TechCrunch Founder Summit is a day-long gathering in Boston on November 4th where founders of all stages can connect with top VCs and seasoned entrepreneurs to gain tactical insights on building and scaling their companies. This is the latest in a long series of smaller, more hands-on events than Disrupt.
If you’re interested in a wide lineup of speakers from Anthropic, Nvidia, OpenAI, and Benchmark, Disrupt tickets are still available here. But for founders looking to get serious with a one-day crash course, Founder Summit is the ideal place to get a head start on your 2027 plans.
Before delving into the details of the event, you can find information on all tickets available for purchase here for investors and founders with a discount of $200.
Who is the TechCrunch Founder Summit aimed at?
Every founder eventually grapples with the extensive and complex mechanics of building a company from the ground up. Not only do you need funding, recruitment, legal, marketing, PR, and leadership, but investors also need a way to vet, invest in, and develop founders as they grow their skills.
Founder Summit is the best way to answer all your tough questions with community members who have experienced constructive failures and great successes and lived to tell the tale.
When and where will the TechCrunch Founder Summit be held?
This event will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at the SoWa Power Plant in Boston. Accessible by public transportation, we are a short walk from the Orange Line’s Back Bay and Tufts Medical Center stop or the Red Line’s Broadway stop.
What’s on the agenda for TechCrunch Founder Summit?
Delivering on our promise to equip founders for success, this year’s agenda and speakers are focused on fundraising, building AI natives, and leadership. The session includes:
New Rules for Fundraising: Underscore Partner Brian Devaney breaks down what investors are looking for today and how founders are losing leverage without realizing it. The CEO’s job never gets easier: HubSpot co-founder and Sequoia partner Brian Harrigan talks about how the CEO’s role changes at each stage of growth. Built for AI from day one: Lior Div, co-founder and CEO of 7AI, talks about what changes when AI becomes the foundation of the enterprise, rather than a bolt-on feature. How to spot the “King of the Hill” companies: TDK Ventures Investment Director Tina Tosukhowong unpacks a framework for evaluating startups for economics, scalability, and timing. Your Company Is Who You Hire: NEA Partner Melissa Taunton shares the early hiring decisions that shaped her startup’s culture and execution. Boston Founder’s Handbook: Chase Garbarino, co-founder and CEO of HqO, talks about raising $200 million, scaling in over 30 countries, and building a category-defining company outside of Silicon Valley.
Doesn’t this event have a different name?
yes. Founder Summit was previously known as Early Stage and All Stage. This year, we have the same mission, but the name has changed. Please keep that in mind if you want to find out more before joining.
Is TechCrunch Founder Summit just a panel discussion or is there more to it than that?
Founder Summit is far from a series of panels, but the agenda provides a wealth of valuable insights for founders and investors. In addition to all of these sessions, there will also be breakout sessions where more intimate panels discuss important topics that the community will explore in depth.
There’s also networking available through the Braindate app, which connects investors and founders and helps founders with similar challenges combine their expertise to arrive at common solutions. Alternatively, the period is a great opportunity for students to build their early networks.
Next up is Founder Summit week, which runs from November 1st to 7th. All side events are held during this time, providing more opportunities to gather with the community. If you’re particularly interested in getting involved, you can apply to host your own side event here.
How much do tickets cost? How can I get the best price?
Prices will change gradually, with the next price increase occurring after October 16th. Current price ranges are $399 for investors, $199 for founders, and $149 for students. If you purchase a second ticket for your co-founder or colleague, you’ll also receive 50% off admission for that person. Additional discounts are available on bundles for groups of 4 or more.
Is there a way to join for free?
yes! We are looking for volunteers to help staff our events. These people get free access to programming across shifts, plus a behind-the-scenes look at how events are put together. Click here to learn more about the program. Applications for new applicants close on October 19th.
Where can I register and learn more?
Get a complete overview of the event here, including up-to-date speaker information, complete agenda, and logistics. Ticket information for all three tiers can be found here. Current discount ends October 16th. Act now before it expires.
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