{"id":730915,"date":"2026-06-02T03:20:54","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T00:20:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-make-the-startup-battlefield-top-20-and-what-every-company-gets-regardless\/"},"modified":"2026-06-02T03:20:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T00:20:54","slug":"how-to-make-the-startup-battlefield-top-20-and-what-every-company-gets-regardless","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-make-the-startup-battlefield-top-20-and-what-every-company-gets-regardless\/","title":{"rendered":"How to make the Startup Battlefield Top 20 \u2014 and what every company gets regardless"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 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-6a21efc4d8521\" 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-6a21efc4d8521\" 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\/how-to-make-the-startup-battlefield-top-20-and-what-every-company-gets-regardless\/#What_it_takes_to_make_the_Startup_Battlefield_Top_20\" >What it takes to make the Startup Battlefield Top 20<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-make-the-startup-battlefield-top-20-and-what-every-company-gets-regardless\/#Not_selected_for_the_Top_20_initially_Youre_still_in_the_running\" >Not selected for the Top 20 initially? You\u2019re still in the running\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-make-the-startup-battlefield-top-20-and-what-every-company-gets-regardless\/#What_every_Startup_Battlefield_200_company_gets\" >What every Startup Battlefield 200 company gets<\/a><\/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\/how-to-make-the-startup-battlefield-top-20-and-what-every-company-gets-regardless\/#You_get_value_just_for_applying_to_Startup_Battlefield\" >You get value just for applying to Startup Battlefield<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>\n<p id=\"speakable-summary\" class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every founder who <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>lies to Startup Battlefield wants the same thing: the Disrupt Main Stage. Six minutes to pitch and demo live, in front of top-tier Silicon Valley investors. A dedicated TechCrunch article published as you present. A shot at the $100,000 equity-free prize and the Disrupt Cup.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And all of that could be yours, but every path to Startup Battlefield success begins with an application. And we actually have extended the deadline for this year\u2019s cohort to June 8, so you only have a brief window to send yours in.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Head here to start up that application right now, but for a head start, we have some advice based on past competitions, and some detail on why participant perks start well before the main stage at Disrupt kicks off.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-it-takes-to-make-the-startup-battlefield-top-20\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_it_takes_to_make_the_Startup_Battlefield_Top_20\"><\/span>What it takes to make the Startup Battlefield Top 20<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Startup Battlefield Top 20 represents the best of the best from the Startup Battlefield 200. Companies with ideas that are meaningfully different, category-defining, and capable of making a major impact in their industry or geography. Selection comes down to which companies are the most compelling, differentiated, and ready for a global stage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Your product and founder videos are everything.<\/strong> They are the first impression and play the most significant role in identifying which companies are ready for the Disrupt Stage. Show your product in action. Be specific about what makes you different. Let your conviction come through on camera, not just your metrics.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selected companies work closely with the TechCrunch team on pitch preparation ahead of Disrupt. Each company pitches and demos live for six minutes on the Disrupt Stage, followed by a live Q&amp;A with top-tier investors like Aileen Lee (Cowboy Ventures), Kirsten Green (Forerunner), Navin Chaddha (Mayfield), Chris Farmer (SignalFire), Dayna Grayson (Construct Capital), Ann Miura-Ko (Floodgate), and Hans Tung (Notable Capital).\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of the Top 20, five are selected to pitch again on the final day of Disrupt in front of a new panel of high-profile judges. The winner receives $100,000 in equity-free prize money and the Disrupt Cup.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out the Top 20 from 2024 and 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"453\" width=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?w=680\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3110953\" srcset=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg 3925w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=150,100 150w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=680,453 680w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=1280,853 1280w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=430,287 430w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=720,480 720w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=800,533 800w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=2048,1366 2048w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=668,445 668w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=562,375 562w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=925,617 925w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.jpg?resize=708,472 708w, https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/54105809828_23e4a3ee11_o.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>TechCrunch \/ Slava Blazer Photography<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-not-selected-for-the-top-20-initially-you-re-still-in-the-running-nbsp\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Not_selected_for_the_Top_20_initially_Youre_still_in_the_running\"><\/span>Not selected for the Top 20 initially? You\u2019re still in the running\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The list isn\u2019t final until Disrupt is underway. Every year, things change \u2014 founders drop out, schedules shift, and standout companies from the 200 rise quickly during the program.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We keep the Top 20 confidential until the event begins and maintain a shortlist of companies ready to step in. It happens every cycle.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And more importantly, being in the 200 is where the real opportunity begins. The stage is one moment. But the access, exposure, and network you gain as part of the cohort extends far beyond it.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_every_Startup_Battlefield_200_company_gets\"><\/span>What every Startup Battlefield 200 company gets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t have to make the Top 20 for Startup Battlefield to change your trajectory.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every selected company receives a fully funded demo booth at TechCrunch Disrupt; complimentary event passes for the team; access to a pre-event virtual program with world-class VCs, operators, and founders; dedicated pitch preparation; and an invitation to the private Startup Battlefield reception.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Disrupt, all 200 companies present. Whether you\u2019re on the Disrupt Stage competing for the $100,000 prize or on the Showcase Stage for Best in Industry, both are real opportunities to stand out in front of the investors, press, and partners who come to Disrupt to find what\u2019s next.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the editorial side, every company enters the TechCrunch ecosystem. Coverage isn\u2019t guaranteed, but our editors actively track Startup Battlefield companies through articles, the Build Mode podcast, the Equity podcast, and future updates as you grow. Standout companies are often invited to pitch, speak, and return across TechCrunch platforms. It\u2019s an opportunity that compounds over time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond that, you join the Startup Battlefield alumni community, which includes 1,700+ companies, such as Dropbox, Discord, and Cloudflare, which have collectively raised $32 billion and produced 250+ exits. This isn\u2019t a mailing list \u2014 it\u2019s a network of founders who\u2019ve been through the same experience and continue to support each other.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alumni receive ongoing opportunities to pitch and speak at TechCrunch events, discounted and complimentary access to future events, and exclusive perks from our partner network.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The stage is one moment. The network, visibility, and access are what last.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You_get_value_just_for_applying_to_Startup_Battlefield\"><\/span>You get value just for applying to Startup Battlefield<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you\u2019re not selected, applying has its upsides. Applicants receive exclusive discounts on Disrupt tickets and exhibit opportunities, along with resources from our partners, so you can stay close to the ecosystem and come back stronger next cycle.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re on the fence about whether you\u2019re ready, apply anyway. It\u2019s free, it takes nothing off the table, and it\u2019s our job to tell you if it\u2019s not the right time. The founders who wait until they feel ready often wait too long.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While you\u2019re preparing, check out Build Mode, TechCrunch\u2019s podcast for early-stage founders featuring past Startup Battlefield companies, breakout founders, and top-tier investors. Consider it the inside track on what it takes to build a Battlefield-ready company.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>[Listen to Build Mode \u2192]<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Applications close <strong>June 8, 2026.<\/strong> TechCrunch Disrupt takes place October 13\u201315 in San Francisco.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Apply for Startup Battlefield 2026 if you think you have what it takes to make the Top 20.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/em><\/p>\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:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/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\/2026\/06\/01\/how-to-make-the-startup-battlefield-top-20-and-what-every-company-gets-regardless\/\" target=\"_blank\" >Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every founder who applies to Startup Battlefield wants the same thing: the Disrupt Main Stage. Six minutes to pitch and demo live, in front of top-tier Silicon Valley investors. A dedicated TechCrunch article published as you present. A shot at the $100,000 equity-free prize and the Disrupt Cup. And all of that could be yours,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-730915","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/730915","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=730915"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/730915\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=730915"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=730915"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=730915"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}