When it comes to smartphones, it’s the expensive ones that get the most media coverage, like the recent OPPO Find X9. But, in a developing economy like India, the truth is that most people would never buy an expensive phone. Instead, budget devices are the ones that could make the most difference, giving first-time buyers the ability to surf the internet, watch educational content, and unlock a whole world of possibilities. OPPO has been making pretty decent budget phones for some time, and it’s just launched a new one, the A6x, which starts at INR 12,499. For the price, it comes with a Dimensity 6300 processor, a massive 6,500 mAh battery, and a 120Hz display.
OPPO sent over their A6x for me to test, and this review will culminate my experience with the device over the last two weeks, highlight its pros and cons, and help you make a wise buying decision.
OPPO A6x Review
Summary
At INR 12,499, the OPPO A6x gets a lot of things right. You get a stylish design that looks premium, a display that runs on 120Hz and is super bright, a battery life that’ll last multiple days, and performance that’s consistently smooth even with multiple apps running simultaneously. All this makes the A6x a well-rounded budget smartphone. If you’re looking for a smartphone in this segment, it’s worth considering.
Design & Hardware
It’s no secret that OPPO has been making pretty phones for a while, and I can say the same about its budget lineup as well. The A6x comes in two finishes: a sophisticated regular Olive Green and the one I received, the Icy Blue. Honestly, the blue is the way to go here simply because it makes a statement. OPPO has made some really pretty feather patterns on the back that catch the light at different angles, making the phone look ever so premium than it actually is. The finish is matte, so you don’t have to worry about smudging it with fingerprints, and also doesn’t slide off every slanting surface, thankfully.
The sides are plastic, as we all expected, and it’s not a bad thing. They match the blue accents and are flat, which is a new trend that I love to see. The ergonomics are decent, with the phone being fairly manageable with one hand. One thing I really love to see is the inclusion of a headphone jack, since not everyone shopping in this segment may have access to the latest wireless earbuds. The camera bump is pretty nifty and doesn’t make the phone wobble much on the table.
Beyond that, the fingerprint scanner is integrated right into the power button, and it works really well and fast. There’s an IP64 dust and splash resistance rating as well, which can help protect against accidents. As always, I’d like to remind all the ladies and gentlemen that they should never bring their phones near water, as water damage is not covered under warranty.
Display
The OPPO A6x features a 6.75-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Yes, there are some thick bezels surrounding the panel, but at this price, it’s more than adequate. It gets the job done when it comes to playing YouTube content, mindlessly scrolling reels, or reading books. In fact, the brightness was one of the surprising factors, as the panel can get up to 1,125 nits. It made texts legible even in direct sunlight and was a really nice addition.
I also had a decent time watching some Apple TV content on the device, with good color reproduction and skin tones. Honestly, if you haven’t been using the latest flagship phones, the A6x’s panel wouldn’t feel out of place.
Performance & Software
Under the hood, the OPPO A6x houses MediaTek’s Dimensity 6300 processor, featuring 2 Cortex-A76 cores running at 2400 MHz and 6 Cortex-A55 cores at 2000 MHz, along with the Mali-G57 MP2. My review unit came with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 64GB of UFS 2.2 storage. It is important to mention that 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variants are available as well.
Keeping the specs out of the way, the A6x’s everyday performance is actually really good. ColorOS has been my favourite Android skin for quite some time, and it, coupled with the 120Hz refresh rate, makes the A6x snappy. Light and even heavier apps like the camera open quickly with no delay, switching between tasks is smooth, and the RAM is enough to keep multiple tasks running at the same time. Animations are also really pretty, which makes the experience feel much more premium. That said, there are some pre-installed apps, but all can be uninstalled in just a few minutes.
To push the Dimensity 6300 to the limits, I also ran a series of benchmarks. The results? Not bad at all. The A6x scored 7,78 in Geekbench’s single-core and 1,931 in the multi-core test. In AnTuTu, the phone achieved 688,325 points. Moving on to gaming, I installed BGMI and played it at Smooth and Extreme settings. Overall, the experience for the price was really good. There were no dropped frames even in intense situations.
Battery Life
If there’s one thing I love about the A6x, it’s the battery life. OPPO has nailed it out of the park with an eye-watering 6,500 mAh cell. For context, when I used the phone extensively to capture camera samples, played a couple of hours of BGMI, and mindlessly scrolled reels, I ended the day with 30% battery remaining. For the average consumer, this battery should easily last 2 days. When you do run out of juice, there’s support for 45W SUPERVOOC charging, which takes the phone from 20% to 80% in just under an hour. You can also charge other phones using a cable.
Cameras
The OPPO A6x features a dual-camera setup, with a 13MP f/2.2 sensor on the back and a 5MP selfie shooter on the front. Despite the price, the A6x’s camera performance is decent. The camera, at least in daylight, produces pleasing images with ample details, accurate colors, and good-enough HDR. In low light, the story is a bit different as images appear soft and grainy.
Portrait mode was decent in ample lighting with accurate colors and a nice shallow depth of field. However, it all went downhill in low light, with images lacking crispness. That said, for the price, the experience is really good, and nobody should have any problems. Videos are capped at 1080p@60fps. The results? Pretty decent if you give enough daylight, and the stabilization is okayish as well. Regarding the selfie camera, the photo quality was once again serviceable in daylight. And as expected, the quality dropped significantly at night, with muddy colors and a lack of sharpness.
Verdict
At INR 12,499, the OPPO A6x gets a lot of things right. You get a stylish design that looks premium, a display that runs on 120Hz and is super bright, a battery life that’ll last multiple days, and performance that’s consistently smooth even with multiple apps running simultaneously. All this makes the A6x a well-rounded budget smartphone. If you’re looking for a smartphone in this segment, it’s worth considering.
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#OPPO #A6x #Review #Nails #Basics #Budget
![The founder’s guide to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Everything you need to know | TechCrunch
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is built around one question: How do you build an enduring company in the AI era? Our programming and speaker lineup reflect that, based on the feedback we’ve gotten from the community and the reality on the ground.
Last year at Disrupt, we spoke with founders about their experiences and discovered the results of their attendance firsthand. One founder saw a 3x oversubscription rate after their confirmation for Startup Battlefield and more than 100 investor inbounds helping fuel conversations about a future fundraising round. Another founder had nearly 30 back-to-back conversations with investors who flocked to them after a pitch onstage and followed them to their booth.
That’s not the exception at Disrupt — that’s the point. And those opportunities aren’t just available for Battlefield finalists. Every conversation in the Expo Hall or in a Side Event can create an opportunity for your startup. For years, whether it’s been held in New York, San Francisco, or elsewhere, Disrupt has brought together thousands of founders, investors, startup team members, and tech leaders.
We’re keeping that mission alive at SF’s Moscone West, this October 13-15 with a packed lineup of speakers, more than 200 expert sessions, a wealth of organized and serendipitous networking opportunities, and most of all, the chance to be in the same room as the person who could change your nascent idea for a company or your current startup’s trajectory.
This guide is for the founders out there who are just learning about Disrupt, who need a refresher, or are skeptical of whether it’s worth it. TechCrunch has been around for more than 20 years; we can take it.
Image Credits:TechCrunch / Slava Blazer Photography
The reality of what makes Disrupt, Disrupt
If you’re asking Claude or ChatGPT if TechCrunch Disrupt is worth it, you’re not alone. The reality is that Disrupt is a unique event, and it’s happening at a unique time for the startup community.
This year’s Disrupt isn’t about predicting the future of AI; it’s about building companies in it. Across six editorially curated stages, founders will hear practical lessons from the CEOs, investors, engineers, and operators shaping the next decade of technology.
Whether you’re raising your first round, scaling your team, or deciding how AI changes your product, every session is designed to answer one question: “What can I take back to my company on Monday morning?”
The founders Disrupt empowers
Disrupt works a bit differently, depending on where you are in your founding journey, with different tracks you can follow to make the most of the three days:
Pre-seed and idea stages
You’re here to pressure-test your thesis, meet your first angel or pre-seed investors, and figure out who else is building in your space. Prioritize the Builders Stage, the Startup Battlefield semifinalist pitches, and the Expo Hall, along with roundtables tied to your industry and conversations you’ll want to learn more from.
Early revenue or actively raising
You’re here for capital and validation above all else, and your time is valuable. Prioritize our investor-matchmaking tools and the connections that come with your Founder Pass, including the networking tools in our app. You also get access to the Deal Flow Café, where we foster one-on-one conversations between founders and investors.
And when your schedule isn’t packed with dealmaking, learn from VC perspectives and fundraising-focused sessions at the Builders Stage.
Scaling, hiring, in search of partnerships
You’re here in search of talent, strategic partners, and market visibility. Those same networking tools and opportunities can help you meet potential hires and partners and deepen those connections or make new ones. Disrupt’s Side Events aren’t to be missed — there’s one for every industry, interest, or post-event vibe you could be looking to find.
Startup Battlefield: The most iconic pitch competition
The Startup Battlefield winner’s reveal packs the Disrupt stage and is each year’s capstone event. But it’s the lead-up to that 0,000 check and the deluge of attention the winner receives that’s the most valuable for founders attending Disrupt.
The 200 startups chosen on August 20 to compete go through a rigorous prep process and get the opportunity to pitch onstage in front of top-tier VCs and the Disrupt crowds. You’ll also get to watch those pitches, take notes, learn from the peaks and valleys, and potentially meet the teams behind the ideas and innovations. It could be in a follow-up meeting or just walking through the halls of Moscone.
And if that all leaves you inspired, here’s an insider tip: Most Battlefield participants, and several winners, have gone through the process multiple times. We’re no longer taking applications for 2026’s competition, but we’re expanding the program to more international markets, and the 2027 process will be similar to this year’s, so take note for the future!
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49QN3jIThz0[/embed]
The founder-focused programming
Disrupt 2026 spans several stages, each built around a different founder need:
Disrupt Stage: The biggest conversations in technology, featuring the founders, CEOs, and industry leaders defining what’s next. These are the conversations you’ll be talking about long after Disrupt ends.
Builders Stage: The tactical playbook for building a startup. From fundraising and hiring to GTM, product, and scaling, every session is designed to give founders practical advice they can put to work immediately.
AI Stage: AI isn’t the future — it’s the present. Learn how the fastest-growing startups are building, deploying, and monetizing AI, with practical lessons on agents, models, infrastructure, and what it takes to win in the AI era.
Real World AI Stage: AI is moving beyond the screen and into the physical world. Explore how robotics, autonomous systems, manufacturing, healthcare, and defense are turning AI breakthroughs into real-world products and businesses.
Smart Money Stage: Follow the money. From fintech and stablecoins to payments, embedded finance, and AI-driven financial services, this stage explores how technology is reshaping the movement of capital.
Smart Systems Stage: Every AI breakthrough depends on the infrastructure behind it. Discover the innovations in chips, compute, energy, networking, and data centers that will determine the next generation of technology companies.
Image Credits:TechCrunch / Slava Blazer Photography
Conversations you can only get at Disrupt
RJ Scaringe (Rivian): Building a generational company.
Panos Panay (Amazon): Designing products people love.
Paolo Ardoino (Tether): Money, AI, and infrastructure.
Toni Schneider and Rose Wang (Bluesky): Can social start over?
Amjad Masad (Replit): Every founder becomes technical.
Andrew Feldman (Cerebras): Winning the AI compute race.
And that’s just the beginning — we’ll have more speakers to announce as we get closer to Disrupt. Check out the full lineup of speakers across all stages and events here.
How to get the most bang for your buck at Disrupt
Disrupt’s prices increase as we get closer to the event, and founder tickets are currently 0 off their final price until August 21. But if you make the call to attend Disrupt before 11:59 p.m. PT August 7 via this link, you’ll save an additional 0!
If you want to bring a co-founder, you can get a 10% discount on that second ticket. For larger teams, we have additional per-ticket discounts available.
San Francisco might be the hotbed of the startup community and an AI epicenter, but we all know it’s caused prices to spike in the Bay. We’ve partnered with some excellent nearby hotel options to keep accommodation costs as low as possible. Check out our four partner hotels right here.
Your time at Disrupt is valuable, too, so before you head there, check on our regularly updated schedule of speakers and Side Events, get ahead of competitors’ schedules by booking your networking opportunities in advance, and get your own elevator pitches in order to make the most of those magical Disrupt moments that can come at any point October 13-15!
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.#founders #guide #TechCrunch #Disrupt #TechCrunchTechCrunch Disrupt](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/54885180072_e211a254ca_k.jpg?w=680 "The founder’s guide to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Everything you need to know | TechCrunch
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is built around one question: How do you build an enduring company in the AI era? Our programming and speaker lineup reflect that, based on the feedback we’ve gotten from the community and the reality on the ground.
Last year at Disrupt, we spoke with founders about their experiences and discovered the results of their attendance firsthand. One founder saw a 3x oversubscription rate after their confirmation for Startup Battlefield and more than 100 investor inbounds helping fuel conversations about a future fundraising round. Another founder had nearly 30 back-to-back conversations with investors who flocked to them after a pitch onstage and followed them to their booth.
That’s not the exception at Disrupt — that’s the point. And those opportunities aren’t just available for Battlefield finalists. Every conversation in the Expo Hall or in a Side Event can create an opportunity for your startup. For years, whether it’s been held in New York, San Francisco, or elsewhere, Disrupt has brought together thousands of founders, investors, startup team members, and tech leaders.
We’re keeping that mission alive at SF’s Moscone West, this October 13-15 with a packed lineup of speakers, more than 200 expert sessions, a wealth of organized and serendipitous networking opportunities, and most of all, the chance to be in the same room as the person who could change your nascent idea for a company or your current startup’s trajectory.
This guide is for the founders out there who are just learning about Disrupt, who need a refresher, or are skeptical of whether it’s worth it. TechCrunch has been around for more than 20 years; we can take it.
Image Credits:TechCrunch / Slava Blazer Photography
The reality of what makes Disrupt, Disrupt
If you’re asking Claude or ChatGPT if TechCrunch Disrupt is worth it, you’re not alone. The reality is that Disrupt is a unique event, and it’s happening at a unique time for the startup community.
This year’s Disrupt isn’t about predicting the future of AI; it’s about building companies in it. Across six editorially curated stages, founders will hear practical lessons from the CEOs, investors, engineers, and operators shaping the next decade of technology.
Whether you’re raising your first round, scaling your team, or deciding how AI changes your product, every session is designed to answer one question: “What can I take back to my company on Monday morning?”
The founders Disrupt empowers
Disrupt works a bit differently, depending on where you are in your founding journey, with different tracks you can follow to make the most of the three days:
Pre-seed and idea stages
You’re here to pressure-test your thesis, meet your first angel or pre-seed investors, and figure out who else is building in your space. Prioritize the Builders Stage, the Startup Battlefield semifinalist pitches, and the Expo Hall, along with roundtables tied to your industry and conversations you’ll want to learn more from.
Early revenue or actively raising
You’re here for capital and validation above all else, and your time is valuable. Prioritize our investor-matchmaking tools and the connections that come with your Founder Pass, including the networking tools in our app. You also get access to the Deal Flow Café, where we foster one-on-one conversations between founders and investors.
And when your schedule isn’t packed with dealmaking, learn from VC perspectives and fundraising-focused sessions at the Builders Stage.
Scaling, hiring, in search of partnerships
You’re here in search of talent, strategic partners, and market visibility. Those same networking tools and opportunities can help you meet potential hires and partners and deepen those connections or make new ones. Disrupt’s Side Events aren’t to be missed — there’s one for every industry, interest, or post-event vibe you could be looking to find.
Startup Battlefield: The most iconic pitch competition
The Startup Battlefield winner’s reveal packs the Disrupt stage and is each year’s capstone event. But it’s the lead-up to that 0,000 check and the deluge of attention the winner receives that’s the most valuable for founders attending Disrupt.
The 200 startups chosen on August 20 to compete go through a rigorous prep process and get the opportunity to pitch onstage in front of top-tier VCs and the Disrupt crowds. You’ll also get to watch those pitches, take notes, learn from the peaks and valleys, and potentially meet the teams behind the ideas and innovations. It could be in a follow-up meeting or just walking through the halls of Moscone.
And if that all leaves you inspired, here’s an insider tip: Most Battlefield participants, and several winners, have gone through the process multiple times. We’re no longer taking applications for 2026’s competition, but we’re expanding the program to more international markets, and the 2027 process will be similar to this year’s, so take note for the future!
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49QN3jIThz0[/embed]
The founder-focused programming
Disrupt 2026 spans several stages, each built around a different founder need:
Disrupt Stage: The biggest conversations in technology, featuring the founders, CEOs, and industry leaders defining what’s next. These are the conversations you’ll be talking about long after Disrupt ends.
Builders Stage: The tactical playbook for building a startup. From fundraising and hiring to GTM, product, and scaling, every session is designed to give founders practical advice they can put to work immediately.
AI Stage: AI isn’t the future — it’s the present. Learn how the fastest-growing startups are building, deploying, and monetizing AI, with practical lessons on agents, models, infrastructure, and what it takes to win in the AI era.
Real World AI Stage: AI is moving beyond the screen and into the physical world. Explore how robotics, autonomous systems, manufacturing, healthcare, and defense are turning AI breakthroughs into real-world products and businesses.
Smart Money Stage: Follow the money. From fintech and stablecoins to payments, embedded finance, and AI-driven financial services, this stage explores how technology is reshaping the movement of capital.
Smart Systems Stage: Every AI breakthrough depends on the infrastructure behind it. Discover the innovations in chips, compute, energy, networking, and data centers that will determine the next generation of technology companies.
Image Credits:TechCrunch / Slava Blazer Photography
Conversations you can only get at Disrupt
RJ Scaringe (Rivian): Building a generational company.
Panos Panay (Amazon): Designing products people love.
Paolo Ardoino (Tether): Money, AI, and infrastructure.
Toni Schneider and Rose Wang (Bluesky): Can social start over?
Amjad Masad (Replit): Every founder becomes technical.
Andrew Feldman (Cerebras): Winning the AI compute race.
And that’s just the beginning — we’ll have more speakers to announce as we get closer to Disrupt. Check out the full lineup of speakers across all stages and events here.
How to get the most bang for your buck at Disrupt
Disrupt’s prices increase as we get closer to the event, and founder tickets are currently 0 off their final price until August 21. But if you make the call to attend Disrupt before 11:59 p.m. PT August 7 via this link, you’ll save an additional 0!
If you want to bring a co-founder, you can get a 10% discount on that second ticket. For larger teams, we have additional per-ticket discounts available.
San Francisco might be the hotbed of the startup community and an AI epicenter, but we all know it’s caused prices to spike in the Bay. We’ve partnered with some excellent nearby hotel options to keep accommodation costs as low as possible. Check out our four partner hotels right here.
Your time at Disrupt is valuable, too, so before you head there, check on our regularly updated schedule of speakers and Side Events, get ahead of competitors’ schedules by booking your networking opportunities in advance, and get your own elevator pitches in order to make the most of those magical Disrupt moments that can come at any point October 13-15!
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.#founders #guide #TechCrunch #Disrupt #TechCrunchTechCrunch Disrupt")
![The founder’s guide to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Everything you need to know | TechCrunch
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is built around one question: How do you build an enduring company in the AI era? Our programming and speaker lineup reflect that, based on the feedback we’ve gotten from the community and the reality on the ground.
Last year at Disrupt, we spoke with founders about their experiences and discovered the results of their attendance firsthand. One founder saw a 3x oversubscription rate after their confirmation for Startup Battlefield and more than 100 investor inbounds helping fuel conversations about a future fundraising round. Another founder had nearly 30 back-to-back conversations with investors who flocked to them after a pitch onstage and followed them to their booth.
That’s not the exception at Disrupt — that’s the point. And those opportunities aren’t just available for Battlefield finalists. Every conversation in the Expo Hall or in a Side Event can create an opportunity for your startup. For years, whether it’s been held in New York, San Francisco, or elsewhere, Disrupt has brought together thousands of founders, investors, startup team members, and tech leaders.
We’re keeping that mission alive at SF’s Moscone West, this October 13-15 with a packed lineup of speakers, more than 200 expert sessions, a wealth of organized and serendipitous networking opportunities, and most of all, the chance to be in the same room as the person who could change your nascent idea for a company or your current startup’s trajectory.
This guide is for the founders out there who are just learning about Disrupt, who need a refresher, or are skeptical of whether it’s worth it. TechCrunch has been around for more than 20 years; we can take it.
Image Credits:TechCrunch / Slava Blazer Photography
The reality of what makes Disrupt, Disrupt
If you’re asking Claude or ChatGPT if TechCrunch Disrupt is worth it, you’re not alone. The reality is that Disrupt is a unique event, and it’s happening at a unique time for the startup community.
This year’s Disrupt isn’t about predicting the future of AI; it’s about building companies in it. Across six editorially curated stages, founders will hear practical lessons from the CEOs, investors, engineers, and operators shaping the next decade of technology.
Whether you’re raising your first round, scaling your team, or deciding how AI changes your product, every session is designed to answer one question: “What can I take back to my company on Monday morning?”
The founders Disrupt empowers
Disrupt works a bit differently, depending on where you are in your founding journey, with different tracks you can follow to make the most of the three days:
Pre-seed and idea stages
You’re here to pressure-test your thesis, meet your first angel or pre-seed investors, and figure out who else is building in your space. Prioritize the Builders Stage, the Startup Battlefield semifinalist pitches, and the Expo Hall, along with roundtables tied to your industry and conversations you’ll want to learn more from.
Early revenue or actively raising
You’re here for capital and validation above all else, and your time is valuable. Prioritize our investor-matchmaking tools and the connections that come with your Founder Pass, including the networking tools in our app. You also get access to the Deal Flow Café, where we foster one-on-one conversations between founders and investors.
And when your schedule isn’t packed with dealmaking, learn from VC perspectives and fundraising-focused sessions at the Builders Stage.
Scaling, hiring, in search of partnerships
You’re here in search of talent, strategic partners, and market visibility. Those same networking tools and opportunities can help you meet potential hires and partners and deepen those connections or make new ones. Disrupt’s Side Events aren’t to be missed — there’s one for every industry, interest, or post-event vibe you could be looking to find.
Startup Battlefield: The most iconic pitch competition
The Startup Battlefield winner’s reveal packs the Disrupt stage and is each year’s capstone event. But it’s the lead-up to that 0,000 check and the deluge of attention the winner receives that’s the most valuable for founders attending Disrupt.
The 200 startups chosen on August 20 to compete go through a rigorous prep process and get the opportunity to pitch onstage in front of top-tier VCs and the Disrupt crowds. You’ll also get to watch those pitches, take notes, learn from the peaks and valleys, and potentially meet the teams behind the ideas and innovations. It could be in a follow-up meeting or just walking through the halls of Moscone.
And if that all leaves you inspired, here’s an insider tip: Most Battlefield participants, and several winners, have gone through the process multiple times. We’re no longer taking applications for 2026’s competition, but we’re expanding the program to more international markets, and the 2027 process will be similar to this year’s, so take note for the future!
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49QN3jIThz0[/embed]
The founder-focused programming
Disrupt 2026 spans several stages, each built around a different founder need:
Disrupt Stage: The biggest conversations in technology, featuring the founders, CEOs, and industry leaders defining what’s next. These are the conversations you’ll be talking about long after Disrupt ends.
Builders Stage: The tactical playbook for building a startup. From fundraising and hiring to GTM, product, and scaling, every session is designed to give founders practical advice they can put to work immediately.
AI Stage: AI isn’t the future — it’s the present. Learn how the fastest-growing startups are building, deploying, and monetizing AI, with practical lessons on agents, models, infrastructure, and what it takes to win in the AI era.
Real World AI Stage: AI is moving beyond the screen and into the physical world. Explore how robotics, autonomous systems, manufacturing, healthcare, and defense are turning AI breakthroughs into real-world products and businesses.
Smart Money Stage: Follow the money. From fintech and stablecoins to payments, embedded finance, and AI-driven financial services, this stage explores how technology is reshaping the movement of capital.
Smart Systems Stage: Every AI breakthrough depends on the infrastructure behind it. Discover the innovations in chips, compute, energy, networking, and data centers that will determine the next generation of technology companies.
Image Credits:TechCrunch / Slava Blazer Photography
Conversations you can only get at Disrupt
RJ Scaringe (Rivian): Building a generational company.
Panos Panay (Amazon): Designing products people love.
Paolo Ardoino (Tether): Money, AI, and infrastructure.
Toni Schneider and Rose Wang (Bluesky): Can social start over?
Amjad Masad (Replit): Every founder becomes technical.
Andrew Feldman (Cerebras): Winning the AI compute race.
And that’s just the beginning — we’ll have more speakers to announce as we get closer to Disrupt. Check out the full lineup of speakers across all stages and events here.
How to get the most bang for your buck at Disrupt
Disrupt’s prices increase as we get closer to the event, and founder tickets are currently 0 off their final price until August 21. But if you make the call to attend Disrupt before 11:59 p.m. PT August 7 via this link, you’ll save an additional 0!
If you want to bring a co-founder, you can get a 10% discount on that second ticket. For larger teams, we have additional per-ticket discounts available.
San Francisco might be the hotbed of the startup community and an AI epicenter, but we all know it’s caused prices to spike in the Bay. We’ve partnered with some excellent nearby hotel options to keep accommodation costs as low as possible. Check out our four partner hotels right here.
Your time at Disrupt is valuable, too, so before you head there, check on our regularly updated schedule of speakers and Side Events, get ahead of competitors’ schedules by booking your networking opportunities in advance, and get your own elevator pitches in order to make the most of those magical Disrupt moments that can come at any point October 13-15!
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.#founders #guide #TechCrunch #Disrupt #TechCrunchTechCrunch Disrupt](https://i2.wp.com/techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/54885180072_e211a254ca_k.jpg?w=680&ssl=1 "The founder’s guide to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Everything you need to know | TechCrunch
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is built around one question: How do you build an enduring company in the AI era? Our programming and speaker lineup reflect that, based on the feedback we’ve gotten from the community and the reality on the ground.
Last year at Disrupt, we spoke with founders about their experiences and discovered the results of their attendance firsthand. One founder saw a 3x oversubscription rate after their confirmation for Startup Battlefield and more than 100 investor inbounds helping fuel conversations about a future fundraising round. Another founder had nearly 30 back-to-back conversations with investors who flocked to them after a pitch onstage and followed them to their booth.
That’s not the exception at Disrupt — that’s the point. And those opportunities aren’t just available for Battlefield finalists. Every conversation in the Expo Hall or in a Side Event can create an opportunity for your startup. For years, whether it’s been held in New York, San Francisco, or elsewhere, Disrupt has brought together thousands of founders, investors, startup team members, and tech leaders.
We’re keeping that mission alive at SF’s Moscone West, this October 13-15 with a packed lineup of speakers, more than 200 expert sessions, a wealth of organized and serendipitous networking opportunities, and most of all, the chance to be in the same room as the person who could change your nascent idea for a company or your current startup’s trajectory.
This guide is for the founders out there who are just learning about Disrupt, who need a refresher, or are skeptical of whether it’s worth it. TechCrunch has been around for more than 20 years; we can take it.
Image Credits:TechCrunch / Slava Blazer Photography
The reality of what makes Disrupt, Disrupt
If you’re asking Claude or ChatGPT if TechCrunch Disrupt is worth it, you’re not alone. The reality is that Disrupt is a unique event, and it’s happening at a unique time for the startup community.
This year’s Disrupt isn’t about predicting the future of AI; it’s about building companies in it. Across six editorially curated stages, founders will hear practical lessons from the CEOs, investors, engineers, and operators shaping the next decade of technology.
Whether you’re raising your first round, scaling your team, or deciding how AI changes your product, every session is designed to answer one question: “What can I take back to my company on Monday morning?”
The founders Disrupt empowers
Disrupt works a bit differently, depending on where you are in your founding journey, with different tracks you can follow to make the most of the three days:
Pre-seed and idea stages
You’re here to pressure-test your thesis, meet your first angel or pre-seed investors, and figure out who else is building in your space. Prioritize the Builders Stage, the Startup Battlefield semifinalist pitches, and the Expo Hall, along with roundtables tied to your industry and conversations you’ll want to learn more from.
Early revenue or actively raising
You’re here for capital and validation above all else, and your time is valuable. Prioritize our investor-matchmaking tools and the connections that come with your Founder Pass, including the networking tools in our app. You also get access to the Deal Flow Café, where we foster one-on-one conversations between founders and investors.
And when your schedule isn’t packed with dealmaking, learn from VC perspectives and fundraising-focused sessions at the Builders Stage.
Scaling, hiring, in search of partnerships
You’re here in search of talent, strategic partners, and market visibility. Those same networking tools and opportunities can help you meet potential hires and partners and deepen those connections or make new ones. Disrupt’s Side Events aren’t to be missed — there’s one for every industry, interest, or post-event vibe you could be looking to find.
Startup Battlefield: The most iconic pitch competition
The Startup Battlefield winner’s reveal packs the Disrupt stage and is each year’s capstone event. But it’s the lead-up to that 0,000 check and the deluge of attention the winner receives that’s the most valuable for founders attending Disrupt.
The 200 startups chosen on August 20 to compete go through a rigorous prep process and get the opportunity to pitch onstage in front of top-tier VCs and the Disrupt crowds. You’ll also get to watch those pitches, take notes, learn from the peaks and valleys, and potentially meet the teams behind the ideas and innovations. It could be in a follow-up meeting or just walking through the halls of Moscone.
And if that all leaves you inspired, here’s an insider tip: Most Battlefield participants, and several winners, have gone through the process multiple times. We’re no longer taking applications for 2026’s competition, but we’re expanding the program to more international markets, and the 2027 process will be similar to this year’s, so take note for the future!
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49QN3jIThz0[/embed]
The founder-focused programming
Disrupt 2026 spans several stages, each built around a different founder need:
Disrupt Stage: The biggest conversations in technology, featuring the founders, CEOs, and industry leaders defining what’s next. These are the conversations you’ll be talking about long after Disrupt ends.
Builders Stage: The tactical playbook for building a startup. From fundraising and hiring to GTM, product, and scaling, every session is designed to give founders practical advice they can put to work immediately.
AI Stage: AI isn’t the future — it’s the present. Learn how the fastest-growing startups are building, deploying, and monetizing AI, with practical lessons on agents, models, infrastructure, and what it takes to win in the AI era.
Real World AI Stage: AI is moving beyond the screen and into the physical world. Explore how robotics, autonomous systems, manufacturing, healthcare, and defense are turning AI breakthroughs into real-world products and businesses.
Smart Money Stage: Follow the money. From fintech and stablecoins to payments, embedded finance, and AI-driven financial services, this stage explores how technology is reshaping the movement of capital.
Smart Systems Stage: Every AI breakthrough depends on the infrastructure behind it. Discover the innovations in chips, compute, energy, networking, and data centers that will determine the next generation of technology companies.
Image Credits:TechCrunch / Slava Blazer Photography
Conversations you can only get at Disrupt
RJ Scaringe (Rivian): Building a generational company.
Panos Panay (Amazon): Designing products people love.
Paolo Ardoino (Tether): Money, AI, and infrastructure.
Toni Schneider and Rose Wang (Bluesky): Can social start over?
Amjad Masad (Replit): Every founder becomes technical.
Andrew Feldman (Cerebras): Winning the AI compute race.
And that’s just the beginning — we’ll have more speakers to announce as we get closer to Disrupt. Check out the full lineup of speakers across all stages and events here.
How to get the most bang for your buck at Disrupt
Disrupt’s prices increase as we get closer to the event, and founder tickets are currently 0 off their final price until August 21. But if you make the call to attend Disrupt before 11:59 p.m. PT August 7 via this link, you’ll save an additional 0!
If you want to bring a co-founder, you can get a 10% discount on that second ticket. For larger teams, we have additional per-ticket discounts available.
San Francisco might be the hotbed of the startup community and an AI epicenter, but we all know it’s caused prices to spike in the Bay. We’ve partnered with some excellent nearby hotel options to keep accommodation costs as low as possible. Check out our four partner hotels right here.
Your time at Disrupt is valuable, too, so before you head there, check on our regularly updated schedule of speakers and Side Events, get ahead of competitors’ schedules by booking your networking opportunities in advance, and get your own elevator pitches in order to make the most of those magical Disrupt moments that can come at any point October 13-15!
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