{"id":676199,"date":"2025-06-19T21:30:29","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T18:30:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/the-disrupt-2025-builders-stage-agenda-now-live-and-taking-shape-2\/"},"modified":"2025-06-19T21:30:29","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T18:30:29","slug":"the-disrupt-2025-builders-stage-agenda-now-live-and-taking-shape-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-disrupt-2025-builders-stage-agenda-now-live-and-taking-shape-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The Disrupt 2025 Builders Stage agenda now live and taking shape"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a41261939e76\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a41261939e76\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-disrupt-2025-builders-stage-agenda-now-live-and-taking-shape-2\/#A_first_look_at_the_Builders_Stage_agenda\" >A first look at the Builders Stage agenda<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-disrupt-2025-builders-stage-agenda-now-live-and-taking-shape-2\/#Raising_Smart\" >Raising Smart<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-disrupt-2025-builders-stage-agenda-now-live-and-taking-shape-2\/#Scaling_Smart\" >Scaling Smart<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/the-disrupt-2025-builders-stage-agenda-now-live-and-taking-shape-2\/#Want_to_see_more\" >Want to see more?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>\n<p id=\"speakable-summary\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Startups don\u2019t build themselves. The Builders Stage at <strong>TechCrunch Disrupt 2025<\/strong>, taking place October 27\u201329 at San Francisco\u2019s Moscone West, is where investors, operators, and founders come to talk tactics \u2014 the nitty-gritty of getting something off the ground and making it work. This year, we\u2019re bringing some of the sharpest minds in the <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/game\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"7\" title=\"Game\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">game<\/a> to the stage, including legendary investor Elad Gil, former <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/social-mediaa\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"1\" title=\"Social Media\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitter<\/a> CEO Dick Costolo, and Flexport founder Ryan Petersen. If you\u2019re looking for real-world insights from people who\u2019ve actually built and backed category-defining companies, this is where it h<a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>ens.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re wrestling with your first term sheet, building a GTM engine that actually converts, or wondering if AI should be your next hire, the <strong>Builders Stage<\/strong> has answers. Expect candid conversations, fresh strategies, and no-fluff advice from the folks who\u2019ve been through the fire \u2014 plus audience Q&amp;A during every session, so you can get your toughest questions answered, live.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scale smarter with actionable insights from the leaders sitting front and center on the Builders Stage. <strong>Register now and save up to $675 on your ticket.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-first-look-at-the-builders-stage-agenda\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_first_look_at_the_Builders_Stage_agenda\"><\/span>A first look at the Builders Stage agenda<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/events\/tc-disrupt-2025\/agenda\/?promo=post_buildersstage80_06192025&amp;utm_campaign=disrupt2025&amp;utm_content=agenda&amp;utm_medium=post&amp;utm_source=tc\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"383\" width=\"680\" alt=\"TechCrunch Disrupt Builders Stage w\/logo\" class=\"wp-image-3020344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png 1920w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png?resize=150,84 150w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png?resize=680,383 680w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png?resize=1200,675 1200w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png?resize=1280,720 1280w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png?resize=430,242 430w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png?resize=720,405 720w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png?resize=900,506 900w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png?resize=800,450 800w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png?resize=1536,864 1536w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png?resize=668,375 668w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png?resize=1097,617 1097w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png?resize=708,398 708w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/TC25_Builders_Stage_V2.png?resize=50,28 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\"\/><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See what\u2019s locked in so far below and stay tuned. The <strong>Disrupt 2025 agenda<\/strong> is only getting bigger, with more top names and bold conversations on the way.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-raising-smart\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Raising_Smart\"><\/span>Raising Smart<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A Conversation with Investor Extraordinaire Elad Gil\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before most of the world had experienced ChatGPT, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/eladgil\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Elad Gil<\/a> had already written seed checks to startups like Perplexity, Character.AI, and Harvey. That\u2019s on top of early bets on companies like Airbnb, Airtable, Anduril, Brex, Checkr, Coinbase, Deel, Figma, Flexport, GitLab, Gusto, Instacart, Notion, Opendoor, Pinterest, Rippling, Square, S<a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/trip-and-travel\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"10\" title=\"Trip &amp; Travel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">trip<\/a>e\u2026 you get the idea.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gil, who has also founded multiple companies like Mixerlabs (bought by Twitter) and Color Health, always seems to know what\u2019s next. And he\u2019s already working on the next things coming for AI and investing.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/events\/tc-disrupt-2025\/agenda\/?promo=post_buildersstage80_06192025&amp;utm_campaign=disrupt2025&amp;utm_content=agenda&amp;utm_medium=post&amp;utm_source=tc\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"533\" width=\"680\" alt=\"Elad Gil\" class=\"wp-image-3013845\" srcset=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png 1540w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=150,117 150w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=300,235 300w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=768,601 768w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=680,533 680w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=1200,940 1200w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=1280,1002 1280w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=430,337 430w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=720,564 720w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=900,705 900w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=800,626 800w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=1536,1203 1536w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=668,523 668w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=479,375 479w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=788,617 788w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=678,531 678w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Screenshot-2025-06-01-at-11.23.09AM.png?resize=50,39 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span class=\"wp-block-image__credits\"><strong>Image Credits:<\/strong>Slava Blazer for TechCrunch \/<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Building What\u2019s Next with the Minds Behind Twitter and Meta<br \/><\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/adambain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Adam Bain<\/a> and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dick-costolo-public\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Dick Costolo<\/a>, co-founders and managing partners, and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/david-fischer-7667621\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">David Fischer<\/a>, partner, at 01 Advisors<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Join these three powerhouse investors from <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/01a.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">01 Advisors<\/a> for an insider fireside chat on what it really takes to build, scale, and fund early-stage startups today. From product to growth to fundraising, you\u2019ll get candid advice and fresh perspectives from industry veterans shaping the next wave of tech success.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Seed Money Secrets Every Founder Should Know<br \/><\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/harlem.capital\/team\/gabby-cazeau\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Gabby Cazeau<\/a>, partner, Harlem Capital, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/macventurecapital.com\/team\/marlon-nichols\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Marlon Nichols<\/a>, co-Founder and managing <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/general\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"3\" title=\"General\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">general<\/a> partner, MaC Venture Capital, and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/freestyle.vc\/team\/maria-palma\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Maria Palma<\/a>, partner, Freestyle Capital<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Raising your first round is tough, but far from impossible. This panel brings together experienced investors to break down what it really takes to close a seed round. From crafting the right pitch to ensuring you are greenlighting the right partners, get actionable advice to turn investor interest into capital.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to Raise a <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/watch-movies-tv-seriess\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"8\" title=\"Watch Movies &amp; TV Series\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Series<\/a> A in 2026<br \/><\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gv.com\/team\/sangeen-zeb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Sangeen Zeb<\/a>, general partner, GV, and more speakers to be announced<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this unfiltered panel, top VCs reveal what really gets them to offer a term sheet with a healthy valuation \u2014 from metrics that matter to the pitch mistakes that kill deals. Learn how to position your company for its first priced, institutional investment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What VCs Really Want to Hear in Your Pitch<br \/><\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/medhakagarwal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Medha Agarwal<\/a>, general partner, defy.vc, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jyotibansal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Jyoti Bansal<\/a>, CEO and co-founder, Harness, and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jkneundorfer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Jennifer Neundorfer<\/a>, general partner, January Ventures<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Investors hear hundreds of pitches, but only a few stand out. Hear directly from VCs on what they love, what makes them cringe, and the subtle signals founders often miss. This panel reveals insider tips to help you craft a pitch that grabs attention, builds trust, and wins the right checks.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/events\/tc-disrupt-2025\/agenda\/?promo=post_buildersstage80_06192025&amp;utm_campaign=disrupt2025&amp;utm_content=agenda&amp;utm_medium=post&amp;utm_source=tc\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"453\" width=\"680\" alt=\"48833252076 44337b2f2c k\" class=\"wp-image-1895219\" srcset=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=680,453 680w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=1280,853 1280w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=430,287 430w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=720,480 720w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=800,533 800w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=668,445 668w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=563,375 563w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=926,617 926w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=708,472 708w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/48833252076_44337b2f2c_k.jpg?resize=50,33 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span class=\"wp-block-image__credits\"><strong>Image Credits:<\/strong>Kimberly White \/ Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rethinking Startup Capital Without VCs<br \/><\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/erikallebest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Erik Allebest<\/a>, co-founder and CEO, Chess.com, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/kaymakishi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Kay Makishi<\/a>, Lupoff\/Stevens Family Office, and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/gale.vc\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Gale Wilkinson<\/a>, managing partner, VITALIZE Venture Capital<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">VCs aren\u2019t the only game in town. Join us as we explore alternative fundraising paths with an angel investor, a family office vice president, and a founder who bootstrapped to success. Learn how to tap into capital that aligns with your vision, keeps you in control, and gets you to the next stage on your terms.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Preparing Now for Your Later Stage Raise<br \/><\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/lila-preston-2198b\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Lila Preston<\/a>, head of growth equity, Generation Investment Management, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/andreathomaz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Andrea Thomaz<\/a>, CEO and co-founder, Diligent Robotics, and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ivp.com\/team\/zeya-yang\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Zeya Yang<\/a>, partner, IVP<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Raising later-stage rounds takes more than luck \u2014 it\u2019s about strategy from day one. Join these three exceptional VCs as they share how to build metrics, storytelling, and relationships that position your startup for future funding success. Learn the key moves that set you up to close bigger rounds with confidence.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where VCs Are Placing Their Bets in 2026<br \/><\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/nina-achadjian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Nina Achadjian<\/a>, partner, Index Ventures, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/greylock.com\/team\/jerry-chen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Jerry Chen<\/a>, general partner, Greylock, and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.felicis.com\/team\/viviana-faga\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Viviana Faga<\/a>, general partner, Felicis\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Curious where the smart money is heading next? This panel brings together top VCs to share their 2026 investment priorities, emerging sectors, and what innovations are catching their eye. Early-stage founders, this one is for you! Get a rare glimpse into the trends and technologies that could shape your business in the year ahead.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-scaling-smart\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Scaling_Smart\"><\/span>Scaling Smart<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Building in a Time of Uncertainty<br \/><\/strong>Ryan Petersen, founder and CEO, Flexport<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Uncertainty is the new normal, but it\u2019s also an opportunity. In this fireside chat, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rpetersen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Ryan Petersen<\/a>, CEO of global logistics unicorn <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flexport.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Flexport<\/a>, shares his hard-won insights. With $2.3B raised, Flexport\u2019s shipping <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/technology\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"4\" title=\"Technology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">technology<\/a> intersects international business and policy, giving Petersen almost prescient economic insights. He\u2019s been vocal about everything from tariff policy to AI. He\u2019s also experienced personal volatility, famously leaving his CEO role and then returning less than a year later. Founders, take notes: this is how you build when the rules keep changing.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to Nail Product Market Fit<br \/><\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rajatbhageria\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Rajat Bhageria<\/a>, founder and CEO, Chef Robotics, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nea.com\/team\/ann-bordetsky\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Ann Bordetsky<\/a>, partner, NEA, and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/muralijoshi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Murali Joshi<\/a>, partner, ICONIQ<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Building a product is hard. Building one that customers are chomping at the bit to get, that\u2019s priced right, and delivers on its promises is even harder, and it\u2019s always messy. But once you hit the holy grail of product-market fit, your startup is on a fast track to growth, funding, and traction. Hear from a founder who\u2019s lived it and two investors who\u2019ve helped many others get there. This panel breaks down how to test smarter and iterate with intention so you can stop guessing and start growing.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/events\/tc-disrupt-2025\/agenda\/?promo=post_buildersstage80_06192025&amp;utm_campaign=disrupt2025&amp;utm_content=agenda&amp;utm_medium=post&amp;utm_source=tc\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"454\" width=\"680\" alt=\"Ann Bordetsky, Partner at NEA, is part of the Startup Battlefield jury at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco on October 18, 2022. Image Credit: Haje Kamps \/ TechCrunch\" class=\"wp-image-2427368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=680,454 680w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=1280,854 1280w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=430,287 430w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=720,480 720w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=800,534 800w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=1536,1025 1536w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=668,446 668w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=562,375 562w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=925,617 925w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=708,472 708w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/TechCrunch-Disrupt-Haje-Kamps-114.jpg?resize=50,33 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span class=\"wp-block-image__credits\"><strong>Image Credits:<\/strong>Haje Kamps \/ TechCrunch<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How Much Salary and Equity Should You Really Offer Early Employees?<br \/><\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/randi-jakubowitz-a20603b\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Randi Jakubowitz<\/a>, head of operations and talent, 645 Ventures, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/epigram.legal\/about.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Rebecca Lee Whiting<\/a>, fractional general counsel for early-stage startups, Epigram Legal P.C., and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/ywu01\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Yin Wu<\/a>, CEO and founder, Pulley<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early hires shape your startup\u2019s future, but only if you can attract and keep them. This panel dives into building equity and benefits packages that compete with big tech without breaking your burn rate. Hear real-world strategies to align incentives, boost retention, and build a team that scales.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>With Vibe Coding, Do Early Stage Startups Still Need to Hire 10x Engineers?<br \/><\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dmcramer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">David Cramer<\/a>, co-founder and CPO, Sentry, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/laurijmoore\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Lauri Moore<\/a>, partner, Bessemer Venture Partners, and a speaker to be announced<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vibe coding products have completely changed the speed, cost, and technical skill needed to build products, from prototypes to shipping. This is especially true for early stage startups. Some makers of these products have even declared that no one needs to learn to code anymore. If so, that means startups don\u2019t need to fill their early rosters with the famed 10x coders. But how much of that is hype and how much is reality? Our panelists will dive into how the developer tool world is changing and what comes next.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Should You Hire AI as Early Employees?<br \/><\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/caleb-peffer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Caleb Peffer<\/a>, co-founder and CEO, Firecrawl, and more speakers to be announced<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most startups today are using AI in some capacities: vibe coding prototypes or new features, deep research via their favorite chat before sales calls. Many are also building AI products, or at least including AI options and features. So, should you embed AI at the root operations of your businesses, like hiring AI agents instead of humans for sales? For customer support? To automate your billing? Learn how to pick the right use cases, build smarter workflows, and get the biggest impact with limited resources.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do Startups Still Need Silicon Valley?<br \/><\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/anhthochuong\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Anh-Tho Chuong<\/a>, CEO and co-founder, Lago, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/doshay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Heather Doshay<\/a>, partner, head of talent, SignalFire, and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/david-hall-102195\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">David Hall<\/a>, managing partner, rise of the rest seed fund, Revolution\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Silicon Valley is still the startup capital, how important is access to it anymore? This panel debates whether founders must plant roots in the Valley to succeed or if opportunity is so strong elsewhere that they don\u2019t need it. Hear perspectives from investors and founders redefining what it means to build, scale, and fund a company in today\u2019s decentralized tech world.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Building a GTM Engine that Actually Works<br \/><\/strong><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/maxaltschuler\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Max Altschuler<\/a>, founder and general partner, GTMfund, and more speakers to be announced<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A killer product needs a killer go-to-market strategy. This panel breaks down how early-stage startups can build a GTM function that drives growth, wins customers, and scales efficiently. Hear from founders and GTM experts on hiring, messaging, sales tactics, and the key metrics that prove your approach is working.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-want-to-see-more\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Want_to_see_more\"><\/span>Want to see more?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not only will you gain invaluable insights from these tech giants live at Disrupt 2025 alongside 10,000+ startup, tech, and VC leaders this October, but you can also save up to $675 on your pass today. <strong>Register here to lock in your savings.<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/events\/tc-disrupt-2025\/tickets\/?promo=post_buildersstage80_06192025&amp;utm_campaign=disrupt2025&amp;utm_content=agenda&amp;utm_medium=post&amp;utm_source=tc\" data-event=\"clickable_image\" height=\"454\" width=\"680\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1356940\" srcset=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=768,513 768w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=680,454 680w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=1200,801 1200w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=1280,854 1280w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=430,287 430w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=720,481 720w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=900,601 900w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=800,534 800w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=1536,1025 1536w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=668,446 668w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=562,375 562w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=924,617 924w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=708,473 708w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/21596646922_656ce9d531_k.jpg?resize=50,33 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span class=\"wp-block-image__credits\"><strong>Image Credits:<\/strong>Jeff Bottari \/ <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/\" target=\"_blank\">Flickr <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">(opens in a new window)<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMN63nwsw68G3Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/category\/technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" >Technology<\/a><\/span> category.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/2025\/06\/19\/techcrunch-disrupt-2025-the-builders-stage-agenda-is-now-live-and-taking-shape\/\" target=\"_blank\" >Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Startups don\u2019t build themselves. The Builders Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, taking place October 27\u201329 at San Francisco\u2019s Moscone West, is where investors, operators, and founders come to talk tactics \u2014 the nitty-gritty of getting something off the ground and making it work. This year, we\u2019re bringing some of the sharpest minds in the game&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":676200,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/54430820378_2a8380bffc_h.jpg?resize=1200,800","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[152180,154816,74839,70917,151454,153868,151477],"class_list":["post-676199","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology","tag-disrupt","tag-disrupt-2025","tag-fundraising","tag-startups","tag-tc","tag-techcrunch-disrupt-2025","tag-venture"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/676199","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=676199"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/676199\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/676200"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=676199"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=676199"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=676199"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}