How to make a Top 20 Startup Battle – it’s what every company gets regardless

Any initiator who uses it The First Battle they want the same thing: Disrupt Main Stage. Six minutes to pitch and prove yourself, in front of Silicon Valley’s top investors. A dedicated TechCrunch article published when you give. A shot at the $100,000 free prize is the Disrupt Cup.

Here’s how to get there and why the opportunity starts well before the big stage.

What it takes to make a Top 20 Basic Battle

The Battle of the Top 20 represents the best from the Battle of the 200 Startups. Companies with ideas that have a different meaning, defining categories, and are able to generate significant profits in their industry or geography. Selection comes down to companies that are the most compelling, differentiated, and globally organized.

Your sales and launch videos are everything. It is the first form and plays a very important role in identifying companies that are ready for the Disrupt Stage. Show your ad in action. Be focused on what makes you different. Let your passion show on camera, not just your metrics.

Selected companies work closely with the TechCrunch team to prepare the pitch ahead of Disrupt. Each company has six minutes on the Disrupt Stage, followed by a live Q&A with top investors such as Aileen Lee (Cowboy Ventures), Kirsten Green (Forerunner), Navin Chaddha (Mayfield), Chris Farmer (SignalFire), Dayna Grayson (Construct Capital), Ann Miura-Ko (Floodgate), and Hans Capital.

Of the Top 20, five are chosen to return to the final day of Disrupt in front of a new panel of top judges. The winner receives $100,000 in prize money and the Disrupt Cup.

Check out the Top 20 from 2024 and 2025.

Wasn’t picked in the Top 20 in the first place? You are on a journey

The list is not complete until Disrupt happens. Every year, things change – startups leave, schedules move, and well-known companies from the 200 quickly rise during the program.

We keep the Top 20 confidential until the event starts and keep a list of companies that are ready to take part. This happens frequently.

And most importantly, being in the 200 is where the real luck starts. A stage is one minute. But the opportunities, exposure, and network you get as part of a team goes way beyond that.

What every Startup Battlefield 200 company gets

You don’t have to make 20 Winners in the Basic Battle to change your strategy.

Each selected company receives a full presentation fee at TechCrunch Disrupt; team certifications; access to a full-time program with world-class VCs, employees, and startups; preparation of dedicated pitch; and an invitation to the Startup Battlefield private party.

At Disrupt, all 200 companies are present. Whether you’re on the Disrupt Stage competing for a prize of $100,000 or more Showcase Stage for Best in Industryboth are real opportunities to get in front of the investors, media, and partners who come to Disrupt to discover what’s coming.

On the writing side, every company joins the TechCrunch ecosystem. Coverage is not guaranteed, but our editors follow Startup Battlefield companies through articles, and Build Mode podcastand Equity podcastand future updates as you grow. Famous companies are often invited to pitch, speak, and give feedback on TechCrunch platforms. It’s an opportunity that compounds over time.

What’s more, you join Startup Battlefield’s alumni community, which includes 1,700+ companies, such as Dropbox, Discord, and Cloudflare, that have collectively raised $32 billion and created 250+ startups. This is not a mailing list – it’s a group of founders who have experienced the same thing and continue to support each other.

Alumni receive ongoing opportunities to speak and speak at TechCrunch events, discounted and exciting access to future events, and exclusive benefits from our network of partners.

A stage is one minute. Network, interface, and access are the finishing touches.

You get paid just for applying to Startup Battlefield

Even if you are not selected, the application has its advantages. Employers receive a special discount on Disrupt tickets and show opportunities, along with support from our partners, to stay close to nature and come back stronger in the next cycle.

If you are on the fence about whether you are ready, use it. It’s free, it doesn’t take anything off the table, and it’s our job to tell you when it’s not the right time. Founders who wait until they are ready often end up waiting too long.

While you are preparing, check Build ModeTechCrunch’s podcast for early-stage startups featuring past Startup Battlefield companies, startup founders, and top investors. Get an inside look at what it takes to create a Battle Ready company.

(Listen to Build Mode →)

Applications are closed May 27, 2026. TechCrunch hack It takes place on October 13-15 in San Francisco.

Sign up for the 2026 Startup Battle if you think you have what it takes to make the Top 20.