Pre-Series A founders and anyone who knows a startup worth funding, this is your reminder.

Nominations for Startup Battlefield 200 are open, and the strongest contenders are already stepping forward.

If your startup was nominated, don’t stop there. Submit your application today. This is not just another pitch opportunity.

You are stepping onto the main stage in front of 10,000+ attendees, top-tier VCs, and the global TechCrunch audience at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026.

You are competing, getting live feedback from top VCs, and proving your company belongs. If you have been thinking about applying or nominating a startup, waiting is the fastest way to miss out. Founders who move early gain the edge with more time to prepare, more visibility, and a stronger shot at standing out to the TechCrunch editorial team. Make your nomination and finish the submission by applying. Which startups should apply?

We’re looking for early-stage startups building ambitious, innovative, and potentially category-defining products.

We accept applications globally, across all industries. Most selected companies are pre-Series A, with some Series A companies considered on a case-by-case basis. A functional minimum viable product (MVP) and a clear product demo are required. Above all, we back strong founders and ideas with real impact. This is the same stage where companies like Dropbox, Discord, Fitbit, Trello, and Mint made their early mark. See who else has made it big through Battlefield 200.

Each year, thousands apply, 200 are selected to participate, and 20 reach the final round to pitch live on the Disrupt Stage.

Only one champion wins. Learn more and apply here.

What selected startups get Global exposure across TechCrunch’s audience Free exhibit table for all 3 days 4 all-access Disrupt passes Featured startup profile in the event app Press list access and lead-generation opportunities Exclusive founder masterclasses A chance to pitch live on the Disrupt Stage Direct feedback from top VCs A shot at $100,000 in equity-free funding Apply for Startup Battlefield 200 today Applications close May 27, but the founders who win do not wait.

They move early and take their shot before the competition catches up

Highlighted sentences link to their corresponding claims. Click any highlighted sentence to jump to its detailed analysis.
Highlight Colors Indicate Claim Quality:
✓ Healthy Claim - No fallacies or contradictions detected
⚠️ Minor Issues - Has contradictions or minor fallacies
🚨 Serious Issues - Multiple contradictions or severe fallacies
Quality Criteria: Claims are evaluated for logical fallacies and contradictions with other news sources. Green highlights indicate healthy claims suitable for reference.
Source