The Builders Stage returns to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco, offering founders and investors practical insights on scaling, AI strategy, and operational growth.
Key facts
- •TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will take place October 13-15 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
- •The event expects to host more than 10,000 founders, investors, and technology leaders.
- •Speakers include executives from Google, Gamma, and Precedent.vc.
- •The Builders Stage is one of six industry-focused stages at the conference.
- •Greenfield Partners will reveal its '2026 AI Disruptors 60' list during the event.
- •Attendees can save up to $330 on registration before ticket prices increase.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will host the Builders Stage, a dedicated forum for founders, startup operators, and investors to discuss the challenges of building and scaling companies. The event is scheduled for October 13-15 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Attendees can expect sessions covering fundraising, go-to-market strategies, and operational decision-making from industry leaders.
By the numbers
Expert Insights and Industry Speakers
The stage will feature speakers including 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. Sessions are designed to provide actionable strategies through real-world case studies and live Q&A opportunities, helping founders navigate the transition from seed to Series A.
Navigating the AI-Driven Market
A significant portion of the programming focuses on the impact of AI on startup growth. Discussions will address how founders can maintain defensibility against large AI players, manage capital as AI startups scale, and build hybrid teams that integrate AI agents into engineering and operations. Panelists from companies like Reddit, Square, and Uber will also discuss how AI is reshaping product design and user interaction.
Operational and Fundraising Strategies
Beyond AI, the stage will cover core business fundamentals, including how to build credibility with investors before generating revenue and how to approach M&A as a competitive advantage. Other sessions will address the psychological demands of high-growth environments, the importance of repeatable multi-product engines, and how to sustain momentum after initial viral success.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by TechCrunch.
