Prepare for pitch battle: Startup Battlefield 200 nominations are open

Pre-Series A founders, this is your moment! If your startup is ready to be tested under real pressure, the battlefield is open. We’re still accepting nominations for TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200. This is your shot to step into the arena at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 and go head-to-head in front of world-class VCs and the full TechCrunch audience. Where breakout companies are forged You’ll compete for $100,000 in equity-free funding, earn global exposure on the main stage at Disrupt in San Francisco, and get raw, unfiltered feedback from the investors who shape the future of tech. In addition, you’ll join an elite cohort of founders preparing to take on the biggest startup stage in the world. Startup Battlefield alumni include Trello, Mint, Dropbox, Discord, and Fitbit — more than 1,500 startups that once stood exactly where you are now: early, hungry, and ready to prove it. Make your mark or get left behind. Nominate now. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 29: (L-R) Kevin A. Damoa, Founder & CEO, Glīd, Claire Kroft and Ankit Malhotra, winners of the Startup Battlefield 2025, pose onstage during day three of TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 at Moscone Center on October 29, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kimberly White/Getty Images for TechCrunch)Image Credits:Kimberly White / Getty Images Competition is fierce. Enter early. Thousands of startups applied last year, and this year’s field will be even more competitive. TechCrunch reviews every nomination, but founders who enter early give themselves a strategic edge. If you’re serious about winning, don’t wait to join the fight. Startup Battlefield 200 perks Free exhibit table for all three days of Disrupt 4 complimentary Disrupt passes Startup branding and listing in the Disrupt event app Press list access and lead generation opportunities Access to exclusive founder masterclasses The chance to pitch live on the Disrupt Stage Direct feedback from top-tier, world-famous VCs A shot at $100,000 equity-free funding Explore the full list of perks. Techcrunch event Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Founder Summit 1,000+ founders and investors come together at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 for a full day focused on growth, execution, and real-world scaling. Learn from founders and investors who have shaped the industry. Connect with peers navigating similar growth stages. Walk away with tactics you can apply immediately.Offer ends March 13. Save up to $300 or 30% to TechCrunch Founder Summit 1,000+ founders and investors come together at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 for a full day focused on growth, execution, and real-world scaling. Learn from founders and investors who have shaped the industry. Connect with peers navigating similar growth stages. Walk away with tactics you can apply immediatelyOffer ends March 13. Boston, MA | June 9, 2026 REGISTER NOW SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 21: (L-R) Former TechCrunch Managing Editor Matt Burns, Kleiner Perkins Partner Mamoon Hamid, Pear VC Founding Managing Partner Mar Hershenson, Precursor Ventures Founder & Managing Partner Charles Hudson, Sunshine Co-Founder & CEO Marissa Mayer, TechCrunch Editor-in-Chief Matthew Panzarino, Greycroft Co-Founder & Managing Partner Dana Settle, Magnestar CEO & Founder Jacqueline Good, and Magnestar Director of Operations Dani McCoy speak onstage during TechCrunch Disrupt 2023 at Moscone Center on September 21, 2023 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kimberly White/Getty Images for TechCrunch)Image Credits:Kimberly White / Getty Images What it takes to enter the arena We’re looking for bold, early-stage founders with an MVP and a vision that challenges the status quo. If you’re bootstrapped, pre-seed, or seed-funded, this battlefield was built for you. Series A startups in capital-intensive industries may also qualify. Start the battle today Nominations close on June 8, but champions don’t wait for the last call. Prepare early. Nominate early.

Enter Startup Battlefield 200 and fight for your place on tech’s biggest stage. Topics Fundraising, Startup Battlefield, Startups, TC, TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 TechCrunch Events View Bio October 13-15 San Francisco, CA Save up to $680 on your pass before February 27.Meet investors. Discover your next portfolio company. Hear from 250+ tech leaders, dive into 200+ sessions, and explore 300+ startups building what’s next. Don’t miss these one-time savings. REGISTER NOW Most Popular FBI says ATM ‘jackpotting’ attacks are on the rise, and netting hackers millions in stolen cash Zack Whittaker Meta’s own research found parental supervision doesn’t really help curb teens’ compulsive social media use Sarah Perez How Ricursive Intelligence raised $335M at a $4B valuation in 4 months Julie Bort After all the hype, some AI experts don’t think OpenClaw is all that exciting Amanda Silberling OpenClaw creator Peter Steinberger joins OpenAI Anthony Ha Hollywood isn’t happy about the new Seedance 2.0 video generator Anthony Ha The great computer science exodus (and where students are going instead) Connie Loizos