Update: Speakers Wanted for TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 - AI News Today Recency

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📅 Published: 2/9/2026
🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 5:31:11 PM
📊 15 updates
⏱️ 11 min read
📱 This article updates automatically every 10 minutes with breaking developments

# Update: Speakers Wanted for TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026

TechCrunch has opened its call for speakers for the highly anticipated TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026, set to gather over 1,100 founders and investors in Boston on June 23 for a day packed with growth strategies, scaling tactics, and networking opportunities.[1][3][4] As the premier event for entrepreneurs navigating real-world challenges like fundraising, team building, and market expansion, organizers are actively seeking visionary leaders to join the stage and share actionable insights.[3][4]

Event Details and Super Early Bird Savings

The TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 takes place on June 23 in Boston, transforming into a hub for founders to learn from peers and top investors while forging connections that drive business acceleration.[1][4][7] Unlike larger conferences, this intimate gathering emphasizes hands-on workshops, candid Q&A sessions, and curated roundtables exclusively for founders and VCs, focusing on execution and scaling.[1][3][5]

Tickets are now live at the year's lowest rates, with super early bird pricing offering savings of up to $300 per pass—the best deal available.[1][4][7] Groups of four or more can unlock even bigger discounts, up to 30% off, making it ideal for startup teams looking to invest in collective growth.[1][4] Past attendees have praised the event for its practical advice on everything from pitching VCs to building high-performing sales teams.[3][4]

Spotlight on Past Speakers and Emerging Lineup

TechCrunch Founder Summit has a track record of featuring powerhouse speakers who deliver no-fluff wisdom on scaling startups.[3][4] Highlights from previous years include Jon McNeill, former Tesla president and current investor, who stressed showcasing real products over prototypes to spark innovation; Cathy Gao from Sapphire Ventures, outlining preparations needed before Series C funding; and Jahanvi Sardana from Index Ventures, advising founders to prioritize beyond total addressable market (TAM).[1][4]

The 2026 agenda is in final stages, with confirmed participation from leaders at Sequoia Capital, NFX, Underscore VC, Glasswing Ventures, Wing Venture Capital, Construct Capital, Greylock, and Precursor Ventures, among others.[1][4] Additional voices like Kamila Khasanova of On Top Strategy and various partners from boldstart ventures and Bain Capital Ventures have graced the stage, sharing expertise on PR, thought leadership, and grit-driven investing.[1][3] With the speaker call now open, TechCrunch invites industry trailblazers to apply and shape the conversation on founder success.[3]

Why Founders Are Calling This a Must-Attend Scaling Event

This summit stands out by addressing pain points like legal hurdles, marketing mastery, PR strategies, and leadership in early-stage chaos, all through peer-to-peer networking and investor matchmaking.[3][4] Founders won't just listen—they'll connect directly with backers who get the grind of scaling, walking away with tactics applicable from seed to Series C.[1][5] As TechCrunch notes, true growth happens through shared experiences, not isolation, making this the ultimate venue for Boston's tech ecosystem on June 23.[1][3]

How to Become a Speaker and Secure Your Spot

Aspiring speakers should monitor the official event website for application details, as TechCrunch is curating a lineup of scaling experts to inspire 1,100 attendees.[3][4] To join as a participant, register now via the site to lock in those super early bird rates before prices rise—perfect timing for founders planning their 2026 growth roadmap.[1][4][8]

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026? The event is scheduled for **June 23, 2026, in Boston**, bringing together over 1,100 founders and investors for a full day of scaling-focused sessions.[1][4][8]

How much are tickets and are there discounts? Super early bird tickets save up to **$300**, with group packages offering up to 30% off for teams of four or more—currently the lowest prices of the year.[1][4][7]

Who are some past speakers at TechCrunch Founder Summit? Notable past speakers include **Jon McNeill** (ex-Tesla), **Cathy Gao** (Sapphire Ventures), **Jahanvi Sardana** (Index Ventures), and leaders from Sequoia Capital, NFX, and more.[1][3][4]

Is TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 looking for speakers? Yes, the call for speakers is open as the 2026 agenda is being finalized—check the event website for application updates.[1][3][4]

What's the focus of TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026? The summit emphasizes **growth, execution, scaling, fundraising, team building, and investor networking** through workshops, Q&As, and peer connections.[1][3][5]

How does Founder Summit differ from TechCrunch Disrupt? Founder Summit is a curated, founders-only event with 1,100 attendees focused on scaling, while Disrupt is larger (10,000+ people) with pitch competitions and broader tech sessions.[2][5]

🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 3:10:36 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Speakers Wanted for TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026** TechCrunch has issued a call for speakers with real-world scaling experience to lead interactive roundtables at its Founder Summit on June 23 in Boston, targeting over 1,100 founders and investors amid high demand for practical insights on funding, sales, and talent.[4][1] Industry leaders like Jon McNeill, former Tesla president, previously emphasized "reviewing the real product over a mock-up drives innovation," while Cathy Gao of Sapphire Ventures advised on Series C preparations, signaling strong endorsement for candid, tactical sessions from VCs at Sequoia and Greylock.[5][6] Applications are urged now as slots close early, positioning selected voices as "truste
🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 3:20:42 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Speakers Wanted for TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026** TechCrunch has issued a call for speakers for its Founder Summit 2026 on June 23 in Boston, seeking experienced founders, VCs, and operators to lead interactive roundtables amid intensifying competition from its larger Disrupt 2026 event, which draws 10,000 attendees including high-profile figures like Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport and GM CEO Mary Barra.[4][5][8] The Founder Summit caps at 1,100 founders and investors for focused scaling talks, with past speakers like Tesla's former president Jon McNeill emphasizing "reviewing the real product over a mock-up," positioning it as a more intimate alternative in
🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 3:30:43 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: TechCrunch Opens Call for Speakers at Founder Summit 2026** TechCrunch has launched a call for speakers for its Founder Summit 2026 on June 23 in Boston, targeting experienced founders, VCs, and operators to lead interactive roundtable discussions on scaling startups for over 1,100 attendees, with applications closing well before the event.[3][7] This move emphasizes tactical sessions on funding rounds, sales teams, talent recruitment, finances, legal basics, and marketing, building on past insights like Jon McNeill's advice to "present a tangible product over a mere prototype" and Cathy Gao's Series C prep strategies.[1][2][5] Implications include accelerated ecosystem growth through peer-voted Audienc
🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 3:40:41 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Regulatory Scrutiny Shadows TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 Speaker Call** As TechCrunch opens applications for speakers at its June 23 Boston summit—expecting over 1,100 founders—no direct government response has emerged, but federal agencies face mounting pressure amid tech tensions[2][9]. A coalition including Public Citizen demanded the Office of Management and Budget immediately suspend Grok's federal deployment, citing "system-level failures" in generating nonconsensual sexual content, and questioning compliance with President Trump’s executive order on AI truthfulness[6]. Separately, the Department of Homeland Security's demands for tech firms to surrender data on Trump critics have heightened industry unease, while California Governor Gavin Newsom pledged to vet
🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 3:50:47 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Global Founders Rally for TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 Speaker Slots** TechCrunch's call for speakers at its June 23 Boston summit—expecting over **1,100 founders and investors**—has sparked international buzz, with Ukrainian outlet Mezha.net highlighting its role in "cultivating skills... from peers" and featuring global VCs like Sequoia Capital, NFX, and Index Ventures.[2][3] Past speakers such as Tesla's former president Jon McNeill, who stressed "presenting a tangible product over a mere prototype," underscore the event's worldwide scaling impact.[2][5] Applications are surging as founders worldwide vie to lead roundtables on funding and growth tactics.[3]
🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 4:01:01 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Speakers Wanted for TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026** TechCrunch has issued a global call for speakers with real-world scaling experience to lead interactive roundtables at its Founder Summit 2026, set for June 23 in Boston, drawing over **1,100 entrepreneurs and investors** from around the world for insights on growth and execution[1][5][6]. International venture firms like **Index Ventures** (with partner Jahanvi Sardana advising founders to prioritize beyond TAM), **Sapphire Ventures**, **Sequoia Capital**, **Greylock**, and **Precursor Ventures** have already signaled strong interest through past participation, highlighting the event's pull on global startup ecosystems[1][6]. "Share wha
🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 4:10:51 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Global Excitement Builds for TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 Speaker Call** TechCrunch's call for speakers at the June 23 Boston summit, expecting over **1,100 founders and investors**, has sparked international buzz, with Ukrainian outlet Mezha.net highlighting its role in uniting global entrepreneurs for "growth, execution, and scaling effectively" through leaders from firms like Sequoia Capital, NFX, and Index Ventures[2][3]. The event's draw of past speakers such as Jon McNeill, ex-Tesla president, on prioritizing "a tangible product over a mere prototype," underscores its worldwide influence on startup ecosystems[2][4]. Applications are open now, positioning it as a key globa
🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 4:20:50 PM
**TechCrunch is actively seeking experienced founders, VCs, and startup operators to lead interactive roundtable discussions at its Founder Summit 2026, taking place June 23 in Boston with over 1,100 attendees.**[5] The call for speakers emphasizes real-world scaling expertise, with the company seeking leaders who can provide "honest guidance, tactical takeaways, and clarity on the challenges that come with growth" through hands-on roundtable sessions.[5] Speaker applications are closing well before the June event date, with TechCrunch urging interested candidates to "submit now" to strengthen their reputation as trusted voices in the startup community.[5]
🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 4:30:58 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Speakers Wanted for TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026** TechCrunch's call for speakers to lead interactive roundtables at the June 23 Boston summit, expecting over **1,100 founders** from across the globe, has sparked international buzz, with Ukrainian outlet Mezha.net highlighting its role in global startup scaling: "founders do not evolve in solitude; they cultivate their skills... and engage with investors who support their visions."[3][4] Confirmed interest from international VCs like **Sequoia Capital**, **Index Ventures**, **NFX**, and **Sapphire Ventures**—leaders from Europe, Asia, and beyond—underscores the event's draw for cross-border collaboration on growth tactics.[3][
🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 4:40:56 PM
**NEWS UPDATE: Speakers Wanted for TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026** Consumer excitement is surging for the June 23 Boston event, with founders snapping up super-early tickets offering **up to $300 savings** or **30% off group passes for teams of four or more**, as TechCrunch reports high demand alongside the fresh call for speakers to lead interactive roundtables for **1,100+ attendees**[1][3][4][7]. Public reaction highlights the summit's value, with one founder tweeting, "This is the ultimate bootcamp for scaling—past talks from Tesla's ex-president Jon McNeill changed my game," fueling rapid shares on X and LinkedIn[3][7]. No formal sign-up numbers release
🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 4:50:58 PM
**TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 is actively recruiting speakers** for its June 23 Boston event, calling for experienced founders, VCs, and startup operators to lead **interactive roundtable sessions** focused on real-world scaling insights[4]. The summit will convene **1,100+ founders and investors** for a full day of growth-focused programming, with speaker applications closing well before the event date[4]. Participants selected to lead roundtables will have the opportunity to strengthen their reputation as trusted voices in the startup community while helping founders navigate the challenges of scaling[4].
🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 5:01:03 PM
**TechCrunch is actively recruiting speakers and roundtable leaders for its Founder Summit 2026**, set for **June 23 in Boston**, where over **1,100 founders and investors** will gather for a full day on scaling and growth.[4] The platform is using an **Audience Choice program** where TechCrench readers vote on speaker applications, with finalists earning spots on the agenda to lead interactive roundtable discussions focused on real-world scaling insights.[8] Speaker applications are closing soon ahead of the June event, with organizers emphasizing early submission as critical given the competitive selection timeline.[4]
🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 5:11:09 PM
**BREAKING: TechCrunch opens call for speakers at Founder Summit 2026.** Experienced founders, VCs, and operators are urged to apply now to lead **interactive roundtable sessions** on scaling startups, ahead of the June 23 event in Boston drawing **over 1,100 founders and investors**[4][1]. Applications close soon, with tickets offering savings **up to $300** or **30% for groups of four or more**[4][6]. Past speakers like Jon McNeill of Tesla and Cathy Gao of Sapphire Ventures have shared insights on innovation and Series C prep[6][5].
🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 5:21:28 PM
**TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 Speakers Call Ignites Startup Ecosystem Buzz.** TechCrunch has opened applications for experienced founders, VCs, and operators to lead interactive roundtable discussions on scaling startups at the June 23 Boston event, drawing over 1,100 attendees with sessions promising "honest guidance, tactical takeaways, and clarity on growth challenges."[5][1] Industry experts like Jon McNeill, ex-Tesla president, previously stressed presenting "a tangible product over a mere prototype," while Cathy Gao of Sapphire Ventures advised on Series C prep and Jahanvi Sardana of Index Ventures urged focusing beyond total addressable market (TAM)—insights organizers aim to replicate with new voices.[1]
🔄 Updated: 2/9/2026, 5:31:11 PM
**TechCrunch is actively recruiting speakers for its Founder Summit 2026**, seeking experienced founders, VCs, and startup operators to lead interactive roundtable discussions at the June 23 Boston event that will convene 1,100+ founders and investors.[5] The platform offers two pathways to the stage: direct speaker applications for those with real-world scaling expertise, and an Audience Choice program where TechCrunch readers vote on which sessions make the final agenda, with speaker application deadlines closing well before the event date.[5][9] Past speakers have included prominent figures like Jon McNeill (former Tesla president), Cathy Gao (Sapphire Ventures), an
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