Today is the last day to apply or nominate startups for the Startup Battlefield 200. When the clock strikes at 11:59 PM Pacific Time, the window closes for your chance to compete for $100,000 in equity-free funding, gain global visibility, connect directly with investors, and launch on the TechCrunch Disrupt stage.
If you're launching a breakthrough startup or know the founder of one, now's the time to take action.
Apply today for a chance to join 200 of the world's most promising early-stage startups at TechCrunch Disrupt.
A final call to ambitious founders
Founder, this is it. The application window will be closed tonight.
The most powerful startups have already entered the arena, and applications always surge in the last hours. If your company has been nominated but you have not yet completed your application, don't risk missing out by waiting until the last moment.
And if you know a startup that deserves investor attention, media exposure, and a global stage, nominate it now while there's still time to apply before the deadline.
Breakout startups started with small moments
Some of the most influential companies in the history of technology didn't start with perfect notes or big funding. They started by taking a chance.
Dropbox demonstrated to skeptics before cloud storage became mainstream. Cloudflare proposed edge infrastructure before most people understood it. Discord started out as a cranky gaming startup called Hammer & Chisel.
They all come from Startup Battlefield.
That's because the Startup Battlefield 200 was never intended to reward the most sophisticated companies. It's about identifying the most promising ones. It's okay even before the launch. Initial traction is good. It's okay if you don't have any income. What matters is whether you're building something that truly changes the industry.
The application itself is the first selling point. And today is your last chance to make it happen.
More than a pitch contest
Startup Battlefield 200 is where breakthrough startups are discovered.
Selected companies will showcase at TechCrunch Disrupt in front of more than 10,000 attendees, leading venture capital firms, global media, and the broader TechCrunch audience. Founders have direct access to investors, the opportunity to expose real information and prove they belong in the next category-defining company.
All selected startups will receive:
Attend Founder masterclasses from top VCs and operators during a 3-day trade booth fully funded by the Disrupt Complimentary team View hot startup profiles in the Events app Access to press listings and lead generation opportunities Opportunities for editorial coverage, podcasts, and speaking appearances on TechCrunch as your company grows
All selected companies will pitch live on both the Disrupt and Pitch Showcase stages. Both put founders directly in front of investors, media, customers, and partners looking for what's next.
You don't have to win the competition to get this experience to change the trajectory of your company. The exposure you get from this alone could be what pushes the needle.
Achievements speak for themselves
Over the years, over 1,700 startups have participated in Startup Battlefield. Together, the companies have raised more than $32 billion and generated more than 250 corporate exits, including acquisitions by Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, Uber, and Amazon.
Alumni include companies such as Dropbox, Cloudflare, Discord, Fitbit, Mint, and Trello.
Behind these success stories are founders who want to move their companies forward before the rest of the world catches up.
Who should apply?
We are looking for ambitious early-stage startups developing innovative and potentially category-defining products.
Applications are open across industries and worldwide. Most of the selected startups are pre-Series A, but some Series A companies may qualify.
To apply, startups must have:
Founders with vision, execution and leadership
Thousands of people apply each year. Only 200 people will be selected. Only 20 finalists will pitch on the main Disrupt Stage. A startup receives $100,000 in non-equity funding.
The deadline is tonight at 11:59pm PT
Founders who change industries rarely wait until they feel completely ready. They are applied before certainty exists.
If you're not sure whether to apply or not, this is your last chance. The deadline ends tonight at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
If you're building something category-defining or know a startup that deserves attention, submit your nomination and complete your application before time runs out.
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