TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is now accepting applications for its Exhibit Program, offering startups a direct path to investors and industry decision-makers without requiring a keynote slot. The conference runs October 13-15 at Moscone West in San Francisco.
For $12,500, exhibitors gain booth space on the Expo Hall floor where thousands of attendees circulate during the three-day event. The price point targets early-stage founders and growth-stage teams seeking cost-effective access to the venture ecosystem. Rather than competing for limited speaking slots, exhibitors can showcase products, conduct demos, and hold one-on-one meetings with potential backers and customers in a high-traffic environment.
TechCrunch Disrupt remains one of the startup world's flagship events, drawing prominent VCs, corporate partners, and media coverage. The Expo Hall functions as a networking hub where booth presence translates into deal flow. For startups unable to secure keynote opportunities or unwilling to pay premium sponsorship rates, exhibition offers a concrete alternative with built-in audience guarantees.
The program appeals particularly to hardware startups, B2B software companies, and deeptech ventures that benefit from live product demonstration. Exhibitors typically report qualified lead generation and partnership discussions emerging from floor conversations. The October timing also positions startups to capture investor attention before year-end funding decisions and Q1 2027 check-writing cycles.
Applications remain open, indicating TechCrunch hasn't yet filled all booth inventory. Early movers gain better floor positioning and visibility relative to later applications. For founders operating on bootstrap budgets or raising pre-seed rounds, the $12,500 investment represents a calculated bet on meeting multiple stakeholders in a single compressed venue rather than grinding through dozens of individual investor meetings.