Key facts
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will feature 200 startups, with 20 pitching on the main stage.
- The Startup Battlefield competition runs from October 13-15.
- The five judges are all founders or co-founders of their investment firms.
- Stacy Brown-Philpot is founder and managing partner of Cherryrock Capital.
- Chi-Hua Chien is co-founder and managing partner of Goodwater Capital.
- Dayna Grayson is co-founder and general partner at Construct Capital.
- Carter Reum is co-founder and managing partner of M13.
- Alexa Von Tobel is founder and managing partner of Inspired Capital.
TechCrunch has announced the five judges who will determine the winner of the Startup Battlefield competition at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, scheduled to take place from October 13-15. These judges were selected based on their experience as founders or co-founders of their respective investment firms, bringing a wealth of knowledge in backing startups and scaling companies.
The competition will feature 200 startups, with only 20 advancing to pitch on the main Disrupt Stage. The judges will evaluate these pitches to select the year's champion.
The five judges are: Stacy Brown-Philpot, founder and managing partner of Cherryrock Capital; Chi-Hua Chien, co-founder and managing partner of Goodwater Capital; Dayna Grayson, co-founder and general partner at Construct Capital; Carter Reum, co-founder and managing partner of M13; and Alexa Von Tobel, founder and managing partner of Inspired Capital.
Following the final pitches, the judges will participate in a live AMA session on the Builders Stage, where they will answer audience questions on topics such as founder evaluation, fundraising, and investment strategies.