Startup Battlefield 200, TechCrunch's signature early-stage pitch competition, closes applications May 27. Founders have days left to secure one of 200 spots in the program.
The competition offers founders direct access to venture capital investors, global media exposure, and $100,000 in winnings. Participants also receive coverage across TechCrunch's platforms, reaching millions of readers and investors worldwide.
Battlefield 200 targets startups at the pre-Series A and early Series A stage. The program includes live pitch events, investor networking, and mentorship opportunities. For early-stage founders, the combination of capital, visibility, and investor introductions creates outsized value relative to application effort.
The May 27 deadline applies to both direct applications and nominations. Founders can submit themselves or be nominated by investors, accelerators, or peers. Self-selection bias typically favors founders with existing networks, so nominations help surface overlooked companies.
TechCrunch Disrupt, the parent conference, draws thousands of startup founders, investors, and corporate executives annually. Battlefield alumni have gone on to raise significant follow-on funding and achieve exits. The program serves as a launching pad for companies seeking rapid scale and investor validation.
For founders still deciding whether to apply, the time window shrinks daily. The application process typically requires a pitch deck, company description, and team background. Successful applicants get notified before the summer event season, giving winners time to prepare for demo day.