3 reasons why founders can’t miss Disrupt 2026 | TechCrunch

Building a startup in the age of AI is easier than it’s ever been in many ways. But it’s also become a more complicated, competitive ecosystem for founders to enter. That’s why TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is all about empowering founders like you to navigate those challenges and opportunities — and giving you the insights, connections, and resources to move your company forward.

From October 13–15, downtown San Francisco becomes a hub for thousands of founders, investors, and technology leaders building the future. And it’s a can’t-miss event for founders in particular , who can save 25% right now with the code GoogleFound25 .

Here are three reasons why Disrupt is a must for founders.

San Francisco is at the center of the AI revolution, and founders are still discovering the implications for how they build, launch, and scale. At Disrupt, AI isn’t just for a series of panels — it’s woven throughout the programming, with TechCrunch’s editorial team spotlighting the founders, technologies, and ideas shaping what’s next.

Our agenda includes experts from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Amazon, Replit, Databricks, and many more, with three of our six stages dedicated to AI , the systems supporting AI and other infrastructure needs, and the impact of AI in the real world .

You’ll hear directly from leaders, including RJ Scaringe of Rivian, Rahul Vohra of Superhuman, Linda Tong of Webflow, Rajeev Singh of Smartsheet, Jack Zhang of Airwallex, and Rudina Seseri of Glasswing Ventures — with more speakers still to come.

Beyond the stage, Disrupt puts you in the room with investors, potential partners, and fellow founders, while the Startup Battlefield competition offers a front-row look at the next generation of breakout startups.

And if you’re eager to build your company, or even join the Battlefield finalists in the future, we’re making it easier to be there by offering the kinds of expert resources and connections that could take months or years to develop. The Builders Stage alone is a dream program for upleveling founders .

There’s also a special discount available to you! Use the code GoogleFound25 at checkout, or follow the link here to save on your Founder Pass and join thousands of founders, investors, and tech leaders in San Francisco this October.

2. Meet the people who can help move your startup forward

The value of Disrupt goes beyond what happens onstage. More than 10,000 founders, investors, and tech leaders are gathering at Moscone West in the heart of San Francisco’s AI ecosystem — putting the people you need to build, fund, and grow your startup in one room.

From curated networking opportunities and investor connections at the Deal Flow Café to conversations sparked across the Expo Hall and throughout the event, Disrupt is designed to put the right people in the same room.

We’ve even revamped our networking app with AI upgrades (of course) to create smarter connections between founders and the investors and partners they need to meet.

Whether you’re looking for your next investor, partner, customer, or co-founder, you’ll have plenty of ways to make meaningful connections that can move your startup forward. Come with the people you need to meet in mind, and leave with new relationships worth pursuing.

3. Turn three days at Disrupt into your next big opportunity

The real value of Disrupt is what happens when big ideas are shared between the right people. A conversation after a session could lead to your next round of fundraising. A fellow founder could help crack the problem you’ve been stuck on.

A chance encounter in the Expo Hall or a Side Event , or even running into an old colleague, could spark a partnership, customer lead, or your next big idea. With 10,000+ people building what’s next under one roof, you never know which conversation could become your startup’s next opportunity.

Not every breakthrough happens onstage — and you never know where the next one will come from. But to take advantage of that opportunity, you’ll need to be in the room and on the ground in San Francisco.

Give your startup its next big advantage

The next breakthrough for your startup might not come from another late night at your desk or whiteboarding. It might come from a conversation, a connection, or an idea you encounter during Disrupt.

This October, put yourself in the room with 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders building what’s next. Use the exclusive GoogleFound25 promo code to save on your Founder Pass, then start building your agenda, identifying the people you want to meet, and planning for three days of opportunities at the AI epicenter of San Francisco.

Don’t just build what’s next from your desk. Get to Disrupt and help make it happen.