Startup Battlefield 200

Startup Battlefield is for the bold. We’re looking for early-stage startups with an MVP and a game-changing vision. If you’re bootstrapped, pre-seed, or seed-funded, you’re the perfect fit — though select Series A companies may qualify if they are building in capital-intensive industries.

We welcome startups from any country, any industry, solving any problem — as long as you’re bringing something truly disruptive to the stage. If you’ve had minimal press coverage and are ready for your breakout moment, this is your chance.

Media exposure isn’t a dealbreaker! Local news, industry spotlights, and founder profiles are all fine — just keep the real innovation under wraps. Apply and share your coverage with us.

Startups are chosen based on a mix of factors: product innovation, industry impact, geographic influence, founding team, and competitive landscape. TechCrunch welcomes founders from any industry, anywhere in the world — if they’re driving meaningful change.

Only 20 startups will rise to the top of Startup Battlefield 200 — earning a premier spotlight at Disrupt. Selection is based on the game-changing impact a company brings to its industry or geography. Want to make it to the top? It starts by being in the 200.

Many startups apply multiple times before being selected for Startup Battlefield. We receive hundreds of strong applications from across the globe, and while we strive to choose the most disruptive companies from various industries and regions, we often have to pass on outstanding ventures. Our decision isn’t a reflection of your future potential — many successful companies have gone on to greatness without us.

There will be one global Startup Battlefield at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Applications close on June 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT. This was extended from the original deadline of June 9. Once the application period ends, the Startup Battlefield team reviews each application twice. Selected companies will be notified prior to Disrupt.

Click here for a preview of all the Startup Battlefield application questions.

TechCrunch doesn’t take equity or charge fees for applying or participating in Startup Battlefield. There are no costs to apply or be part of Startup Battlefield 200.

However, if a startup confirms participation and later withdraws, a $1,995 cancellation fee will be charged.

Startups are responsible for covering their travel, accommodation, meals, visa, insurance, and other expenses.

As part of Startup Battlefield, we offer the following at no charge:

• Exhibit table: 30″ round cocktail table, Wi-Fi, a tabletop sign, and black linens.
• Exhibit space for all three days of the event.
• Inclusion in the Disrupt event app and announcement on TechCrunch.com.
• 4 passes for your team to attend the event.
• 50% off additional passes for extra team members.
• Two-minute fast-pitch on the Showcase Stage in the exhibit hall.
• Access to exclusive networking opportunities and special sessions.
• A shot at being selected for the Startup Battlefield 20 and a chance to compete for the $100K equity-free prize.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to interview every applicant. While we may occasionally conduct interviews, there is no formal “interview round.” Most of our participants are selected without one.

We do want to see your product in action, and an MVP is perfect for this. You can use your phone or screen grabs to record the video — production quality doesn’t matter. In your video, founders should also introduce themselves, explain why they’re building this company, and highlight what makes them the right team to bring it to life.

However, we do not want a standard animated startup video with overly cheerful music and a voice-over explaining what you do, or any marketing-style video.

No, just email us at battlefield@techcrunch.com and we can delete the application and you can resubmit a new one.

Applicants are usually notified about their acceptance into the Startup Battlefield 200 approximately two months before TechCrunch Disrupt 2025.

Founders can submit one application for each individual company.

Startup Battlefield takes place at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, TechCrunch’s summit conference, at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 27-29.

As a Startup Battlefield 200 participant, you’ll be exhibiting for all 3 days of the conference and need to be involved in all program activities, which includes exhibiting in the Expo Hall each day.

As a Startup Battlefield 200 participant, your company will receive weekly training on building and scaling, with tailored feedback during pitch teardown sessions.

If selected for the Startup Battlefield 20, Finalists will have to complete at least four rehearsals with the TechCrunch Battlefield team and industry experts. These rehearsals ensure you’re fully prepared to pitch and answer questions onstage. All preparation sessions will be held virtually.

TechCrunch does not invest or take equity in the Startup Battlefield companies at this stage. That said, a major benefit of the program is the exposure to leading VCs, and many of our startups secure funding in the months following TechCrunch Disrupt.

As a Startup Battlefield Alumni, you will join our thriving community of 1,500 other game-changing startups and receive access to:

• Exclusive opportunities to pitch in front of VCs, commercial partners, and media at TechCrunch events.
• Free and discounted tickets to TechCrunch events.
• Exclusive webinars from our partners on building and fundraising.
• Networking opportunities with TechCrunch editorial, fellow founders, VCs, and more.
• Opportunities for TechCrunch coverage on your newsworthy achievements as you grow your company.

Head on over to the main Startup Battlefield page.