Startup Battlefield 200: The Pinnacle of Early-Stage Innovation
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is set to host its highly anticipated Startup Battlefield 200, spotlighting 20 of the most promising early-stage startups. From October 27 to 29 at San Francisco’s Moscone West, these startups will compete fiercely for a $100,000 equity-free prize and the prestigious Disrupt Cup. The event is more than a competition; it is a critical platform where founders gain invaluable feedback from seasoned venture capitalists, investors scout breakthrough opportunities, and the global tech community witnesses the arrival of future industry leaders.Introducing the Latest Cohort of VC Judges
TechCrunch is unveiling the fourth wave of judges who will bring their sharp acumen and extensive experience to the Startup Battlefield 200 stage. With one final group of judges yet to be announced, the roster promises a formidable panel of venture capital leaders.Allison Baum Gates, General Partner, SemperVirens Venture Capital
Allison Baum Gates is a general partner at SemperVirens Venture Capital, specializing in healthcare, fintech, and enterprise SaaS investments. With over 70 companies funded—including nine unicorns and 24 successful exits—Gates holds 10 board seats and has raised hundreds of millions from LPs across the US, Europe, and Asia. A recognized thought leader, Gates has been featured in top-tier publications such as the Financial Times and Wall Street Journal. She is also a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business and author of the acclaimed book “Breaking into Venture,” with a second book on VC psychology forthcoming.Katelin Holloway, Founding Partner, 776
Katelin Holloway co-founded 776, an early-stage venture capital firm founded by Alexis Ohanian. With over two decades of operational experience at Pixar and Reddit, Holloway invests in startups that expand human potential and resilience across sectors such as health, sustainability, and creativity. Her investment philosophy centers on empowering generational entrepreneurs to address humanity’s grand challenges while delivering strong returns, combining operational expertise with deep founder support.Miloni Madan Presler, Partner, Institutional Venture Partners (IVP)
Miloni Madan is a general partner at IVP, driven by a passion for backing companies that innovate with purpose. She seeks startups that solve real problems, automate legacy processes, and build transformative, data-driven platforms. Madan’s investment approach emphasizes long-term impact and durability, focusing on businesses that create meaningful change beyond immediate financial returns.Sara Ittelson, Partner, Accel
Joining Accel in 2022, Sara Ittelson focuses on early-stage consumer, enterprise, and AI startups. Her background includes leadership roles in strategic partnerships at Faire and global business development at Uber. Ittelson’s diverse experience and academic credentials from Northwestern University and Stanford position her as an insightful judge for emerging technologies and business models.Rinki Sethi, Founding Partner, Lockstep
Rinki Sethi brings extensive cybersecurity expertise as chief security officer at Upwind Security and founding partner at Lockstep. Formerly CISO at Twitter and Rubrik, and a security leader at Palo Alto Networks and IBM, Sethi’s strategic insight into security challenges is invaluable. Her experience advising corporate boards ensures a critical perspective on risk management and resilience for startups navigating complex security landscapes.Secure Your Spot at the Startup Pitch Event of the Year
Startup Battlefield 200 remains the launchpad for breakout companies, with alumni like Discord, Trello, and Mint having made their mark on this stage. Don’t miss the chance to witness the next wave of innovation live. Register now to save up to $444 on passes or take advantage of bundle discounts up to 30% for teams and groups. Experience the energy, the stakes, and the sharp investor scrutiny firsthand. Join us October 27-29, 2025, at Moscone West, San Francisco, for a definitive showcase of entrepreneurial talent and venture capital insight.FinOracleAI — Market View
TechCrunch Disrupt’s Startup Battlefield 200 continues to be a premier venue for early-stage startups to gain visibility and attract critical venture capital. The newly announced VC judges represent a blend of operational expertise, strategic investment acumen, and deep sector knowledge, which will elevate the quality of evaluation and mentorship.- Opportunities: High-potential startups gain invaluable feedback and investor exposure; investors access a curated pipeline of vetted startups across diverse sectors.
- Risks: Intense competition may pressure startups to prioritize pitch polish over long-term strategy; market volatility could impact investment appetite.
Impact: The event strengthens the bridge between visionary entrepreneurs and top-tier venture capital, fostering innovation with sustainable growth potential.
Contents
Startup Battlefield 200: The Pinnacle of Early-Stage InnovationIntroducing the Latest Cohort of VC JudgesAllison Baum Gates, General Partner, SemperVirens Venture CapitalKatelin Holloway, Founding Partner, 776Miloni Madan Presler, Partner, Institutional Venture Partners (IVP)Sara Ittelson, Partner, AccelRinki Sethi, Founding Partner, LockstepSecure Your Spot at the Startup Pitch Event of the YearFinOracleAI — Market View
