by TechNova | Oct 26, 2025 | Tech Insights
When I first heard that San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie was heading to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, I had to do a double take. TechCrunch Disrupt is already a buzzy, high-energy hub for entrepreneurs and startups, but throwing the San Francisco Mayor into the mix? Now we’re talking big-picture stuff.
I’ve been to Disrupt a few times in the past, and let me tell you—it’s no small affair. It’s where things get announced, ideas get challenged, and future unicorns are practically born on stage. So having Mayor Lurie join the lineup feels like more than a PR moment. It’s a signal.
Why the San Francisco Mayor Showing Up Matters
If you’ve lived in the Bay Area or even just visited, you know San Francisco runs on tech. But it’s also a city facing some real challenges—housing, inequality, safety, you name it. So bringing the city’s top leader into conversation with the minds building our future? That’s actually kind of refreshing. It’s not just about apps anymore.
From what’s been shared, Mayor Lurie will be doing more than just shaking hands or giving a feel-good speech. He’s hitting the Disrupt stage, sitting down for an interview with TechCrunch’s VP of Editorial, Darrell Etherington. I think that’s a pretty cool move. Especially because Lurie’s not hesitant to wade into the intersection of policy, private industry, and public life.
He’s Not Your Typical Politician
Daniel Lurie is new-ish to politics—but not new to getting things done. Before becoming San Francisco Mayor, he founded a nonprofit, tackled poverty, and ran massive fundraising efforts. He brings business and compassion together in a way that feels authentic. Is he perfect? What politician is? But there’s a sense that he’s listening and learning, and sometimes that counts more than experience.
His Disrupt appearance feels like part of that. Lurie isn’t just attending a tech event; he’s joining the future—and trying to steer it in a way that benefits all of San Francisco, not just the folks sitting pretty in loft apartments or sipping artisanal coffee in SoMa.
What Could the San Francisco Mayor Talk About at Disrupt?
Alright, so what’s a mayor doing at a tech conference anyway? Well, a lot actually. Here are a few things I’m hoping Mayor Lurie touches on during his Disrupt chat:
- How government and startups can work better together. Often, they speak totally different languages. That needs to change.
- Tech’s role in fixing urban problems. Think homelessness, transportation, public safety. The Bay Area is ground zero for innovation—can we apply that grit locally?
- Making innovation more inclusive. Not everyone in SF is a founder or engineer. How do we make tech serve everyone?
I remember this scene last year—standing in line for a product demo sandwiched between a founder in a hoodie and an angel investor in designer boots. And I thought, “Wouldn’t it be wild if someone from City Hall were here, asking tough questions?” Welp, this year they will be.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Tech + San Francisco
This city has a love-hate relationship with tech. On one hand, it’s the heartbeat of innovation. On the other, tech has been blamed for gentrification, rising rents, and cultural shifts that don’t always feel great for longtime residents. It’s a complex mix of pride and pain. And who better to navigate it than someone who now leads the city?
Mayor Lurie showing up to Disrupt is a moment of acknowledgment. A signal he’s not hiding from the tough stuff. That’s rare. Whether he says everything right or not, I respect the effort to bridge a gap that has, frankly, felt like a canyon some days.
What His Presence May Mean for the City and Beyond
Let’s dream for a second. What if more mayors—and not just from tech hubs—joined the front lines of innovation? What if policy shaped products before problems arose? Maybe it wouldn’t fix everything overnight, but it’d be a start, right?
His appearance at Disrupt makes me hopeful. Hopeful for:
- More collaboration between public leaders and private problem-solvers.
- Create-a-thon-style partnerships, where city needs inspire tech to build real solutions.
- A more human side of tech that includes equity, ethics, and empathy from the start.
It’s also a reminder to the tech community: the real world is just outside your co-working space. And the mayor just walked in to say, “Let’s talk.”
Disrupting the Usual Boundaries
Honestly, I think everyone—whether you’re a founder, developer, investor, or simply an SF local—should pay attention to this moment. It’s rare when a conversation on a slick, blinking tech stage actually meets the streets of a city. And that’s exactly what I hope we’ll see at Disrupt this year.
I don’t expect fireworks, but that’s not the point. For me, this is about connection. About remembering that cities and technologies are both human-made—and humans deserve to be in the room when the future is being designed.
Final Thoughts: Mayor Lurie’s Disrupt Debut Is Bigger Than a Talk
If there’s one thing San Francisco desperately needs right now, it’s connection—to its past, its people, and yes, even its startups. Mayor Daniel Lurie stepping into TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is more than a keynote. It smells like a reset, the smallest of course corrections in a city known for zig-zagging its own way through history.
So whether you’re attending the event or just watching from afar, keep an eye on that stage. You might just see the future of cities getting rewritten, one conversation at a time. And honestly? It’s about time.
by TechNova | Oct 25, 2025 | Tech Insights
Can you feel the buzz? Because I sure can. The Startup Battlefield 200 judges have finally been revealed for Disrupt 2025, and if you’re anything like me—a die-hard nerd for innovation, grit, and big dreams—you’re already mentally packing your bag for San Francisco. This is the kind of lineup that makes you double-check your calendar. The Startup Battlefield 200 isn’t just another demo day; it’s *the* place where early-stage startups get a chance to shine on one of tech’s biggest stages. And now we know who’ll be holding the scorecards. Let’s just say… the bar is high.
The Magic Behind Startup Battlefield 200
I remember the first time I watched a Demo Day live stream. I had crackers, my laptop, and mild expectations. Then boom—three minutes in, I was hooked. This wasn’t just pitches; this was passion meeting pressure, and I couldn’t get enough. So when it comes to Startup Battlefield 200, I pay attention.
This event has built a reputation for launching some of the most recognizable names in tech. Think about it: over 200 carefully selected startups, from stealth-mode geniuses to founders with product names scribbled on napkins just a year ago. And now, these 200 are heading to Disrupt 2025 with one hefty goal—winning the battlefield.
But they won’t be doing it without guidance… or serious judgment.
Who Are the Judges for Disrupt 2025’s Final Round?
Alright, let’s get into it. The final round judges for Startup Battlefield 200 at Disrupt 2025 are not just famous names—they’re impactful trailblazers. The kind of folks who walk the walk and have seen (and probably funded) it all. This year’s crew has founders, investors, and tech leaders whose opinions could shape the future for these new startups.
Here are a few notable judges ready to take the stage:
- Navin Chaddha, Managing Partner at Mayfield. He’s led investments in over 50 companies, many of which went public. Talk about high stakes!
- Deirdre Findlay, CMO at Conde Nast. She brings serious brand storytelling energy, which honestly, a lot of tech could use more of.
- Laela Sturdy, General Partner at CapitalG. Not only has she backed some serious heavy-hitters, but she also brings the sharp lens of a seasoned operator.
- Shauntel Garvey, General Partner at Reach Capital. She knows how to spot transformational ideas, especially at the intersection of learning and scaling.
- Edith Harbaugh, Co-founder of LaunchDarkly. Bootstrapped-to-billion is kind of her vibe, and you know she’ll be asking the tough product questions.
These judges won’t just nod politely through decks. They’ll dissect business models, challenge go-to-market plans, and—my favorite part—ask those sneaky “so what happens when…” questions founders either dream of or dread. It separates the hype from the real hustle.
What Makes Startup Battlefield 200 So Iconic?
You might wonder, among all the demo days and pitch competitions, why does Startup Battlefield 200 get so much shine? Well, here’s the thing—it’s not a free-for-all. TechCrunch handpicks these startups from thousands of applicants. Entry isn’t bought; it’s earned. Every year, only 200 get to be part of the cohort. That level of curation? It means you’re already watching top-tier founders the moment you walk in.
Even better, the final round pushes the envelope on what’s possible. The five finalists who make it to the big showdown pitch have likely fine-tuned their business models in the weeks leading up to the event. You can literally see momentum building idea-by-idea, and that’s rare.
I’ve actually met a couple of founders post-Battlefield whose lives changed overnight. One told me they landed an international customer within 24 hours of pitching, no joke. Another got flooded with VC meetings the following week. That’s the Battlefield magic.
Why the Judges Matter More Than You Think
Sure, it’s about founders. But let’s be honest—it’s also about who’s assessing them. A high-profile judge can mean more than feedback; they can offer credibility, access to networks, and even direct investment. When someone like Navin Chaddha gives you a nod, investors pay attention. Founders feel it too. Just imagine walking into a room, presenting the company you’ve built from late nights and ramen budgets, and hearing real-time feedback from someone who’s shaped unicorns.
In 2023, a judge (who’ll remain nameless because hey, NDA life) ended up backing a company that didn’t even win—but he saw enough spark to follow up. Two years later? That startup is Series B strong with a global team. So yeah, these decisions can ripple out in huge ways.
Startup Battlefield 200: More Than Just a Competition
As someone who’s followed Disrupt events for years (with an embarrassing number of live tweets to prove it), I’ll say this—the relationships formed here run deep. Founders connect with collaborators, investors get first dibs on brilliance-in-the-making, and attendees? We get front-row seats to innovation *before* it hits Tech Twitter.
What always strikes me is the vibe in the room. It’s electric and raw and also weirdly supportive. Like, startups technically compete, but they also cheer each other on. If that doesn’t give you hope for the future of business, I don’t know what will.
Startup Battlefield 200 at Disrupt 2025: What’s Next?
So where do we go from here? Well, if you’re attending Disrupt 2025, make Startup Battlefield your home base. Learn from the pitches. Listen to the judges’ breakdowns. Ask founders about their journeys. Whether you’re building something or just looking to be inspired, you’ll leave with a notebook full of ideas and a heart full of startup energy.
This year’s judges are setting the bar sky-high, which means the startups will rise to meet it. It’s going to be a wild, brilliant, emotional ride—and I honestly can’t wait.
If you’ve never experienced true startup adrenaline, come watch it unfold. And if you’re a founder? Take notes. This is what greatness looks like under pressure.
by TechNova | Oct 25, 2025 | Tech Insights
If you’ve been refreshing your feed like I have, waiting for the moment the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Roundtable schedule was revealed—well, take a deep breath. It’s finally here, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely packed. Whether you’re a startup dreamer, a veteran founder, or just a tech enthusiast who lives for this kind of energy, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is shaping up to be a whirlwind of big ideas, real talk, and valuable connection.
As someone who has been to a few Disrupt events (and once spilled coffee on my laptop mid-pitch meeting—long story), I can tell you: the roundtables are where some of the most underrated magic happens. They’re messy, raw, and real. No giant stage. No polished script. Just you, a small group of curious minds, and an expert with the real-world experience to drop serious wisdom.
Why the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Roundtables Matter More Than Ever
I’ll say it straight: if you’re going to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 and you skip the roundtables, you’re doing it wrong. Sure, the big names speaking on stage will grab headlines. But the intimacy of the roundtables is what makes this event feel personal.
This year’s agenda? Honestly, it reads like a wishlist written by someone who’s been deep in the startup trenches. We’re talking everything from raising your first round of funding (without losing your soul), to AI ethics, branding in the age of TikTok, startup storytelling, scaling your team the right way, and even mental health in high-growth environments. It’s the kind of stuff you wish you could sit down and ask someone over coffee—except now, you actually can.
What to Expect from TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
The roundtables this year feature a killer range of topics, and the speakers? Let’s just say they’ve walked the walk. These aren’t people who just give talks—they’ve built companies, led teams, bootstrapped through chaos, and come out the other side with stories and scars.
Here are a few of the roundtables I’m genuinely excited about (and will 100% be elbowing my way into):
- Building a Bulletproof Go-To-Market Strategy
Led by a founder who scaled from basement to boardroom, this one’s for anyone trying to figure out how the heck to actually grow in 2025’s competitive landscape.
- The Founder’s Mental Health Check-In
Let’s be honest: startup life can be exhilarating—and totally exhausting. This roundtable tackles burnout head-on, with real strategies from people who’ve felt that wall and learned to bounce back.
- Fundraising Without the Hype
If the VC merry-go-round has you dizzy, this one dives into thoughtful, sustainable ways to raise money without losing focus—or your mind.
- Women Founders Breaking the Mold
A favorite every year, this session leans into the unique journeys of women building startups in a still-too-often male-dominated space.
- Lessons from the Gen Z Userbase
This one might surprise you. It’s about understanding and designing products for a generation that’s rewriting the rules—fast.
And the best part? These aren’t one-sided lectures. They’re small. Intimate. You can ask questions, share your own thoughts, and actually connect with the people in the room (including the speaker). Trust me, that kind of access is gold.
The Vibe You Can’t Miss
I remember last year, I wandered into a roundtable on creator monetization almost by accident. I was early for another session and figured, “Why not?” Two minutes in, I was hooked. Everyone at the table—from a guy designing educational YouTube channels to a former Twitch developer—brought something fresh. And the speaker? She stayed an extra 30 minutes after the clock ran out, just chatting.
That’s the feel I get from the 2025 lineup. It’s less “conference,” more “brainy coffee date meets group therapy for founders.”
Planning Your TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Agenda
Here’s where I normally recommend grabbing a pen and blocking out your must-do sessions. But honestly? Don’t overfill your schedule. Some of the best moments at Disrupt come from walking into something unexpected. That being said, here’s my advice to make the most of the roundtables:
- Pick 2 or 3 roundtables each day that align with your current startup stage or questions. Don’t try to do it all.
- Leave breathing room. Use the gaps between sessions to connect with people you just met, or to quietly debrief with yourself.
- Be curious, not perfect. Ask that “dumb question.” Share your story. The roundtables are better when you bring your real self.
And remember, a lot of the magic happens around the edges—those off-the-record, spontaneous conversations can be just as impactful as the scheduled ones.
Don’t Sleep on the Offbeat Topics
Every year there’s at least one roundtable that seems a little oddball…until it turns out to be the most talked-about. In 2025, I’ve got my eye on a session that’s all about “Building Ethical AI for Small Teams.” It’s not a buzzwordy, big-data blowout. Instead, it’s focused on helping startups build responsibly, even without a million-dollar R&D budget. That’s the kind of actionable, grounded insight I live for.
Create Your Own TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Moment
Whether you’re heading to the event in person or just browsing the schedule from your couch in sweatpants (totally respectable, by the way), there’s real value here. The way these TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 roundtables are structured—tight-knit, discussion-based, and tailored to what real founders care about right now—makes them uniquely powerful.
So take a good look at the agenda. Make a short list. Then, once you’re there, follow your gut. Stay open. Stay curious. And whether you walk out with a killer new fundraising strategy or just feel slightly less alone in the chaos that is building something from scratch—that’s a win in my book.
See you at the table. I’ll be the one scribbling notes like a maniac and probably asking too many questions. That’s half the fun.
by TechNova | Oct 25, 2025 | Tech Insights
If you’ve been refreshing your feed like I have, waiting for the moment the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Roundtable schedule was revealed—well, take a deep breath. It’s finally here, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely packed. Whether you’re a startup dreamer, a veteran founder, or just a tech enthusiast who lives for this kind of energy, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is shaping up to be a whirlwind of big ideas, real talk, and valuable connection.
As someone who has been to a few Disrupt events (and once spilled coffee on my laptop mid-pitch meeting—long story), I can tell you: the roundtables are where some of the most underrated magic happens. They’re messy, raw, and real. No giant stage. No polished script. Just you, a small group of curious minds, and an expert with the real-world experience to drop serious wisdom.
Why the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Roundtables Matter More Than Ever
I’ll say it straight: if you’re going to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 and you skip the roundtables, you’re doing it wrong. Sure, the big names speaking on stage will grab headlines. But the intimacy of the roundtables is what makes this event feel personal.
This year’s agenda? Honestly, it reads like a wishlist written by someone who’s been deep in the startup trenches. We’re talking everything from raising your first round of funding (without losing your soul), to AI ethics, branding in the age of TikTok, startup storytelling, scaling your team the right way, and even mental health in high-growth environments. It’s the kind of stuff you wish you could sit down and ask someone over coffee—except now, you actually can.
What to Expect from TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
The roundtables this year feature a killer range of topics, and the speakers? Let’s just say they’ve walked the walk. These aren’t people who just give talks—they’ve built companies, led teams, bootstrapped through chaos, and come out the other side with stories and scars.
Here are a few of the roundtables I’m genuinely excited about (and will 100% be elbowing my way into):
- Building a Bulletproof Go-To-Market Strategy
Led by a founder who scaled from basement to boardroom, this one’s for anyone trying to figure out how the heck to actually grow in 2025’s competitive landscape.
- The Founder’s Mental Health Check-In
Let’s be honest: startup life can be exhilarating—and totally exhausting. This roundtable tackles burnout head-on, with real strategies from people who’ve felt that wall and learned to bounce back.
- Fundraising Without the Hype
If the VC merry-go-round has you dizzy, this one dives into thoughtful, sustainable ways to raise money without losing focus—or your mind.
- Women Founders Breaking the Mold
A favorite every year, this session leans into the unique journeys of women building startups in a still-too-often male-dominated space.
- Lessons from the Gen Z Userbase
This one might surprise you. It’s about understanding and designing products for a generation that’s rewriting the rules—fast.
And the best part? These aren’t one-sided lectures. They’re small. Intimate. You can ask questions, share your own thoughts, and actually connect with the people in the room (including the speaker). Trust me, that kind of access is gold.
The Vibe You Can’t Miss
I remember last year, I wandered into a roundtable on creator monetization almost by accident. I was early for another session and figured, “Why not?” Two minutes in, I was hooked. Everyone at the table—from a guy designing educational YouTube channels to a former Twitch developer—brought something fresh. And the speaker? She stayed an extra 30 minutes after the clock ran out, just chatting.
That’s the feel I get from the 2025 lineup. It’s less “conference,” more “brainy coffee date meets group therapy for founders.”
Planning Your TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Agenda
Here’s where I normally recommend grabbing a pen and blocking out your must-do sessions. But honestly? Don’t overfill your schedule. Some of the best moments at Disrupt come from walking into something unexpected. That being said, here’s my advice to make the most of the roundtables:
- Pick 2 or 3 roundtables each day that align with your current startup stage or questions. Don’t try to do it all.
- Leave breathing room. Use the gaps between sessions to connect with people you just met, or to quietly debrief with yourself.
- Be curious, not perfect. Ask that “dumb question.” Share your story. The roundtables are better when you bring your real self.
And remember, a lot of the magic happens around the edges—those off-the-record, spontaneous conversations can be just as impactful as the scheduled ones.
Don’t Sleep on the Offbeat Topics
Every year there’s at least one roundtable that seems a little oddball…until it turns out to be the most talked-about. In 2025, I’ve got my eye on a session that’s all about “Building Ethical AI for Small Teams.” It’s not a buzzwordy, big-data blowout. Instead, it’s focused on helping startups build responsibly, even without a million-dollar R&D budget. That’s the kind of actionable, grounded insight I live for.
Create Your Own TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Moment
Whether you’re heading to the event in person or just browsing the schedule from your couch in sweatpants (totally respectable, by the way), there’s real value here. The way these TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 roundtables are structured—tight-knit, discussion-based, and tailored to what real founders care about right now—makes them uniquely powerful.
So take a good look at the agenda. Make a short list. Then, once you’re there, follow your gut. Stay open. Stay curious. And whether you walk out with a killer new fundraising strategy or just feel slightly less alone in the chaos that is building something from scratch—that’s a win in my book.
See you at the table. I’ll be the one scribbling notes like a maniac and probably asking too many questions. That’s half the fun.
by TechNova | Oct 25, 2025 | Tech Insights
If you’ve been refreshing your feed like I have, waiting for the moment the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Roundtable schedule was revealed—well, take a deep breath. It’s finally here, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely packed. Whether you’re a startup dreamer, a veteran founder, or just a tech enthusiast who lives for this kind of energy, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is shaping up to be a whirlwind of big ideas, real talk, and valuable connection.
As someone who has been to a few Disrupt events (and once spilled coffee on my laptop mid-pitch meeting—long story), I can tell you: the roundtables are where some of the most underrated magic happens. They’re messy, raw, and real. No giant stage. No polished script. Just you, a small group of curious minds, and an expert with the real-world experience to drop serious wisdom.
Why the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Roundtables Matter More Than Ever
I’ll say it straight: if you’re going to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 and you skip the roundtables, you’re doing it wrong. Sure, the big names speaking on stage will grab headlines. But the intimacy of the roundtables is what makes this event feel personal.
This year’s agenda? Honestly, it reads like a wishlist written by someone who’s been deep in the startup trenches. We’re talking everything from raising your first round of funding (without losing your soul), to AI ethics, branding in the age of TikTok, startup storytelling, scaling your team the right way, and even mental health in high-growth environments. It’s the kind of stuff you wish you could sit down and ask someone over coffee—except now, you actually can.
What to Expect from TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
The roundtables this year feature a killer range of topics, and the speakers? Let’s just say they’ve walked the walk. These aren’t people who just give talks—they’ve built companies, led teams, bootstrapped through chaos, and come out the other side with stories and scars.
Here are a few of the roundtables I’m genuinely excited about (and will 100% be elbowing my way into):
- Building a Bulletproof Go-To-Market Strategy
Led by a founder who scaled from basement to boardroom, this one’s for anyone trying to figure out how the heck to actually grow in 2025’s competitive landscape.
- The Founder’s Mental Health Check-In
Let’s be honest: startup life can be exhilarating—and totally exhausting. This roundtable tackles burnout head-on, with real strategies from people who’ve felt that wall and learned to bounce back.
- Fundraising Without the Hype
If the VC merry-go-round has you dizzy, this one dives into thoughtful, sustainable ways to raise money without losing focus—or your mind.
- Women Founders Breaking the Mold
A favorite every year, this session leans into the unique journeys of women building startups in a still-too-often male-dominated space.
- Lessons from the Gen Z Userbase
This one might surprise you. It’s about understanding and designing products for a generation that’s rewriting the rules—fast.
And the best part? These aren’t one-sided lectures. They’re small. Intimate. You can ask questions, share your own thoughts, and actually connect with the people in the room (including the speaker). Trust me, that kind of access is gold.
The Vibe You Can’t Miss
I remember last year, I wandered into a roundtable on creator monetization almost by accident. I was early for another session and figured, “Why not?” Two minutes in, I was hooked. Everyone at the table—from a guy designing educational YouTube channels to a former Twitch developer—brought something fresh. And the speaker? She stayed an extra 30 minutes after the clock ran out, just chatting.
That’s the feel I get from the 2025 lineup. It’s less “conference,” more “brainy coffee date meets group therapy for founders.”
Planning Your TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Agenda
Here’s where I normally recommend grabbing a pen and blocking out your must-do sessions. But honestly? Don’t overfill your schedule. Some of the best moments at Disrupt come from walking into something unexpected. That being said, here’s my advice to make the most of the roundtables:
- Pick 2 or 3 roundtables each day that align with your current startup stage or questions. Don’t try to do it all.
- Leave breathing room. Use the gaps between sessions to connect with people you just met, or to quietly debrief with yourself.
- Be curious, not perfect. Ask that “dumb question.” Share your story. The roundtables are better when you bring your real self.
And remember, a lot of the magic happens around the edges—those off-the-record, spontaneous conversations can be just as impactful as the scheduled ones.
Don’t Sleep on the Offbeat Topics
Every year there’s at least one roundtable that seems a little oddball…until it turns out to be the most talked-about. In 2025, I’ve got my eye on a session that’s all about “Building Ethical AI for Small Teams.” It’s not a buzzwordy, big-data blowout. Instead, it’s focused on helping startups build responsibly, even without a million-dollar R&D budget. That’s the kind of actionable, grounded insight I live for.
Create Your Own TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Moment
Whether you’re heading to the event in person or just browsing the schedule from your couch in sweatpants (totally respectable, by the way), there’s real value here. The way these TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 roundtables are structured—tight-knit, discussion-based, and tailored to what real founders care about right now—makes them uniquely powerful.
So take a good look at the agenda. Make a short list. Then, once you’re there, follow your gut. Stay open. Stay curious. And whether you walk out with a killer new fundraising strategy or just feel slightly less alone in the chaos that is building something from scratch—that’s a win in my book.
See you at the table. I’ll be the one scribbling notes like a maniac and probably asking too many questions. That’s half the fun.
by TechNova | Oct 24, 2025 | Tech Insights
If you’ve been waiting to snag your pass to this year’s startup mecca, the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 San Francisco ticket deadline is officially knocking on your door. And, spoiler alert — prices go up real soon. Yep, that means just a few more days before those sweet early-bird rates are gone. So if you’ve been on the fence, it’s time to make a choice.
I’ve been to Disrupt before, and I can honestly say there’s nothing quite like it. The energy? Electric. The ideas? Wildly creative. The people? Equal parts brilliant and scrappy. TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 promises to be bigger and bolder than ever, and missing out would seriously sting.
Why TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco Is Worth Every Penny
First off, let’s just acknowledge the obvious: traveling to a major conference can be a chunk of change. Between hotels, flights, snacks (those add up fast), and the ticket itself — it’s an investment. But here’s the thing. Disrupt isn’t your average tech event. It’s an ecosystem.
Startups, investors, media, and dreamers all collide at the Moscone Center in SF this October. Want face time with a VC you’ve been stalking on Twitter? There’s a good chance they’ll be walking the exhibitor floor. Have a startup idea brewing? You’ll leave with notes, contacts, and maybe even a co-founder. These moments are what make the price tag make sense.
And if networking’s not your jam, that’s cool too — some of my favorite moments last year were just chilling in the audience, notebook in hand, listening to founders and tech leaders get raw about their wins *and* missteps. It’s like startup church for the soul.
Final 4 Days Before Ticket Prices Go Up
So here’s the scoop: we’ve got exactly four days until ticket rates climb. That’s a tiny window. And trust me, I’ve played the “wait until the last second” game before — more than once, actually — and paid for it (literally).
If you already know you want to go, don’t overthink it. Grab that ticket now, secure your spot, and thank yourself later. It saves money, sure — but it also locks in your intention. It tells Future You, “Hey, we’re doing this.”
There’s something magical about that kind of commitment. It gives you time to prep, reach out to fellow attendees, and even think about how you want to show up — mentally and professionally — when October rolls around.
What to Expect at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
Let’s get into the good stuff: what makes TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 worth showing up for?
- The Startup Battlefield 200: This is the real-life Hunger Games for startups (minus the arrows). Watch early-stage companies pitch for visibility, cash, and validation.
- Incredible Speakers: Names haven’t all dropped yet, but if past years are any hint — legends, unicorn-makers, and tech rebels will all hit the stage.
- Hands-On Demos: Touch, test, and explore the future. From climate tech to robotics, there’s usually something that makes your jaw drop.
- Meet the Makers: Product people, devs, and idea-havers are everywhere. You’ll leave with new perspectives, and maybe a few new friends.
The vibe is fast, sometimes chaotic — but always inspiring. I swear, even standing in line at the coffee cart can lead to a lightbulb moment.
How to Plan for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Without Burning Out
If you’re like me, big conferences can be a lot. It’s tempting to try and do *everything*. But here’s a tip from the trenches: don’t.
What’s helped me most is building a super simple game plan. Three goals. That’s it. Maybe it’s:
- Attend a certain panel
- Connect with someone in a specific niche
- And have at least one real conversation, not just a LinkedIn swap
Keep it easy, light, and human. Let the conference unfold around those pillars, and you’ll feel way more grounded amid the chaos.
Still Debating? Ask Yourself This
Are you building something? Dreaming of building something? Just hungry to understand where tech is going next? Then yeah, you probably belong at Disrupt.
It’s not about being a tech insider. Some of the best convos I had last year were with people totally new to the game — folks who were just curious, thinkers kicking the tires of new ideas.
Plus, there’s something empowering about being in a room where crazy ideas are welcomed, not eye-rolled. It rubs off on you. It did for me.
Grab Your TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Ticket While It’s Still Cheap
This is your friendly nudge: prices are going up in just a few days. That’s not fear-mongering — that’s facts. And if I’m honest, some of my best career pivots happened because I leaned into opportunities like this and showed up.
Seriously, I can trace a whole handful of wins — partnerships, clients, new friends — back to a moment at Disrupt when I just said “why not?”
So decide today. Not later. Not “maybe if I have time.” If it’s even slightly on your radar, just take the leap. The ticket increase will sneak up fast, and it’s always nicer to go in knowing you got the best deal.
Pack the hoodie, polish up your pitch (internally or actually), and get ready. October is going to be wild in the best way — and you’re totally invited.
