Deadline:
June 10, 2024
Program Starts: September 19, 2023
Program Ends: September 21, 2023
Location(s)
United States of America
San Francisco
Overview
Everyone knows there are thriving startup communities outside of obvious hubs like San Francisco, Berlin, Bangalore and Beijing, but they don’t always get the support they deserve. We want every game-changing, innovative startup — from anywhere around the world — to have a shot at massive exposure to investors, media and other influential unicorn-makers. The $100,000 in equity-free prizemoney would be nice, too, right?
Details
What is Startup Battlefield 200?
TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield 200 is the world’s preeminent startup competition. Startup Battlefield 200 showcases the top 200 startups from around the globe, across multiple industries at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 in San Francisco on October 28-30. All 200 companies go through training, have access to masterclasses, private receptions, communities and investor meet and greets. Of the 200, the top 20 are selected to the final round to pitch on the Disrupt Stage. Companies compete for $100K equity-free prize and a chance to win the Disrupt Cup. It’s important to note that TechCrunch takes no fees or equity from Startups for applying and participating in Startup Battlefield. Companies that launched on our stage include Vurb, Trello, Mint, Dropbox, Yammer, Tripit, Redbeacon, Qwiki, Getaround, and Soluto.
What is the application process/dates?
For 2024, there will be one Global Startup Battlefield taking place in person at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. Applications will open March 6th and close June 10th at 11:59pm PT.
Once the application cycle is complete, each application is reviewed by the Startup Battlefield team at least twice. Selected companies are notified in the weeks prior to TechCrunch Disrupt.
What happens at Disrupt?
The Battlefield contestants receive free tickets to attend Disrupt as well as a free demo booth in Startup Alley for the conference. They are also invited to our VIP Dinner as well as any other private events aimed at Battlefield founders.
During the afternoon sessions at Disrupt, each Battlefield company will pitch and live-demo on-stage for 6 minutes and then answer judges’ questions for six minutes. All pitches will be live-streamed on TechCrunch’s homepage. TechCrunch will do a post on each Battlefield company as it presents. The video and photo assets from the pitch are available to the teams after Disrupt. Recently we’ve partnered with Crunchbase, ProductHunt, AngelList and Indiegogo to ensure our startups receive maximum visibility when they launch.
Following all Battlefield sessions, judges and TechCrunch editors select a group of finalists, typically 4-6 companies. Finalists will pitch for a second time to a new group of judges. The judges and the editors pick the winner, who receives $50K and the Disrupt Cup, and the runner up.
What happens after Disrupt?
The Battlefield alumni are provided free tickets to future TechCrunch events including Meetups, the Crunchies and of course Disrupt. We also host community events around the major TechCrunch conferences to bring Battlefield founders together.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Eligibility basics
At the time of application, companies must have a functional prototype to demo to the selection committee. In selecting final contestants, we will give preference to companies that launch for the first time to the public and press through our competition. Companies that are in closed beta, private beta, limited release or generally have been flying under the radar are eligible. Hardware companies can have completed crowdfunding but those funds should have been directed to an earlier product prototype. Existing companies launching new feature sets do not qualify.
Do you only work with software companies?
Definitely not! We work with startups in every vertical from mobile search to connected home devices to healthcare and 3D printing.
Do we need to be incorporated in the U.S. or be U.S.citizens to apply?
We welcome startups from around the globe to submit their startups for consideration provided their country is in good business standing with the United State.
Dates
Deadline: June 10, 2024
Program starts:
September 19, 2023
Program ends:
September 21, 2023
Program Starts: September 19, 2023
Program Ends: September 21, 2023
Cost/funding for participants
Benefits
- Exhibit At Disrupt For Free: Showcase your startup on the show floor and connect with 10,000 attendees.
- Win $100K Equity-Free Grand Prize: Companies will compete on stage in front of the world's leading VCs for a chance to win $100K and the Disrupt Cup.
- Connect With Investors: Gain exclusive access to VC to founder networking opportunities like parties, roundtables, and lounge.
- Learn From Industry Leaders & Mentors: Go to VC office hours, roundtables, and pitch practice sessions curated by the TechCrunch team.
- Expand Your Founder Network: Join an illustrious founder network of over 1300+ Startup Battlefield Alumni with over $29B raised since coming to Disrupt.
Does is cost anything to participate/apply?
It’s important to note that TechCrunch takes no fees or equity from Startups for applying and participating in the Startup Battlefield. There is no fee to apply or particpate in Startup Battlefield 200.
However, once a startup confirms their participation, if they decide to back out/cancel, a fee of $1995 will be applied.
Does TechCrunch cover any expenses we incur?
Startups are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, food, visa, insurance, etc.
As a member of Startup Battlefield we provide the following to you free of charge:
- One 30" round cocktail table, including wifi, a table-top sign and black linens for exhibition in the Disrupt exhibit hall
- Exhibit for all 3 days of the show
- Inclusion in the Disrupt event mobile app and announcement of participating startups on www.techcrunch.com
- Passes for 4 individuals to attend all three days of Disrupt.
- Additional passes can be purchased at 50% off current registration rates for additional Startup team members.
- Two-minute fast pitch on the Showcase Stage located in the heart of the Disrupt exhibit hall
- Access to curated networking and special pre-event and on-site sessions and receptions
- A chance to be selected for the Startup Battlefield 20, to compete for $100K equity-free prize
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
