TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200is the flagship early-stage startup competition held atTechCrunch Disruptin San Francisco, spotlighting the world’s most promising young companies. Each year, thousands of applicants from around the globe vie for one of200 slotsin the cohort, which provides unparalleled visibility, access to top-tier investors, and opportunities to grow.
Early-stage startups from around the world are joining theStartup Battlefield email list to be the first to know when applications open this month. Don’tmiss a beat ifyou’reready to join the action.
What is Startup Battlefield?
Startup Battlefield 200isa highly selective startup launch program designed to prepare early-stage startups for visibility, investment, and scale.Each year, TechCrunch hand-selects 200 companies to gain unmatched exposure, credibility, and opportunities to scale faster than they ever imagined:
- Free exhibit space at TechCrunch Disruptfor all three days
- Exclusive access to masterclasses and curated networking
- Direct exposure to top-tierpressand investors
- A chance to pitch live at Disrupt
- A shot at the main Disrupt Stage to compete for a $100,000 equity-free prize and the iconic Disrupt Cup
Alumni who’ve entered Startup Battlefield
Startup Battlefield’strack recordis among the strongest in the industry — alumnirepresent1,700+ companiesthat have collectively raisedover $32 billionand include well-known names such as:
- Mint.
- … and many others that have gone on to significant exits and growth.
What toexpect in 2026
In 2026,Startup Battlefield 200will once again bring together a global cohort of high-potential early-stage startups building across AI, climate, health, fintech, and beyond.
Applications will open in the middle of this month and close in mid-June.Selected startups will be notified aroundSeptember 1, when thevirtual preparation programbegins — designed to help founders refine their story, sharpen their pitch, and get ready for thepitch of a lifetime on the TechCrunch Disrupt stage.
Ready to join the battlethis year?
For founders and investors alike, Startup Battlefield 200remainsone of the most influential global early-stage startup stages — a place where breakout companies get seen,funded, and scaled.
Techcrunch event
Boston, MA
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June 23, 2026
Don’tmiss a moment of the action:Join the Startup Battlefieldmailing listto be the first to know when applications open next month.
