The Builders Stage is set to return at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, taking place from October 13-15 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. This dedicated track focuses on sharing actionable strategies for founders looking to scale their startups, addressing key challenges such as fundraising, hiring, go-to-market efforts, and operational growth. Industry leaders including Grant Lee, CEO of Gamma, Leah Solivan of Precedent.vc, Robby Stein from Google, and others will offer insights through candid discussions and real-world case studies.

The agenda features a wide array of sessions tailored to the evolving startup ecosystem, particularly in the AI space. Topics range from navigating competition with AI giants like OpenAI, adapting hiring and retention approaches to the rising demand for AI talent, to rethinking product strategies in an AI-dominated market. Founders will also gain perspectives on early-stage fundraising tactics, surviving post-launch momentum, and how to build sustainable, high-growth companies in a fast-changing environment.

Highlights include a panel on competing in a market obsessed with AI without necessarily building AI products, discussions on securing Series A funding under rising VC expectations, and strategies for achieving rapid customer growth and $10 million ARR as the new early baseline. Additional sessions tackle foundational startup topics such as mental resilience for founders, structuring M&A as an early strategic option, and building repeatable product growth engines beyond an initial hit.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026’s Builders Stage aims to be a practical, immersive experience for over 10,000 founders, investors, and operators. Attendees can engage directly with experts during live Q&A sessions and take away concrete advice to help their startups scale effectively. Interested participants are encouraged to register soon to secure passes and access these valuable resources designed to empower the next generation of technology leaders.