TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is just around the corner, and the excitement is palpable. Scheduled for October 28-30 in San Francisco, this flagship event will bring together thousands of startup enthusiasts and innovators. Today, we’re thrilled to share a sneak peek of the Builders Stage agenda, a highlight of this year’s event.
About the Builders Stage
The Builders Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is designed to be the go-to hub for startup founders, investors, and industry experts. Over the course of the event, this stage will feature a series of panels and interviews focused on the crucial aspects of building and scaling tech startups.
We’re diving deep into topics that matter to every entrepreneur, from securing funding to maintaining product-market fit. Here’s a look at what’s in store:
Highlights of the Builders Stage Agenda
1. How the Chainsmokers Add Value Beyond Celebrity
Celebrity endorsements are common, but the Chainsmokers are redefining the role of celebrities in startups. Drew Taggart and Alex Pall, through their fund Mantis Venture Capital, invest in areas like security and analytics, where their star power doesn’t directly contribute. Join them and Dan Lorenc, CEO of Chainguard, as they discuss their unique approach.
- Alex Pall – General Partner, Mantis VC
- Drew Taggart – General Partner, Mantis VC
- Dan Lorenc – Co-founder and CEO, Chainguard
2. How to Find, and Keep, Product-Market Fit
Finding product-market fit is one thing; keeping it is another. This session will explore strategies to maintain product-market fit once achieved. Learn from industry leaders like Spenser Skates and Tamar Yehoshua about navigating the challenges of sustaining this critical alignment.
- Spenser Skates – Co-founder and CEO, Amplitude
- Tamar Yehoshua – President of Product and Technology, Glean
3. Building a Company While Protecting Your Mental Health
Building a startup is intense, and maintaining mental health is often overlooked. Andy Dunn will share insights on balancing the pressures of entrepreneurship with mental wellness.
- Andy Dunn – Co-founder, Bonobos; CEO, Pie
4. What You Need to Raise a Series A Today
Raising a Series A round is more challenging than ever. In this session, investors like Renata Quintini and Elizabeth Yin will shed light on what they’re looking for in Series A pitches and how startups can stand out.
- Renata Quintini – Co-founder and Managing Director, Renegade Partners
- Elizabeth Yin – General Partner, Hustle Fund
5. When to Cash Out, When to Keep Fighting
Deciding whether to sell your startup or keep pushing forward is a tough call. Naveen Rao will discuss the factors that influence this decision in today’s market.
- Naveen Rao – VP Generative AI, Databricks
6. How Startups Can Save the World
Some startups aim to make a difference while also making money. Rebecca Hu and Allison Wolff will discuss how tech companies can balance social impact with financial success.
- Rebecca Hu – Co-founder, Glacier
- Allison Wolff – CEO, Vibrant Planet
7. Don’t Be a Lemming: The Anti-hype Panel
Avoiding hype is crucial for success. Matt Rogers, Natalie Sportelli, and Hoolie Tejwani will explore how to discern genuine opportunities from fleeting trends.
- Matt Rogers – Co-founder, Nest; Co-founder and CEO, Mill
- Natalie Sportelli – Director, Bullish
- Hoolie Tejwani – Director, Corporate Development and Ventures, Coinbase Ventures
8. The Next Multi-Billion Tech Companies
Former Twitter and Facebook executives, Adam Bain, Dick Costolo, and David Fischer, will share their insights on scaling companies to the next level and what they look for in high-growth startups.
- Adam Bain – Co-founder and Managing Partner, 01 Advisors
- Dick Costolo – Managing Partner & Co-Founder, 01 Advisors
- David Fischer – 01 Advisors
9. Family Offices Want Startup Exposure: What Are They Looking For?
Family offices are becoming prominent investors in startups. This session will uncover their investment trends and what makes a startup attractive to these backers.
10. Can Startups Reignite American Manufacturing?
The push for domestic manufacturing is gaining traction. Rebecca Gevalt, Topher Haddad, and Kai Kloepfer will discuss the potential and challenges of reindustrialising the U.S.
- Rebecca Gevalt – Managing Partner, Dcode Capital
- Topher Haddad – Co-founder and CEO, Albedo
- Kai Kloepfer – Founder & CEO, Biofire
11. Free but Not Cheap: The Open Source Dilemma
Open source software is crucial, but also vulnerable to security threats. Aeva Black and Luis Villa will explore how to manage these risks while continuing to leverage open source solutions.
- Aeva Black – Open Source Security Lead, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
- Luis Villa – Co-founder and General Counsel, Tidelift
12. How to Hire in 2025
The hiring landscape is evolving. Heather Doshay, Lauren Illovsky, and Roger Lee will provide strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market.
- Heather Doshay – Partner, People & Talent, SignalFire
- Lauren Illovsky – Talent Partner, Capital G
- Roger Lee – CEO, Comprehensive.io
13. How to Raise in 2025 if You’ve Taken a Flat, Down, or Extension Round
Funding rounds are increasingly complex. Nikhil Basu Trivedi, Dayna Grayson, and Elliott Robinson will share their insights on raising capital in today’s environment.
- Nikhil Basu Trivedi – Co-founder and General Partner, Footwork
- Dayna Grayson – Co-founder and General Partner, Construct Capital
- Elliott Robinson – Partner, Bessemer Venture Partners
Get Ready for Disrupt 2024!
The Builders Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 promises to be packed with invaluable insights and discussions that will help startups navigate the complexities of the tech landscape. Stay tuned for more updates and make sure you’re ready to dive into these sessions and more!
Photo credit: TechCrunch
