Your chance to gain access to venture capital, global exposure, TechCrunch coverage, and $100,000 in no-equity funding is over.
Starting Battlefield 200 applications officially close in just two weeks. If you’re building a startup in small groups – or know a founder who is – now is the time to act.
Apply before May 27 for the opportunity to go on stage at TechCrunch disrupts 2026 alongside 200 of the world’s most promising early-stage startups.
Image credits:Kimberly White/Getty Images
This window closes quickly
Pre-Series A founders, consider this your countdown reminder: the strongest startups are already entering the arena.
If your startup has already been nominated, don’t wait to finalize your application. The final stretch moves quickly and late submissions risk getting lost in the noise.
Do you know a startup that deserves the spotlight? Name them now so they still have time to apply before the deadline.
More than a pitch competition
Startup Battlefield 200 is where small businesses are discovered.
Selected startups will present live at Disrupt 2026 in front of more than 10,000 attendees, leading venture capital firms, global media and the entire TechCrunch audience. This is your chance to gain exposure to investors, receive direct feedback from venture capitalists, and prove that your company belongs to the next generation of category-defining startups.
Early applicants have an advantage: more time to prepare, more opportunities to stand out to TechCrunch editors, and more momentum before the competition heats up.
Image credits:Photograph of the Slava blazer
Who should apply?
We are looking for ambitious start-ups that are creating innovative and potentially category-defining products.
Applications are open worldwide in all industries. Most of the selected companies are pre-Series A, although some Series A startups may qualify on a case-by-case basis.
To apply, startups must have:
- Founders with vision, execution and real traction.
This is the same launchpad that helped accelerate companies like Dropbox, Discord, Fitbit, Trello, and Mint.
Thousands of people apply every year. Only 200 are selected. Only 20 finalists pitch live on the Disrupt Stage. A startup takes the crown.
What the selected startups receive
The Battlefield 200 startup offers one of the highest ROI opportunities available to early-stage founders – and the application is free.
Image credits:Kimberly White/Getty Images
The selected startups receive:
- Global exposure on TechCrunch channels.
- A free exhibition table for the 3 days of Disrupt.
- Four Disrupt passes with unlimited access.
- A startup profile presented in the event application.
- Access to press list and lead generation opportunities.
- Exclusive masterclasses for founders.
- The opportunity to pitch live on the Disrupt Stage.
- Direct feedback from leading venture capital firms.
- A chance to secure $100,000 in no-equity financing.
Apply before May 27
Fifteen days. That’s it.
Successful founders don’t wait until the eleventh hour: they’re already moving.
If you’re building something that defines a category or know of a startup that deserves to be featured, Submit your application and complete your application by May 27.
Image credits:TechCrunch
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