Are You Ready to Rumble, TechCrunch Style?
The wait is over! Twenty of the most promising and creative early-stage startups – chosen from the elite Startup Battlefield 200 – will bring the heat for $100,000 in the world-renowned Startup Battlefield competition at TechCrunch Disrupt on October 18–20 in San Francisco. We’re excited to introduce three more esteemed Venture Capitalists (VCs) who will be joining the judging panel, adding their expertise and insights to help crown the next Startup Battlefield champion.
Meet Our New Judges
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Josephine Chen, a partner at Sequoia
- Josephine Chen focuses on seed and Series A companies in enterprise software, fintech, and crypto. She works with companies such as Found, Magic Eden, Benchling, and Anrok.
- Prior to joining Sequoia, Chen worked at Emergence Capital and McKinsey.
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Dave Samuel, the co-founder of Freestyle.vc
- Dave Samuel is an experienced executive, serial entrepreneur, and internet pioneer in software and media. He is the co-founder of Freestyle.vc, a seed-stage venture capital firm with over $565 million assets under management and investments in over 150 startups.
- In 2004, Samuel co-founded Crackle, an internet video platform acquired by Sony for $65 million in 2006. Earlier in his career, he founded Spinner, the first internet radio service, which AOL acquired for $320 million in 1999.
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Lo Toney, the founding managing partner at Plexo Capital
- Lo Toney incubated and spun out Plexo Capital from GV with a strategy to increase access to early-stage deal flow. The company invests in emerging seed-stage VCs (led by diverse managers) and invests directly in companies sourced from the portfolios of VCs where Plexo Capital has an investment.
- Investors in Plexo Capital funds include Alphabet/Google, Intel Capital, Cisco Investments, RBC, Southern New Hampshire University, Home Depot, Hearst Corporation, Hampton University Endowment, JIMCO, and the Ford Foundation.
The Importance of Startup Battlefield
Startup Battlefield isn’t just thrilling to watch; it’s a masterclass in how investors think. The judges’ feedback provides insight into the criteria they use to determine whether a company is viable or not. By watching and learning from their questions and comments, startup founders can gain valuable insights into what motivates investors and what pushes them to schedule a meeting.
What to Expect at TechCrunch Disrupt 2022
- Networking Opportunities: Meet and interact with the Startup Battlefield contestants, judges, and other attendees.
- Masterclasses and Workshops: Learn from industry experts and thought leaders in sessions covering topics such as fundraising, marketing, and product development.
- Exhibition Floor: Explore the latest innovations and trends in the tech industry.
Get Your Pass Today!
TechCrunch Disrupt takes place on October 18–20. Buy your pass today and be a part of the most exciting startup conference of the year. Don’t miss out on the chance to meet the next big thing in tech!
Are You Ready to Sponsor or Exhibit at TechCrunch Disrupt 2022?
Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TechCrunch Disrupt 2022? Contact our sponsorship sales team by filling out this form.
Topics Covered
Disrupt, Startups, TechCrunch Disrupt 2022
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