TechCrunch Discrupt is launching its first public stage. This is a brand new destination for founders navigating the mid- and late stages of the company's building.
This content is essential for any founder, but it will especially scale fast and rethink what will come next. This is because the most successful founders, whether they're seed stage or Series E, are always thinking about 10 steps ahead.
We hear from some of the biggest names of high-tech and ventures, including Eric Ewan (Zoom), Julie Wainwright (Ralal), David George (Andressen Horowitz), and Nirav Tria (Nextdoor).
From IPO preparation to AI-powered GTM strategies, this stage is a roadmap for building the next one.
Stay tuned – more sessions and speakers will soon be here. In the meantime, mark the public stage as not to be confused, grab a ticket now and save up to $675.
How private should a startup stay?
David George, General Partner Andreesen Horowitz
Startups today can grow into a massive reputation, cash out employees, and stay private longer than before. But that also means that late stage startups are facing an entirely new set of rules. George unlocks the changing VC landscape, what the next generation of scaled startups need to know, and how capital is unfolding in an age of tougher money and higher expectations. From the IPO windows to the secondary market to the evolving role of growing investors, this chat by the fireplace goes deeper into what really needs to build a permanent company in today's market, and what comes next.
What comes after a successful breakout?
Zoom CEOs Eric Yuan and Santi Subotovsky, general partner, emergence
You've built a hit product – what are you now? The ex and Subotovsky take to the stage to dig into what comes after the breakout moment. From expanding into new markets to launching your next product bet, this panel explores how great companies can avoid becoming one hit wonder. We touch on the tough calls of focus vs. diversification, how to continue to innovate at scale, and what investors want to see in Act 2. If you're staring at the Post Product/Market Fit Phase, this combo is your roadmap.
Everything you need to know before the exit
Jai Das, co-founder, president and partner of Sapphire Ventures. Roseanne Wincek, co-founder and managing director of Renegade Partners. And another speaker will be announced
Will it be public, acquired, double down and stay private? In today's unpredictable market, founders need to think about their exit strategies more than ever before and more strategically. This panel unpacks how to combine two top VCs and veteran CFOs to set up your company for all your options. We'll explain the timing, key metrics, investor expectations, and what you really need to do to navigate M&A, IPO preparation or continue building in the storm. Whether you're 12 months in or just starting to scale, this conversation is about making smart moves now for what comes next.
Build what comes next
Julie Wainwright, CEO, Ahala, founder and former CEO, TherealReal
Wainwright knows how to find waves – and rides it. From RealReal's pioneering luxury resale to diving into personalized nutrition with Ahara, she's built before the curve and building a career. In this fireside chat, Wainwright opens up about what you need to start over, scale quickly and stay resilient through market changes and personal pivots. We explore the lessons learned from creating categories, the risks of reinvention, and why experiences are the ultimate startup edge.
How AI is forcing late startups to rewire GTMs or get left behind
Jane Alexander, partner, Capital. Vanessa Larco, co-founder, premise. Nirav Tolia, CEO of Nextoor
AI is rewriting the playbook on how startups have reached and won customers, and late-stage companies feel pressure to adapt quickly. In this panel, two top VCs and veteran founders categorize how AI is transforming its strategy into the market, from sales and marketing to customer success. We'll explain what's working, what hype is, how to build AI in a GTM engine without losing focus. If you're wondering how AI fits into the next stage of growth, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.
Are you ready for the exit? Starting with the 2025 confusion
Whether you're looking at the weight of the acquisition, the IPO window or mapping the ideal exit, the public stage that will be coming in 2025 is built for founders to make the next big move. Hear from a leader who navigated highs, risks and reinventions and walks away with insights to take action now.
Don't wait to cut your exit strategy. Secure passes to destroy 2025 and save up to $675 before prices rise. More sessions and speakers will soon be here, but this stage alone is worth the ticket.