Builders Stage Agenda Unveiled for Disrupt 2026

The Builders Stage Returns to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

The Builders Stage is set to make a comeback at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, uniting founders, startup operators, and investors for in-depth discussions about the intricacies of building and scaling successful companies. This year’s lineup includes prominent figures such as Grant Lee, CEO and co-founder of Gamma; Leah Solivan, founder and general partner at Precedent.vc; and Robby Stein, VP of Product at Google. These industry leaders will offer actionable insights on essential topics such as fundraising, hiring, go-to-market strategies, AI advancements, and operational decisions that drive startup growth.

Connect with the Startup Ecosystem

Join over 10,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and tech innovators at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from October 13-15. Don’t miss your chance to register early and benefit from discounted rates before ticket prices rise.

Targeted Support for Growth-Focused Founders

The Builders Stage serves as one of six specialized platforms at Disrupt 2026, concentrating specifically on the hurdles founders face when scaling. From raising capital and recruiting talent to creating robust go-to-market strategies and transitioning from seed funding to Series A, every session is designed to equip founders with practical strategies they can implement immediately.

Dive Deep into the Builders Stage Agenda

The agenda features a variety of sessions aimed at fostering meaningful conversations about today’s most pressing issues. Complete details, including additional speakers and topics, will be revealed as the event date approaches.

Key Sessions You Won’t Want to Miss

Winning in a Non-AI Space
Panelists: Shan Shan, Baillie Gifford; Yuri Sagalov, General Catalyst
Explore how to achieve growth and retention in an AI-focused market without relying solely on artificial intelligence.

When OpenAI Competes with You
Panelists: Michel Tricot, Airbyte; Rob Toews, Radical Ventures; Linda Tong, Webflow
Discuss strategies for maintaining competitive advantage amid the rapid evolution of AI technology.

Building the Future of AI
Speaker: Jas Khaira, Blackstone N1
Understand what differentiates enduring companies from temporary successes in the AI sector.

Navigating the AI Talent Wars
Panelists: Matt Birnbaum, Wylder.co; Ioana Hreninciuc, Runware; Atli Thorkelsson, Redpoint Ventures
Delve into the evolving landscape of talent retention and compensation in a competitive market.

Crafting a Credible Pre-Seed Pitch
Panelists: Puneet Agarwal, True Ventures; Austin Clements, Slauson & Co; Sandhya Venkatachalam, Axiom Partners
Learn how to build credibility and secure initial funding even before your product is developed.

Product Evolution at Scale
Speaker: Robby Stein, Google
Gain insights into product decision-making processes impacting millions of users in large organizations.

Hiring in the Age of AI
Speaker: Josh Reeves, Gusto
Explore how early-stage startups are integrating AI, redefining human roles in their operational models.

Transforming Consumer Products for AI
Speaker: Maria Angelidou-Smith, Reddit
Find out how leading companies are redesigning their products to adapt to AI innovations.

M&A as an Early Strategy
Panelists: Karl Alomar, M13; Lindsey Mignano, Mignano Law Group
Discover how early-stage companies can leverage mergers and acquisitions as part of their growth strategy from day one.

Rethinking Series A for 2027
Panelists: Jahanvi Sardana, Index Ventures; Shailendra Singh, Peak XV; Janelle Teng Wade, Bessemer Venture Partners
Discuss what’s required for a company to secure Series A funding amidst evolving expectations from venture capitalists.

Accelerating Growth from $0 to $10M ARR
Panelists: Ryan Meadows, Lovable; Tomasz Tunguz, Theory Ventures; Ben Broca, Polsia
Learn practical tactics for rapidly scaling your revenue in the new landscape shaped by AI acceleration.

Navigating Multi-Model AI Development
Panelists: Mo Jomaa, Capital G; Zuzanna Stamirowska, Pathway
Discuss strategies for building successful AI products that can adapt across various models and technologies.

The Future Capabilities of AI
Speaker: Shay Grinfield, Greenfield Partners
Engage in a conversation about the emerging opportunities and capabilities of AI technology.

Identifying Real Product-Market Fit
Panelists: Rajeev Dham, Sapphire Ventures; Rahul Vohra, Superhuman Mail
Learn how to discern authentic product-market fit signals in a crowded AI market.

Acquiring Your First 1,000 Customers
Panelists: Grant Lee, Gamma; Leah Solivan, Precedent.vc; Elia Wallen, Engine
Discover effective, budget-friendly strategies for customer acquisition.

The Reality of Being a Founder
Panelists: Nell Daly, Revenge Capital; David H. Rosmarin, Harvard Medical School
Get candid insights into the mental and emotional challenges founders face in high-pressure environments.

Creating a Sustainable Growth Engine
Panelists: Filip Kaliszan, Verkada; Aaron Jacobson, New Enterprise Associates
Explore how to establish a repeatable process for ongoing innovation and product development.

The Impact of AI on Hiring and Culture
Panelists: Matt Birnbaum, Wylder.co; Atli Thorkelsson, Redpoint Ventures
Investigate how companies are adjusting their cultures and compensation strategies in the AI realm.

Capturing and Sustaining Viral Growth
Speaker: Zach Yadegari, Cal AI
Learn the principles behind maintaining traction following a viral growth phase.

Dissecting Success Factors in Startups
Panelists: Alexa von Tobel, Inspired Capital; Chi-Hua Chien, Goodwater Capital
Unpack what differentiates successful startups from others, focusing on investor interests and storytelling.

Engage with Investors Directly

The “Ask the Investors” session will provide attendees the opportunity to gain insights directly from experienced VCs about what separates successful pitches from the rest. This interactive segment is designed for founders looking to improve their fundraising strategies and investor communications.

Secure Your Pass to Disrupt 2026

If you’re eager to enhance your startup journey through powerful insights and networking opportunities, don’t hesitate to secure your pass for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026.

Join the conversations that are shaping the future of startups and take action on the knowledge you gain. Don’t miss your chance to connect with industry leaders, learn best practices, and fuel your startup’s growth trajectory.

Thanks for reading. Please let us know your thoughts and ideas in the comment section down below.

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Emmanuel Kesse

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