Final Opportunity: Submit Your Application for Startup Battlefield 200 by May 27!

The Startup Battlefield 200 application deadline is fast approaching—Friday, May 27. This initiative provides an opportunity for venture capital access, global visibility, TechCrunch coverage, and $100,000 in equity-free funding. If you’re developing a game-changing startup—or know someone who is—now is the ideal time to act.

Apply now to showcase your innovation on the TechCrunch Disrupt Stage with 200 of the world’s most promising early-stage companies.

Final opportunity for early-stage founders

Founders at the Pre-Series A stage, here’s your crucial reminder: top startups are embracing the spotlight, and the application timeline is nearly closed.

If your startup has been nominated, make sure to finish your application. The last week can go by quickly, and last-minute submissions might get overshadowed as applications surge before the Friday deadline.

Know a startup deserving attention? Nominate them now so they have the chance to apply before May 27.

Innovative companies often start from humble beginnings

Many of the most influential tech companies began without substantial funding; they started with a strong pitch.

Dropbox faced a roomful of skeptics. Cloudflare spoke to an audience that was unfamiliar with edge networking. Discord started as a small gaming company called Hammer & Chisel.

All of these companies experienced the same foundational journey: Startup Battlefield 200. This isn’t mere coincidence; it reflects a clear trend, initiated with an application.

Startup Battlefield 200 prioritizes startups with potential over the flashiest ones. Pre-launch companies are welcome; revenue isn’t a requirement. The pivotal question is whether what you’re creating can have meaningful impact.

If you are, or know someone who is, creating something transformative, consider the application as the first pitch. Submit your application by May 27.

Beyond a Pitch Competition

Startup Battlefield 200 is a platform for breakthrough companies to gain visibility.

Chosen startups will present live on the Disrupt Stage to an audience exceeding 10,000, including prominent VCs, global press, and the broader TechCrunch community. This is your chance to attract investor attention, gain immediate feedback from VCs, and show that your company is on track to become a defining player in its category.

Every one of the selected 200 companies will enjoy:

• A fully sponsored three-day exhibition booth at Disrupt

• Masterclasses for founders led by esteemed VCs and industry experts

• A spotlighted startup profile in the event application

• Access to a press list and lead generation opportunities

• Opportunities for TechCrunch editorial coverage, podcasts, and speaking engagements as your company grows

Additionally, each selected startup will pitch, whether on the Disrupt Stage or the Pitch Showcase Stage. These platforms create connections between founders and the investors, media, and partners attending Disrupt aiming to discover what’s next.

You don’t need to secure a top 20 slot for this experience to significantly boost your path. Begin by nominating and applying here.

The success stories of Startup Battlefield 200

Over 1,700 companies have participated in Startup Battlefield 200, together raising upwards of $32 billion and achieving more than 250 exits, including acquisitions by major players like Microsoft, Google, Salesforce, Uber, and Amazon.

Connections among alumni run deep, with instances of alumni acquiring each other; notably, Dropbox acquired DocSend, another Battlefield 200 alum, in 2021.

This platform has also been pivotal for the growth of companies like Fitbit, Trello, and Mint.

Each success story involved a founder who opted to invest in themselves publicly in front of an engaged audience. Apply and learn more here.

Who is eligible to apply?

We welcome ambitious early-stage startups that are crafting innovative, potentially category-defining products.

We accept applications from all over the globe, covering all sectors. Most selected startups will be pre-Series A, with some Series A companies qualifying based on unique circumstances.

To apply, startups should demonstrate:

• Founders with vision, execution ability, and tangible traction

Though thousands apply each year, only 200 are chosen. Just 20 finalists will pitch live on the Disrupt Stage, with one startup securing $100,000 in equity-free funding.

Last days to seize the opportunity

Founders who wait to feel fully prepared often end up waiting too long. You don’t need a perfected product; you just need potential.

If you’re contemplating this opportunity, here’s the reality: the worst-case scenario is not being selected this time—and then returning next year with an even stronger application based on the experience gained.

The stage matters. The community is enduring. The milestone is significant. But the deadline is only a week away.

If you’re working towards something transformative—or know a startup that deserves recognition—submit your nomination and complete your application before the deadline on May 27.