you’re ready, apply anyway. It’s free, it takes nothing off the table, and it’s our job to let you know when it’s not the right time. Founders who wait until they feel ready often wait too long.
While you’re getting ready, check it out Installation modeTechCrunch’s podcast for early-stage founders featuring former Startup Battlefield companies, spin-off founders, and high-profile investors. Consider this the inside track you need to build a Battlefield-ready company.
(Listen to installation mode →)
Applications close June 8, 2026. TechCrunch Disrupt It is held in San Francisco on October 13-15.
If you think you have what it takes to make it to the Top 20, apply for Startup Battlefield 2026.
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