TechCrunch has announced the opening of nominations for the highly anticipated Startup Battlefield 200, an event that continues to bolster emerging businesses by offering them a platform to shine. This year, the Startup Battlefield will be returned to their home at TechCrunch Disrupt, held in San Francisco, California. Looking to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey? Their last chance to nominate is a little more than two weeks away—mid-June—so they’d better get moving if they want to join accomplished alumni like Trello, Dropbox, and Discord.
In reality, Startup Battlefield goes way beyond the competition. It offers so many indispensable benefits that every startup should apply. Winners benefit from $100,000 in equity-free funding, which allows them to prioritize their growth without the pressure of giving away equity. Further, participants receive global exposure, presenting their innovations to a global audience and potential investors.
Probably the second most important aspect of the event is the opportunity for raw, honest feedback from professional investors. This kind of interaction can be immensely helpful for the startups who may just need to sharpen their business model or their pitch strategy. The knowledge gained throughout the program will help to ensure that each participating startup is best positioned to emerge from the crowded, competitive startup landscape.
Celebrating Past Successes
The Startup Battlefield takes that history to a new level in how it has morphed these startups into industry titans. Former winners Claire Kroft and Ankit Malhotra stole the show at the Startup Battlefield 2025 final competition. Creative black tie Gala ceremony at the Moscone Center on October 29, 2025. Their incredible success stories are just a taste of what’s possible with the raw talent we see in the Startup Battlefield program.
Kevin A. Damoa, the Founder and CEO of Glīd, is one such distinguished alumnus. He certainly knows how to win, having topped a past edition of the race. His journey is a testament to the life-changing power of being in Startup Battlefield. Through access to visibility and capital, startups are able to go farther faster.
More than 1,700 startups have come through the program since Startup Battlefield began, representing the best of the best from every industry and field of expertise you can imagine. Alumni success stories such as Mint and Fitbit have gone on to incredible accomplishments. Their achievements do only enrich the program’s reputation as a launching pad for our next generation of tech leaders.
The Application Process
Any startups looking to be a part of this don’t have much time. Nominations for Startup Battlefield close in mid-June, so move fast. The recruitment process is incredibly competitive, with thousands of applicants competing for a place in the top 200 most promising startups.
We strongly encourage entrepreneurs to speak to their unique value proposition and groundbreaking technology in their nomination submissions. This year’s event provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for startups to accelerate their growth. Plus, they’ll have the opportunity to learn invaluable best practices directly from industry experts!
