From Stage to Success: The Next Steps for Startup Battlefield Alumni

Some of the most influential tech companies in history didn’t start with grand fundraising events; they began with a simple pitch. Dropbox faced a doubtful crowd, Cloudflare presented before edge networking was well-known, and Discord originated as a humble game developer called Hammer & Chisel. Similarly, Mint, Trello, Forethought, and N26 navigated the same demanding challenge: TechCrunch Startup Battlefield.

This is not by chance. Battlefield is more than a competition; it serves as a launchpad, evident in the figures. Over 1,700 companies have unveiled their innovations on the Battlefield stage, raising a total of $32 billion in funding and achieving over 250 exits, including acquisitions by major players such as Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, Salesforce, Twitter, Uber, and Amazon. The Startup Battlefield network is so interwoven that even alumni have acquired one another, as seen when Dropbox bought fellow alumnus DocSend in 2021. For countless founders, participating has marked a significant turning point — evolving from a simple pitch contest to an event where the world began to take notice.

You still have the chance to become part of this extraordinary alumni network this year. In response to high demand, we have extended the Startup Battlefield 2026 application deadline to June 8. You can submit your application right here.

Meanwhile, we want to give you a glimpse of what happens after the confetti falls. Recently, we caught up with some of our latest alumni, many of whom joined us on Build Mode: The Founder Survival Guide, TechCrunch’s podcast designed for founders at every stage. Here’s a look at what they’re building, in their own words.

About Build Mode

Each season focuses on a different aspect of startup life. Season 1 explored go-to-market strategies, while Season 2, currently available, concentrates on building your team. Don’t forget: Season 3 is set to launch in June, tackling the most-requested topic ever: fundraising.

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it.

The Champions and Runners-Up

From Military Logistics to Startup Battlefield 2025 Champion

Kevin Damoa, Founder of Glīd — 2025 Winner

Kevin Damoa’s journey doesn’t begin on Sand Hill Road; it originates in military logistics — a background that proves to be excellent preparation for managing high pressure, limited resources, and significant stakes. Damoa’s ascent to the Startup Battlefield 2025 championship tells a story that reshapes our understanding of where the next wave of remarkable founders comes from.

→ Listen to Kevin’s Build Mode Episode

From the Startup Battlefield Stage to the International Space Station

Capella Kerst, Founder and CEO of geCKo Materials — 2024 Runner-Up

Capella Kerst didn’t set out to transform adhesion. Her aim was to address a challenge that has baffled engineers for years: How can you create a reliable, residue-free bond in the harshest environments? With technology inspired by geckos, geCKo Materials, founded at Stanford, is developing adhesive solutions suitable for industries ranging from manufacturing to the International Space Station.

Kerst’s time on the Startup Battlefield showcased to the market that her science was ready for implementation. Since then, she has proven that being a runner-up is far from a consolation; it’s an impressive achievement. Discover her journey:

→ Listen to Capella’s Build Mode Episode

How Forethought AI Found Product-Market Fit — Before It Was Obvious

Deon Nicholas, Co-Founder of Forethought AI — 2018 Winner (Acquired by Zendesk)

Few narratives from Startup Battlefield have such a compelling trajectory as that of Forethought AI. Deon Nicholas took to the stage convinced that AI could fundamentally change customer support, even when this was not yet a widely accepted perspective. Before the funding rounds and headlines, there was just a pitch and a vision. Recently acquired by Zendesk, Forethought exemplifies what can stem from the Startup Battlefield stage. His Build Mode episode is essential listening and serves as a perfect introduction to Season 3’s emphasis on fundraising.

→ Listen to Deon’s Build Mode Episode

Top 20 Finalist Stories

The Danger of Fundraising Before Finding Product-Market Fit

David Park, Founder of Narada

Pursuing funding prior to achieving product-market fit doesn’t speed up progress — it accelerates mistakes. Park offers candid insights based on the lessons learned.

→ Listen to David’s Build Mode Episode

Using AI to Hire for Compatibility, Not Just Skill

Sarah Lucena, Founder and CEO of Mappa

While skills may open doors, compatibility determines who flourishes within a team. Lucena is leveraging AI to address the often-overlooked aspects of hiring.

→ Listen to Sarah’s Build Mode Episode

These entrepreneurs showcased their innovations at Startup Battlefield and shared their journeys with us on Build Mode. Each story merits your attention.

Anna Sun of Nowadays, along with Hala Jalwan and Alessio Tresanti of Rivio — Discussing the dynamics when a startup transitions into a family business and the community surrounding Startup Battlefield. → Listen

Kyle Rudolph and Jon Walburg, Co-Founders of Alltroo — Emphasizing the importance of leveraging your network as a primary go-to-market strategy. → Listen

Jas Schembri-Stothart of Luna and Andre Peart of Untapped Solutions — Focusing on targeting overlooked markets and crafting solutions for underserved communities beyond conventional growth strategies. → Listen

The Milestone is Real

Each generation of Startup Battlefield alumni contributes a new chapter to an ongoing narrative. Behind every statistic lies a founder who had the courage to invest in themselves — doing so in front of an audience that was paying attention. The significance of the stage persists. The community is enduring. The milestone is genuine.

And remember: Applications for Startup Battlefield 2026 are open. If you’re building something that deserves a platform, this is your chance.

→ Submit your application by the June 8 deadline

Know a founder ready for the spotlight? Investors, operators, and fellow founders can directly nominate companies.

→ Nominate a Founder

Not ready to apply yet? Build Mode is here to support you. Season 2 is currently available, and Season 3 — focusing on fundraising — is set to premiere this summer.

→ Subscribe to Build Mode