TechCrunch Disrupt early-bird pricing ends May 29

TechCrunch says early-bird pricing for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 ends May 29 at 11:59 p.m. PT, with ticket discounts of up to $410 available before prices rise. Early-bird pricing means a lower ticket rate offered before a deadline, so the immediate impact is straightforward: attendees who buy later will pay more, according to TechCrunch.

The event is scheduled for October 13 through October 15 at Moscone West in San Francisco. TechCrunch says Disrupt is expected to bring together more than 10,000 founders, investors, operators and technology builders, making it a notable gathering for people tracking private companies before they become public market names.

What TechCrunch says is planned

According to TechCrunch, the conference will include programming across six industry stages, breakout sessions and roundtables. The company says more than 250 speakers and over 200 sessions are part of the event plan.

TechCrunch describes the programming as aimed at founders raising capital, investors looking at startups, companies hiring talent and teams seeking partnerships. For retail investors following venture-backed companies, that matters because startup conferences can offer early signals about which technologies and private businesses are getting attention, though they do not indicate future investment performance.

• TechCrunch says the event will host more than 10,000 people across startup and tech roles.
• The agenda includes more than 250 speakers and over 200 sessions, according to TechCrunch.
• The conference will feature six industry stages, plus breakout sessions and roundtables.
• TechCrunch lists topics tied to AI, apps, biotech and health, climate, crypto, fintech, hardware, media and entertainment, robotics, security, transportation, venture and startups.

Startup showcases and networking

TechCrunch says Disrupt 2026 will include Startup Battlefield 200, a startup competition with a $100,000 equity-free prize. Equity-free means the winner receives prize money without giving up ownership in the company. TechCrunch says founders can still nominate companies or apply to compete.

The event is also set to include an Expo Hall with more than 300 startups, according to TechCrunch. The company says attendees will have access to more than 20,000 curated networking connections through one-on-one meetings and small-group matchmaking. TechCrunch also says more than 80 side events are planned across the Bay Area during Disrupt week.

Passes and pricing

TechCrunch is offering separate Founder Pass and Investor Pass options. The Founder Pass is described by TechCrunch as focused on investor access, startup operating guidance and relationship-building. The Investor Pass is described as a way to meet emerging startups and use curated networking tools.

TechCrunch says ticket prices will increase after the May 29 deadline. The company also discloses that it may earn a small commission when readers purchase through links in its articles, while saying that does not affect its editorial independence.

This story draws on original reporting from TechCrunch.