Key facts
- The TechCrunch Founder Summit is scheduled for November 4, 2026, in Boston.
- The event focuses on fundraising, AI-native building, and leadership for founders.
- Speakers include partners from venture capital firms like Underscore, Sequoia, TDK Ventures, NEA, and Bessemer Venture Partners.
- The summit was formerly known as Early Stage and All Stage.
- Tickets are available in tiers for investors, founders, and students, with discounts for early purchases and group bundles.
- Volunteers can attend for free in exchange for staffing the event.
The TechCrunch Founder Summit is set to take place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the SoWa Power Station in Boston. This full-day event is designed for founders at all stages, offering them opportunities to connect with venture capitalists and experienced entrepreneurs for insights on building and scaling companies.
The summit's agenda will focus on key areas such as fundraising, AI-native company building, and leadership. Sessions will feature speakers like Brian Devaney of Underscore, who will discuss current investor expectations, and Brian Halligan, co-founder of HubSpot and partner at Sequoia, who will share insights on the evolving CEO role. Lior Div, co-founder and CEO of 7AI, will address building companies with AI as a foundation, while Vineet Edupuganti, co-founder and CEO of Cogent Security, will cover investor evaluation and cap-table trade-offs.
Other speakers include Tina Tosukhowong, investment director at TDK Ventures, who will present a framework for evaluating startups, and Melissa Taunton, a partner at NEA, focusing on the impact of early hiring decisions on company culture. Chase Garbarino, co-founder and CEO of HqO, will share strategies for building a successful company outside of Silicon Valley, and Kent Bennett of Bessemer Venture Partners will discuss finding product-market fit before scaling.
Previously known as Early Stage and All Stage, the Founder Summit aims to provide practical advice through its sessions, breakout discussions, and networking opportunities facilitated by the Braindate app. The event is part of a larger Founder Summit week, running from November 1-7, which includes various side events.
Ticket pricing is tiered, with early bird discounts available until October 16. Investor tickets are priced at $399, founder tickets at $199, and student tickets at $149. Discounts are also offered for co-founders, co-workers, and groups of four or more. Individuals interested in volunteering can receive free access to programming in exchange for event staffing, with applications closing October 19.