TC Top Picks is a program at TechCrunch’s flagship Disrupt events that provides five startups in each of 10+ designated categories (found below) with an entirely free exhibition in Startup Alley for the show. But you’ll also get exposure to investors, members of the media, hundreds of attendees, and more.
Qualifying startups should:
If your company is selected as a TC Top Pick, you will receive at no cost:
Finalists will be notified by October 25, 2019.
TechCrunch’s editors pick top applicants in each category.
Yes, you can pick up to three categories. TechCrunch editors will review the applications to determine which category you're the best fit for.
The application deadline to apply to TC Top Picks at Disrupt Berlin is September 30, 2019. All applicants will be notified on or before October 25, 2019.
Participants in the Startup Battlefield compete for $50K, the Disrupt Cup, and the attention of global investors and press. But the real reason to participate is the exposure and connections you make throughout the event.
In Startup Battlefield, your startup will pitch on-stage in front of judges who represent the top VCs and your company will be announced on TechCrunch as a Startup Battlefield pick during the event.
See the eligibility tab for more information on country eligibility per Startup Battlefield competition.
Qualifying startups should:
What is required when you participate in Startup Battlefield?
The days prior to the event there is a required on-site technical check to ensure your product, demo and team look great on-stage. You also undergo trainings with the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield editorial team.
No, TechCrunch does not charge or take equity from Startup Battlefield participants. Each Startup Battlefield company will be provided up to four passes to Disrupt Berlin for founders of your company. If Berlin is not your home city, your company is responsible for getting to/from the conference as well as any required rehearsals.
We're pretty proud of what our Startup Battlefield alumni have accomplished. In total, they've raised over $8.9B and include standouts like Yammer, Dropbox, Mint, LearnVest, Zenefits, Trello, Fitbit, Betterment, CloudFlare, Postmates and more. Check out all the info at our Startup Battlefield page.
As an alumni of Startup Battlefield, each company will also receive one complimentary ticket to future TechCrunch events like our Summer Party and future Disrupt events.
Not really. We occasionally interview startups which we need more information or would like to see a live demo. However, you do not have to have an interview to be selected for Startup Battlefield. So basically, don't worry about it.
We generally take about one month from the close of submissions to select and notify our participants. If you have any questions please contact startupapplications@techcrunch.com
The video is required so that we have an opportunity to see your product in action. Do not worry about production quality, camera phones or screen captures are more than enough. The important thing is that you show us some functional hardware or software. We understand that it might have limited features or not be the final prototype but show us anyway. Pro tip, we love it when you can walk us through a use case.
Apart from the exposure that comes from pitching to the global TechCrunch audience, as well as the live audience of distinguished technologists, entrepreneurs and investors, the overall winner will receive a $50,000 no-equity cash prize, and the Disrupt Cup.
The TechCrunch editors who run the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield competition will choose the finalists from the application pool.
TechCrunch will select judges. They will be noted entrepreneurs, investors and technologists with experience relevant to the category. A TechCrunch editor will moderate the judging, and cast the tie-breaker ballot, if needed.
Each company will have six minutes to present. The judges will have six minutes to ask questions. Live demos are required. If selected for the final round, each company will present the same 6 minute presentation to a new set of judges followed by a Q & A.
One overall winner will be chosen. The judges are looking for the company most likely to produce an exit (acquisition or IPO) or the largest impact.
SEPT 2, 2019
Yes, in-person training and rehearsal sessions will be required, as well as in-person rehearsal in the days preceding the event.
For applications associated with Startup Battlefield, Top Picks and Startup Alley programs, the data provided by applicants will be viewed only by The TechCrunch events and editorial teams. The data will be retained unless the applicants request deletion. Requests for deletion should be sent to startupapplications@techcrunch.com. You can view TechCrunch’s terms of service here and privacy policy here.
Deadline at August 29 at 12 PM PST
Deadline at September 1 at 12 PM PST