The Disrupt Stage, exclusive to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, is where the tech world’s boldest moves happen in real time, without filters. It’s the arena where startups compete for $100,000 in Startup Battlefield 200, and where industry leaders unveil the future.
Top industry leaders take center stage
This year, we’re welcoming Alphabet’s moonshot visionary Astro Teller, Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott, Netflix CTO Elizabeth Stone, and the outspoken Vinod Khosla to the spotlight. Sequoia’s Roelof Botha will discuss the next era of venture capital, Slate Auto will debut its first fully customizable electric truck, and Phia’s headline-grabbing founders, including Phoebe Gates, will give us a look inside one of the most exciting new commerce startups.
They’ll be joined by Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko, who will explore the future of decentralized computing; Elad Gil, the investor and operator behind some of tech’s biggest names, sharing his insights on AI, funding, and the next innovation wave; Roy Lee, the creative force behind Cluely; and NBA champion turned AI entrepreneur Tristan Thompson, who will discuss blending sports, analytics, and automation.
And yes, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie will also take the stage to explain why startups—from scrappy newcomers to companies ready for IPO—should choose San Francisco as their home base.
Catch the breaking news as it happens—live at Disrupt. Save up to $444 on your ticket and 60% on a companion pass. Prices increase in less than six days, on October 27. Don’t miss your chance to save and stay ahead. Register now.
Image Credits:Brian Ach / Getty ImagesThe complete Disrupt Stage schedule
Check out the full Disrupt agenda, featuring over 200 sessions across five industry stages, breakouts, and roundtables to discover what’s coming for this stage and beyond.
Startup Battlefield 200
TechCrunch’s legendary startup pitch contest is back, as founders compete for the $100,000 Startup Battlefield Cup and a chance to launch their companies into the limelight. The competition is fierce, the judges are tough—and in the final round, you’ll hear from some of venture’s sharpest minds, including Aileen Lee, Kirsten Green, Kevin Hartz, and Kevin Rose.
Image Credits:Kimberly White / Getty ImagesNo Filters: Vinod Khosla on the Future of Tech
Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures, is known for his bold forecasts. He’ll take the stage to deliver his candid perspective on where technology is headed next.
The Self-Driving Reality Check
Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana will offer an inside look at the real progress of autonomous vehicle technology, and why building trust—not just hype—is the last major hurdle.
What Sequoia Sees Coming Next
Roelof Botha of Sequoia Capital will reveal the trends, companies, and signals shaping the next big wave in venture capital.
Moonshots, AI, and the Future of Alphabet
Astro Teller, the leader of moonshots at X, will discuss how Alphabet is investing in AI and other groundbreaking ideas to define the next decade of technology.
Image Credits:TechCrunchBuilding the Future with Microsoft
Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott will join us to discuss the AI transformation he’s spearheading—from developer tools and advanced models to the ways AI is changing productivity, creativity, and the workplace of tomorrow.
What’s Next for Netflix and for Streaming Itself
Netflix CTO Elizabeth Stone will explain how the streaming leader is adapting in the era of AI, new content formats, and fierce competition for viewers’ attention.
Elad Gil: Betting on the Next Decade of Breakout Companies
The investor and operator behind Airbnb, Stripe, and OpenAI will share where he’s placing his bets now—and what it takes to build a lasting company in a world led by AI.
From MIRROR to What’s Next: Brynn Putnam Returns to Disrupt
MIRROR founder and Board CEO Brynn Putnam will discuss building, selling, reinventing, and what she’s planning next. Get the inside scoop as her latest product launches for the first time.
Image Credits:Steve Jennings / Getty ImagesSlate Auto’s Electric Truck: See It Here First
World premiere—Slate Auto will reveal its new electric truck live on stage.
Survive, Scale, Reinvent: Lessons from a Cloud OG
Box CEO Aaron Levie—one of the cloud industry’s most quotable founders—will share his strategies for adapting, scaling, and staying relevant in one of tech’s toughest fields.
Storming the Gates: Scaling Consumer AI
Phia, one of the most talked-about commerce startups of 2025, will discuss how founders Sophia Kianni and Phoebe Gates are transforming Gen Z shopping and scaling AI for consumers.
From Digg to Deals: Kevin Rose on Reinvention and Investing
Kevin Rose went from Digg to venture capital—and now he’s doing both. Hear what he’s focusing on today and what trends he’s watching for the future.
Image Credits:Steve Jennings for TechCrunch / Getty ImagesThe Solana Vision: Anatoly Yakovenko on Building the Next Internet
Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko will explain how the Solana ecosystem is moving beyond crypto buzz—and what decentralized computing means for the next generation of innovators.
Roy Lee of Cluely: AI’s New Cultural Moment
Roy Lee, founder of Cluely, will discuss how AI is transforming creativity, pop culture, and our perception of reality. Expect bold ideas and sharp commentary from one of the field’s most insightful voices.
Tristan Thompson: From Courtside to Code
NBA champion Tristan Thompson will talk about his journey from athlete to investor to AI founder with TracyAI, a new sports analytics platform that merges AI with fan engagement.
Why San Francisco Is Still the Startup Capital
Mayor Daniel Lurie will make his case for why founders should double down on San Francisco. From revitalizing downtown to advancing AI and supporting startup growth, Lurie will outline how the city is partnering with tech to secure its status as the world’s innovation hub.
Image Credits:TechCrunchReserve your front-row seat to the future of tech—less than 6 days left
Don’t miss your opportunity to witness the Disrupt Stage live on October 27–29 at San Francisco’s Moscone West, where the most daring ideas, major investments, and influential founders come together. Register now to lock in your pre-event savings of up to $444 on your ticket, plus 60% off a second pass.
Image Credits:Noam Galai / Getty Images
