AI startups have the potential to grow at speeds unimaginable a generation ago. But rapid growth comes with another reality. Scaling AI can require significant capital, and founders must make funding decisions long before they know whether initial momentum will turn into a lasting business.
So what’s the difference between AI companies that are built to last and those that are simply growing fast?
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, Jas Kaira, Global Head of Blackstone N1, will be on the Builders Stage for “Building the Next AI Giant.” He will share what Blackstone looks for when backing category-defining companies, how founders should think about capital as they scale their businesses, and the difference between a sustained business and early traction.
With the right capital, you can fund the infrastructure, talent, and expansion you need to compete. But raising more money is not the same as building a stronger company.
Secure your Disrupt pass to hear how one of the world’s largest alternative asset managers is evaluating companies poised to become AI’s next giants. Bring your co-founders, partners, colleagues, and co-workers and get 50% off your pass. Save even more when you come in a group of 4 or more.
AI changes the capital equation
Starting an AI company may require more funding than just product development and customer acquisition. As companies grow, computing, data centers, and other infrastructure can add significant capital requirements.
One of Blackstone’s recent investments speaks to its scale. Blackstone and co-investors agreed to invest up to $600 million in primary equity in Indian AI infrastructure company Neysa, with Neysa planning to raise an additional $600 million in debt financing.
Capital is flowing only into infrastructure. In July, Anthropic launched Ode with Anthropic, an AI implementation company backed through a $1.5 billion joint venture with Blackstone, Hellman & Friedman, Goldman Sachs and others.
These investments bring Blackstone closer to some of the biggest questions surrounding AI growth: where capital is needed, what opportunities justify it, and what businesses are likely to endure.
If your company is nearing a stage where it needs more capital to grow, grab a ticket to Disrupt to hear how Khaira thinks about decision-making as you scale. Share your insights Save 50% on your second pass.
What is the difference between momentum and persistence?
Rapid growth can attract customers, employees, and investors. Kaira will look beyond that initial momentum to what will keep the business alive and what Blackstone will consider when evaluating the next generation of category-defining companies.
Rapid growth can force you to make big financing decisions early on. Founders may be raising capital while simultaneously building a product, hiring a team, competing to acquire customers, and determining whether the benefits that drive growth today can be sustained over the long term.
Add “Building the Next AI Giant” to the Disruption Agenda to get an investor perspective on assessing early momentum, financing growth, and building for the long term.
An investor’s perspective on what happens next
Jas Khaira joined Blackstone in 2004 and is Global Head of Blackstone N1 and Blackstone Growth, as well as Head of Tactical Opportunities for the Americas. He serves on several of the firm’s investment committees and founded Blackstone N1, a platform for growth, hybrid, perpetual private equity investments across the AI ecosystem and next generation high-growth companies.
Want to know what investors at Blackstone’s scale look for before committing capital? Secure your Disrupt Pass and hear directly from Kaila on the Builders Stage. Bring others and share your insights with 50% off passes.
Learn how to build on what follows after initial momentum
“Building the Next AI Giant” is one of more than 200 sessions across six industry stages, roundtables, and breakout sessions at Disrupt, taking place October 13-15 at Moscone West in San Francisco. More than 10,000 founders, investors, executives, and technology leaders are expected to attend, as well as more than 250 speakers and more than 300 startups exhibiting.
Beyond the sessions, matchmaking, dealmaking, and ad hoc networking will give attendees the opportunity to connect with potential investors, customers, partners, and other founders working on many of the same challenges.
For AI founders, funding may be a milestone. Deciding how to use that to keep the company afloat is a much bigger challenge. At Disrupt, Kaira will bring an investor’s perspective to that question, giving founders a detailed look at what Blackstone looks at when evaluating companies looking to define the next generation of AI.
Secure your pass to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 and get an investor’s perspective on what it takes to build an AI company for the long term. Bring along your co-founders, colleagues, partners, and colleagues for 50% off. If you bring 4 or more items, you will receive an additional discount.
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