Next five VCs judging Startup Battlefield 200 contenders at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
techcrunch ·
TechCrunch has announced the next five venture capitalists who will judge the Startup Battlefield 200 contenders at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026. These judges, selected from a panel of twenty, will evaluate carefully chosen startups as they compete for advancement to the live finals. The event is scheduled for October 13-15 in San Francisco and will feature 200 startups exhibiting to thousands of investors and founders. The judging panel includes Caleb Appleton from Bison Ventures, Sara Deshpande from Maven Ventures, Aatish Nayak from Kleiner Perkins, Jason Risch from Greylock, and Mark Xu from Index Ventures. Each judge brings extensive experience in sectors such as physical AI, consumer software, enterprise security, and infrastructure. Their role is critical in determining which companies advance toward the final pitch competition. The ultimate winner of the Startup Battlefield will receive a $100,000 equity-free prize and the coveted Disrupt Cup. Attendees are encouraged to register for passes to witness the competition and network with industry leaders.
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