TechCrunch Unveils 200 Startups for Highly Anticipated Startup Battlefield at Disrupt 2025

San Francisco – TechCrunch has officially revealed the 200 companies selected to compete for top honors at its prestigious Startup Battlefield, set to take place during TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. The announcement, made via the official TechCrunch Twitter account, invited the public to "Take a look below and see if you made the list, or know someone who did." These 200 early-stage startups represent a global cohort poised to showcase their innovations at the annual event in San Francisco.

The Startup Battlefield is a cornerstone of TechCrunch Disrupt, known for launching some of the tech world's most successful companies. Alumni include industry giants like Dropbox, Cloudflare, and Mint, with past participants collectively raising over $32 billion in funding and achieving more than 250 exits. This year's selection underscores TechCrunch's commitment to identifying and nurturing the next generation of groundbreaking ventures.

Selected from thousands of applications, the 200 companies are primarily pre-Series A startups with functional Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and limited prior global media exposure. Participants gain significant advantages, including a free three-day exhibit space at Disrupt, complimentary event passes, and curated exposure to investors and media. They also receive access to exclusive masterclasses and networking opportunities.

The competition culminates at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled for October 27-29 in San Francisco. From the initial 200, a select group of 20 finalists will be chosen to pitch live on the main stage to a panel of world-renowned venture capitalists. The ultimate winner will receive a $100,000 equity-free prize and the coveted Disrupt Cup.

This year's cohort reflects a diverse global landscape, with initiatives like the "Road to Battlefield" sending promising startups from Central Eurasia, including Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, to the San Francisco event. Additionally, 13 African startups, spanning sectors from AI-driven commerce to health diagnostics, have secured spots, highlighting the expanding reach and inclusivity of the competition. Esteemed venture capitalists such as Thomas Krane of Insight Partners, Charles Hudson of Precursor Ventures, and Katie Stanton of Moxxie Ventures are among the judges tasked with evaluating these innovative companies.