Welcome to the epicenter of innovation! TechCrunch Disrupt, now in its 14th year, has been the birthplace of groundbreaking startups like Dropbox, Mint, and Yammer. Since 2011, Disrupt has helped launch companies that have raised over $11.5 billion in funding. With a track record of spotting unicorns before they grow their horns, Disrupt 2024 is set to be our biggest yet.
Last year, we saw a record-breaking 10,000+ attendees from 100+ countries. This year, we’re expecting to shatter that record. Why? Because in times of economic uncertainty, innovation thrives – and TechCrunch Disrupt is where that innovation happens.
Disrupt Stage: Legends Sharing Wisdom
The Disrupt Stage isn’t just a platform—it’s a launchpad for startup success. Here, industry titans don’t just talk; they share battle-tested strategies and insights that have propelled countless startups from obscurity to prosperity.
Take Vurb, for instance. After founder Bobby Lo pitched on the Disrupt Stage in 2014, he caught the attention of Dropbox CEO Drew Houston in the audience. This serendipitous moment led to mentorship, connections, and eventually, a $100 million acquisition by Snapchat.
Vinod Khosla: Future of AI Through a Historical Lens
Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures and co-founder of Sun Microsystems, isn’t just any investor – he’s a visionary who’s been shaping Silicon Valley for decades. At TechCrunch Disrupt, Khosla will explore how understanding AI’s past is crucial to predicting its future. He’ll dive into:
- The evolution of AI from rule-based systems to deep learning
- Lessons from past AI winters and how they inform today’s AI boom
- Predictions for AI’s impact on jobs, education, and society in the next decade
Mary Barra: GM’s Tech-Driven Transformation
Under Mary Barra’s leadership, General Motors isn’t just adapting to the future – it’s driving it. She’ll share insights on:
- GM’s $35 billion investment in electric and autonomous vehicles through 2025
- How software is becoming the new horsepower in the automotive industry
- The challenges and opportunities in transitioning a 110-year-old company into a tech powerhouse
Assaf Rappaport: Wiz’s Rise in Cloud Security
Wiz’s story is the stuff of startup legends. Founded in 2020, it reached a $6 billion valuation in just 18 months. Assaf Rappaport will reveal:
- How Wiz identified and filled a critical gap in cloud security
- The decision-making process behind turning down Google’s $23 billion acquisition offer
- Strategies for hypergrowth without losing company culture
Startup Battlefield: Where Dreams Become Reality
Startup Battlefield isn’t just a competition – it’s a launchpad. With alumni like Fitbit, Dropbox and Yammer, it’s where the next big thing is born. This year:
- 20 carefully selected startups will compete for $100,000
- Finalists will pitch to top-tier VCs and tech leaders
- All participants receive expert coaching and media exposure
VC Speed Dating: Your Fast Track to Funding
Last year, startups collectively raised over $300 million in the months following Disrupt. This year, with 1200+ VCs in attendance, your odds are better than ever. You’ll get:
- Face time with investors from top firms like Sequoia, Andreessen Horowitz, and Y Combinator
- Insights into what VCs are looking for in the current economic climate
- Tips on perfecting your pitch from successful founders
Industry Knowledge is Your Competitive Edge
Across 6 stages, TechCrunch Disrupt will be covering the hottest topics in tech:
- AI & Machine Learning: Beyond the hype – real-world applications and ethical considerations
- Fintech: The future of money in a post-pandemic world
- Healthtech: How technology is revolutionizing patient care and drug discovery
- Climate Tech: Innovations tackling the world’s most pressing environmental challenges
Networking: Where Serendipity Meets Strategy
At Disrupt, your next co-founder, mentor, or game-changing partnership is just a conversation away. Last year, Tech Crunch App facilitated over 50,000 connections. This year, they’re introducing:
- AI-powered matchmaking to connect you with the right people
- Themed networking sessions focused on specific industries and challenges
- Late-night meetups and hackathons for the true night owls
The Details You Can’t Miss
Mark your calendars for October 28-30, 2024, at Moscone West in San Francisco. Whether you’re a first-time founder with a world-changing idea or a seasoned entrepreneur looking to scale, Disrupt is where you need to be.
Early bird tickets are available now, with special rates for startups and students. Don’t wait – last year, Disrupt tickets sold out weeks in advance.
If you’re Ready to disrupt the status quo? Join the TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 and be part of the next chapter in tech history.
