Why Speak at the Founder Summit?
The TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 gathers over 1,100 founders and investors for a full day of practical scaling insights. Speaking gives you visibility, authority, and full access to premium sessions and curated networking.
Who Should Apply?
- Founders who have successfully scaled a startup past Series A.
- Venture capitalists or angel investors with hands‑on portfolio experience.
- Startup operators (COOs, CROs, heads of growth) who have led growth initiatives.
What Kind of Sessions Are Offered?
Roundtable discussions are 30‑minute, informal dialogues led by up to two speakers. No slides or video—just real‑world advice and Q&A.
How to Apply
- Visit the event page and click “Apply to Speak.”
- Submit a concise topic proposal (1‑2 sentences) that addresses a specific scaling challenge.
- Include a brief bio highlighting your scaling experience (company, stage, outcomes).
- Provide any relevant links (blog posts, case studies, podcasts) that showcase your expertise.
Benefits of Speaking
- Elevated personal and brand authority within the startup ecosystem.
- Premium pass granting access to all breakout sessions, roundtables, and exclusive networking.
- Feature in TechCrunch.com articles and promotion across TechCrunch social channels.
- Opportunity to influence the next generation of founders.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Focus on a single, actionable insight rather than a broad overview.
- Frame the topic as a problem‑solution narrative that resonates with founders at growth stage.
- Show measurable results (e.g., “grew ARR 3x in 12 months”).
- Keep the tone conversational—remember the session is dialogue‑first.
Important Dates
- Speaker applications close: mid‑May 2026 (exact date on the event page).
- Event date: June 23, 2026 in Boston, MA.
- Early‑bird ticket discount: up to $300 off or 30% off for groups of four or more.