Robby Stein, vice president of product for Google Search, will be a key speaker at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, held in San Francisco from October 13 to 15. His session, titled "From MVP to Billions of Users: How Product Decisions Must Change at Scale," will explore the challenges of managing product development when scaling from initial users to billions worldwide. Stein will discuss the delicate balance between maintaining innovation and reliability, emphasizing how product teams must evolve their decision-making as their products impact a massive, global audience.
With a diverse background that includes co-founding the startup Stamped, leading product teams at Instagram, and heading product at the AI-focused newsfeed Artifact, Stein brings a unique perspective from both startup and large company environments. Since returning to Google in 2024, he has been working on integrating generative AI into Google Search, a product that recently surpassed 1 billion monthly users with its AI mode launched just a year prior. His insights will be valuable for founders and product leaders facing similar scaling challenges.
Stein's work on AI-driven search experiences illustrates the increasing complexity of updating and innovating products that users depend on deeply. He will address how to introduce new technology without compromising the trust and reliability expected by billions. This conversation will be especially relevant to those implementing AI in their products, providing lessons on balancing user experience with rapid technological advancement.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is expected to gather more than 10,000 attendees, including founders, investors, and technical leaders. Alongside Stein, over 250 speakers will present in more than 200 sessions covering a range of industry topics. Early registration is open with discounts available until September 25, offering access to keynotes, panels, and networking opportunities designed to help founders and innovators navigate growth and product evolution in highly competitive markets.
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