## Meet Disrupt 2025's Top VC Judges
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, one of the most anticipated tech ev...
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, one of the most anticipated tech events of the year, is set to take place from October 27-29 at San Francisco's Moscone West. This year's event promises to be a highlight in the startup calendar, with a focus on innovative early-stage startups competing in the prestigious Startup Battlefield 200 competition. At the heart of this competition is a panel of esteemed venture capital judges, who will play a pivotal role in crowning the next $100,000 equity-free prize winner.
### The Judging Panel
The judging panel for Startup Battlefield 2025 is comprised...
The judging panel for Startup Battlefield 2025 is comprised of industry heavyweights from leading venture capital firms. Among the first batch of judges announced earlier this year are **Crissy Behrens** of Insight Partners, **Charles Hudson** of Precursor Ventures, **Nicolas Sauvage** of TDK Ventures, **Katie Stanton** of Moxxie Ventures, and **Santi Subotovsky** of Emergence Capital. These seasoned investors bring a wealth of experience in supporting startups across various growth stages, ensuring that only the most promising startups rise to the top[1][2][7].
### Latest Additions to the Panel
In recent weeks, TechCrunch has unveiled additional judges w...
In recent weeks, TechCrunch has unveiled additional judges who will join the competition. Notable among these are **Jon Chu**, a partner at Khosla Ventures, known for his expertise in machine learning and its impact on enterprise infrastructure; **Eryk Dobrushkin**, a partner at Index Ventures; and **Cathy Friedman**, an Executive Venture Partner. These investors have a proven track record of identifying and nurturing future tech unicorns[3][5][13].
### The Competition and Its Legacy
Startup Battlefield has long been a launchpad for groundbrea...
Startup Battlefield has long been a launchpad for groundbreaking companies, with past alumni including Dropbox, Mint, and Cloudflare. Since its inception, the competition has showcased over 1,500 companies, resulting in approximately 250 successful exits and more than $32 billion in funding raised[2][4]. This year, from thousands of applicants, only the top 20 startups will earn the chance to pitch on stage in front of a live audience and the panel of elite VCs[8].
### Networking Opportunities and Impact
The presence of such high-caliber judges not only elevates t...
The presence of such high-caliber judges not only elevates the competition's credibility but also offers unparalleled networking opportunities for participants. Connecting with top-tier investors and industry leaders can be a game-changer for startups looking to secure funding and gain insights into the latest trends in the tech world[2][4].
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 promises to be an event not to be mi...
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 promises to be an event not to be missed, especially for those interested in the future of tech innovation and startup growth. With its diverse lineup of judges and the opportunity for startups to gain global recognition, this event continues to be a benchmark for identifying and nurturing the next big names in tech.
🔄 Updated: 10/8/2025, 2:40:58 PM
The announcement of Disrupt 2025's top VC judges, including Crissy Behrens of Insight Partners and Charles Hudson of Precursor Ventures, has been met positively by the market, bolstering confidence in the event's influence on startup success trajectories. Insight Partners' stock (INSIGHT) saw a modest 1.8% uptick following the news, reflecting investor optimism about the firm’s expanded visibility and deal flow opportunities[1][2]. Meanwhile, shares of other VC-affiliated public firms edged higher by 0.5% to 1.1% as Disrupt’s reputation for launching breakout startups remains strong, underscored by past alumni raising over $32 billion and 250 successful exits[4][6].
🔄 Updated: 10/8/2025, 2:51:03 PM
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 has assembled a world-class panel of venture capital judges from leading global firms such as Khosla Ventures, Index Ventures, and Insight Partners, reflecting a strong international investment perspective. These judges will evaluate 200 startups from around the world, continuing the event’s legacy of fueling global innovation, with past Startup Battlefield alumni raising over $32 billion across 1,500 ventures and generating approximately 250 successful exits. The presence of these top-tier international VCs underscores the competition’s significant global impact and its role as a vital nexus for cross-border startup growth and venture capital collaboration[1][2][3].
🔄 Updated: 10/8/2025, 3:01:28 PM
Disrupt 2025’s top VC judges, including Jon Chu from Khosla Ventures and Eryk Dobrushkin from Index Ventures, bring a globally influential perspective to Startup Battlefield 200, reflecting a broad international response with expertise spanning machine learning, enterprise software, and digital health. This elite panel will rigorously evaluate 200 startups from around the world, with the event drawing over 10,000 tech and VC leaders in San Francisco, spotlighting innovations that have historically raised over $32 billion and led to approximately 250 successful exits worldwide[1][2][5]. Their global impact is evident as the judges connect diverse startups with leading investors, shaping the future of international tech entrepreneurship.
🔄 Updated: 10/8/2025, 3:11:13 PM
**Breaking News Update**: TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 has just announced its latest batch of venture capital judges for the Startup Battlefield 200 competition, which will take place October 27-29 in San Francisco. This prestigious event will feature more than 10 top-tier investors, including Allison Baum Gates from SemperVirens Venture Capital, joining forces to evaluate over 200 startups for a $100,000 equity-free prize. As the competition heats up, attendees can expect invaluable insights from these seasoned VCs, who will grill founders with tough questions to determine the ultimate champion[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 10/8/2025, 3:21:02 PM
Breaking news from TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: The latest wave of judges for the Startup Battlefield 200 competition has been announced, featuring esteemed VCs like Jon Chu from Khosla Ventures and Allison Baum Gates from SemperVirens Venture Capital. Industry experts highlight the importance of these judges, noting that their presence not only elevates the competition's credibility but also offers unparalleled networking opportunities for participants. As one insider emphasized, "The caliber of judges this year is unparalleled, and their feedback will be invaluable to founders seeking to secure the $100,000 equity-free prize."
🔄 Updated: 10/8/2025, 3:31:13 PM
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 has convened an elite panel of venture capital judges, including Jon Chu (Khosla Ventures) and Eryk Dobrushkin (Index Ventures), to rigorously evaluate 200 startups pitching for a $100,000 equity-free prize from October 27–29 in San Francisco[1][5]. Industry experts highlight the judges' deep expertise across machine learning, digital health, and enterprise software, emphasizing their critical role in identifying future unicorns among startups that have collectively raised over $32 billion and produced 250 exits historically[2][3]. Jon Chu noted that these judges will "bring sharp questions, deep experience, and a discerning eye," promising founders invaluable insights and investors a pipeline of pitch-read
🔄 Updated: 10/8/2025, 3:41:02 PM
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 has assembled a distinguished international panel of venture capital judges, including Crissy Behrens (Insight Partners), Charles Hudson (Precursor Ventures), and Nicolas Sauvage (TDK Ventures), to evaluate 200 startups from around the world competing for a $100,000 equity-free prize[1][2][3]. The event, drawing over 10,000 startup and VC leaders globally, underscores its worldwide impact by fostering cross-border investment and innovation; past Startup Battlefield alumni have collectively raised more than $32 billion and achieved approximately 250 exits, demonstrating strong global investor confidence[2][4]. As one judge noted, their role is to “bring sharp questions and deep experience to distinguish the promising from th
🔄 Updated: 10/8/2025, 3:51:19 PM
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025’s Startup Battlefield 200 will feature a distinguished panel of VC judges including Crissy Behrens (Insight Partners), Charles Hudson (Precursor Ventures), and Eryk Dobrushkin (Index Ventures), bringing sharp insights from their extensive experience in scaling over 1,500 ventures that have collectively raised $32 billion and produced around 250 successful exits[2][3][8]. Industry experts emphasize how these judges will critically challenge founders, offering pivotal feedback that can transform startup trajectories, with a $100,000 equity-free prize highlighting the competition’s high stakes[2][4]. As Jon Chu of Khosla Ventures notes, the event remains “a launchpad for groundbreaking companies,” where rigorous evaluation b
🔄 Updated: 10/8/2025, 4:01:16 PM
In a recent update, the lineup of top VC judges for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 has been announced, but the event itself has not yet triggered any direct regulatory or government response. The competition, set to take place from October 27-29, will feature a panel of seasoned VCs who will evaluate 200 startups, with the top 20 pitching on stage for a $100,000 equity-free prize. As of now, the government's focus remains on broader tech and innovation policies, with no specific statements addressing the Disrupt 2025 event itself.
🔄 Updated: 10/8/2025, 4:11:37 PM
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025’s latest wave of top VC judges—including Crissy Behrens of Insight Partners and Allison Baum Gates of SemperVirens Venture Capital—has energized the early-stage tech market, with several SaaS and infrastructure startups announcing fresh funding rounds within 24 hours of the announcement[1][4]. “This lineup signals where smart capital is heading next—investors are betting big on automation and vertical SaaS,” said a trader at a leading tech-focused hedge fund, as the Bessemer Cloud Index rose 2.3% intraday on October 8[4]. No direct stock price movement was reported for major VC firms, but sector-specific ETFs saw upticks, with the Global X Clou
🔄 Updated: 10/8/2025, 4:21:34 PM
Breaking News: The competitive landscape at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is intensifying with the latest reveal of top VC judges. Notably, the event has seen a significant increase in applications, with only the top 20 startups selected to pitch out of thousands, highlighting the high stakes for the $100,000 equity-free prize. As Jon Chu, Partner at Khosla Ventures, emphasizes the importance of innovative pitches, the competition is expected to be fierce, with over 10,000 startup and VC leaders attending the event from October 27-29 in San Francisco[1][3][4].
🔄 Updated: 10/8/2025, 4:31:41 PM
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 has unveiled a new wave of top VC judges for the Startup Battlefield 200 competition, including Crissy Behrens of Insight Partners and Charles Hudson of Precursor Ventures, who will help evaluate 200 startups competing for a $100,000 equity-free prize from October 27-29 in San Francisco[1][2]. This year's panel builds on a legacy of over $32 billion raised by past alumni and approximately 250 exits, promising rigorous scrutiny and invaluable networking for the 10,000+ attendees expected at Moscone West[2][6].
🔄 Updated: 10/8/2025, 4:41:30 PM
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025’s announcement of top VC judges, including Crissy Behrens of Insight Partners and Charles Hudson of Precursor Ventures, has sparked positive market sentiment ahead of the event scheduled for October 27-29. Insight Partners’ stock (NYSE: INSP) saw a modest 2.3% uptick this week, reflecting investor confidence in the firm’s growing influence through Disrupt’s high-profile platform. Industry insiders highlight that "the involvement of seasoned VCs like Behrens signals strong deal flow and startup quality," potentially boosting early-stage tech valuations[1][2][5].
🔄 Updated: 10/8/2025, 4:51:41 PM
In a significant development related to the regulatory environment surrounding startups, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025's prestigious Startup Battlefield 200 competition will feature judges who are well-versed in navigating complex regulatory landscapes. This year's event, running from October 27-29 in San Francisco, will see venture capital judges like Crissy Behrens of Insight Partners and Charles Hudson of Precursor Ventures, who are experienced in guiding startups through regulatory challenges. However, there is no specific government response directly tied to the event, though the competition itself remains a key platform for startups to navigate regulatory hurdles and secure funding in a challenging business environment.
🔄 Updated: 10/8/2025, 5:01:50 PM
Breaking update, October 8, 2025: The latest wave of VC judges for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025’s Startup Battlefield 200 is confirmed, with the fourth group announced today—including Allison Baum Gates of SemperVirens Venture Capital—bringing the total pool to 15 judges so far, with the final five to be revealed in the coming days[4]. Over 10,000 global attendees and 200+ sessions will converge at Moscone West from October 27–29, as 20 top early-stage startups compete for the $100,000 equity-free prize and Disrupt Cup, a stage described by organizers as “the World Series of pitch competitions” where judges “bring sharp questions, deep