The TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200 is the flagship of the early stage startup competition held at Disrupt TechCrunch in San Francisco, which promotes the best young companies in the world. Each year, thousands of applicants from around the world compete for one of the 200 slots in the cohort, which provides unparalleled visibility, access to top-tier investors, and opportunities to grow.

Early stage startups from around the world are participating in Startup Battlefield email list to be the first to know when applications open this month. Don’t miss a beat when you’re ready to get in on the action.

What is Startup Battlefield?

Start of the Battle 200 is a selective startup launch program designed to prepare early-stage startups for visibility, investment, and scale. Each year, TechCrunch selects 200 companies to gain unparalleled exposure, credibility, and opportunities faster than they thought possible:

• Free exhibit space at TechCrunch Disrupt all three days

• Exclusive access to masterclasses and curated networking

• Direct exposure to top-tier press and investors

• One chance to pitch live at Disrupt

• A shot at the main Disrupt Stage to compete for a $100,000 equity-free prize and the iconic Disrupt Cup

Alumni who entered the Startup Battlefield

Startup Battlefield’s track record is one of the strongest in the industry – alumni represent 1,700+ companies which have collectively raised over $32 billion and include notable names such as:

• Mint.
• … and many others who have gone on to significant exits and growth.

What to expect in 2026

In 2026, Start of the Battle 200 will reunite a global group of high-potential early-stage startups building across AI, climate, health, fintech, and more.

Applications open in the middle of this month and close in mid-June. The selected startups will be announced around September 1when the virtual preparation program begins — designed to help founders refine their story, sharpen their pitch, and prepare for the pitch of a lifetime on the TechCrunch Disrupt stage.

Ready to join the battle this year?

For founders and investors alike, the Startup Battlefield 200 remains one of the most influential global stages of early-stage startups – a place where breakout companies are seen, funded, and scaled.

Don’t miss a moment of the action: Join the Startup Battlefield mailing list to be the first to know when applications open next month.