Many of the most influential companies in technology didn’t emerge from grand fundraising announcements. They began with a compelling pitch. Dropbox showcased its vision to a skeptical audience, while Cloudflare introduced edge networking to a largely uninformed crowd. Meanwhile, Discord was known as Hammer & Chisel, a small game development team. Companies such as Mint, Trello, Forethought, and N26 have all participated in the same rigorous arena: TechCrunch Startup Battlefield.
This is no mere coincidence. The Battlefield serves not just as a competition, but as a crucial launchpad for startups. More than 1,700 companies have showcased their innovations on the Battlefield stage, collectively raising $32 billion in total funding and achieving over 250 successful exits. These exits include acquisitions by major players like Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, Salesforce, Twitter, Uber, and Amazon. The connections within the Startup Battlefield network run deep, as exemplified by Dropbox’s acquisition of DocSend in 2021, another startup that emerged from this prestigious event. For countless founders, participating in this event has become a pivotal milestone, marking the moment when their ideas attracted significant attention.
We aimed to capture the experiences of our recent alumni, many of whom have joined us on Build Mode: The Founder Survival Guide, TechCrunch’s podcast dedicated to founders at various stages of their journeys. Here’s a glimpse into what they’ve been building, articulated in their own words.
Insights from Build Mode
Each season of Build Mode delves into different aspects of startup life. Season 1 focused on go-to-market strategies, while the ongoing Season 2 concentrates on team-building. Be sure to mark your calendars for Season 3, which premieres in June and addresses the most in-demand topic we’ve encountered: fundraising.
Highlighting Champions and Runners-Up
From Military Logistics to Startup Battlefield 2025 Champion
Kevin Damoa, Founder of Glīd — 2025 Winner
Kevin Damoa’s background is far from traditional for a startup founder; he hails from military logistics, a field that cultivated his ability to operate effectively under pressure and with limited resources. His journey to securing the Startup Battlefield 2025 title is a testament to the unexpected paths that can lead to successful entrepreneurship.
From Startup Battlefield to the International Space Station
Capella Kerst, Founder and CEO of geCKo Materials — 2024 Runner-Up
Capella Kerst set out to tackle a longstanding engineering challenge: achieving reliable adhesion in extreme conditions. her company, geCKo Materials, developed innovative adhesive technology inspired by geckos, with applications ranging from manufacturing environments to space exploration. Kerst’s performance at the Startup Battlefield demonstrated that the underlying science was ready for market application, and her runner-up status has proven to be an invaluable credential.
How Forethought AI Discovered Product-Market Fit Ahead of the Curve
Deon Nicholas, Co-Founder of Forethought AI — 2018 Winner (Acquired by Zendesk)
The story of Forethought AI exemplifies a remarkable journey within the Startup Battlefield narrative. Deon Nicholas initially took the stage with a firm belief that AI could revolutionize customer support— before it became a mainstream idea. The success of Forethought, which was recently acquired by Zendesk, highlights the transformative potential that can be ignited through participation in the Battlefield. His episode on Build Mode serves as an essential resource for those interested in navigating the fundraising landscape.
Stories from the Top 20 Finalists
The Risks of Fundraising Before Achieving Product-Market Fit
David Park, Founder of Narada
David Park candidly discusses the pitfalls of seeking investment prior to establishing product-market fit, emphasizing that such an approach does not expedite success but rather accelerates missteps.
Leveraging AI for Compatibility in Hiring, Not Just Skills
Sarah Lucena, Founder and CEO of Mappa
While skills might secure initial interviews, compatibility ensures long-term retention. Lucena is harnessing AI technology to address a crucial yet often-overlooked aspect of hiring.
These founders shared their Startup Battlefield experiences with us on Build Mode, and their insights are invaluable. Listen to Anna Sun of Nowadays and Hala Jalwan and Alessio Tresanti of Rivio, as they discuss the dynamics of family-run startups. Additionally, co-founders Kyle Rudolph and Jon Walburg of Alltroo explain the importance of leveraging networks for market strategies. Moreover, Jas Schembri-Stothart of Luna and Andre Peart of Untapped Solutions offer perspectives on serving underserved communities without conventional growth strategies.
The Significance of This Milestone
With each generation of Startup Battlefield alumni, the narrative continually evolves. Yet, every data point tells the story of a founder who took a bold step, presenting their vision to a captivated audience. The significance of this stage, and the community surrounding it, is undeniable. The milestone truly matters.
Applications for Startup Battlefield 2026 are now open. If you’re developing an idea worthy of recognition, this platform awaits your application.
If you know a founder ready for the spotlight, investors and fellow entrepreneurs can nominate companies directly.
Not quite ready to apply? Engage with Build Mode, where your journey can begin. Season 2 is currently available, and Season 3, focusing on fundraising, will debut this summer.