TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 to Address Startup Compensation and Equity Challenges

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 to Focus on Startup Compensation and Equity Strategies

Marking its 20th anniversary, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, will spotlight one of the most critical challenges facing startup founders: compensation and equity distribution.

On the Builders Stage, a distinguished panel of industry veterans will tackle essential questions surrounding equity allocation, competitive pay, and employee retention as startups scale.

Expert Panelists Bringing Deep Industry Experience

• Randi Jakubowitz, Head of Operations & Talent at 645 Ventures, brings firsthand experience from leading HR during Seamless’s growth and Grubhub’s IPO, specializing in scaling teams under pressure.
• Rebecca Lee Whiting, Founder of Epigram Legal and former Ninth Circuit clerk, serves as fractional general counsel to leading AI and biotech startups, offering clarity on the legal complexities of equity structuring.
• Yin Wu, Founder and CEO of Pulley, a YC-backed equity management platform used by over 5,000 companies, leverages her expertise from a prior Microsoft exit to design equity packages that attract and retain top talent.

Addressing Founders’ Most Pressing Questions

This panel will confront pivotal issues such as:

• Determining appropriate equity shares for early employees.
• Competing with Big Tech compensation packages without depleting startup runway.
• Structuring equity to incentivize long-term employee commitment.

While the exact timing of the session will be announced shortly, attendees are encouraged to secure their spot early to benefit from discounted pricing available until September 27.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 promises an insightful discussion for founders and startup leaders aiming to refine their compensation strategies amid a competitive talent landscape.