With TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 just around the corner, we’re gearing up Moscone West for over 200 essential sessions — featuring breakout discussions led by top figures from the tech and startup world. These breakouts are designed for practical learning and actionable insights. Arrive early to secure your seat and connect directly with founders, operators, and investors shaping the future.
Don’t let these savings slip by—join the breakouts! Sign up today to save as much as $444 on your ticket, and enjoy 60% off a second pass before prices rise when the event begins on October 27.
The full Disrupt 2025 breakout session schedule
Uncovering Hidden Potential in Business Workflows
Umair Javed , CEO, tkxel ; Marcus Torres , CPO, Quickbase ; and Umair Bashir , fractional CTO, Signal
Major growth opportunities are often hidden within routine operations. Discover how to identify and transform overlooked workflow challenges into indispensable software that delivers strong ROI and rapid returns. Ideal for founders seeking entry points in established industries.
From Vibes to Velocity: Leveraging AI Tools to Reach Your Development Targets
Tim Rogers , staff product manager, GitHub Copilot
Move past simple demos and put AI to work in your software development lifecycle. We’ll explore proven methods for using agents and copilots to cut down on repetitive work, accelerate code reviews, and keep teams moving—while maintaining high standards for code quality and security.
Build First, Fund Later: A Founder’s Roadmap to Bootstrapping Breakout Startups
Tarun Raisoni , co-founder and CEO, Gruve
Efficiency with capital is a game-changer. Discover practical strategies for identifying your initial ideal customer profile, landing key clients, and fueling early growth through revenue—so you can fundraise on your own terms.
How to Get Acquired in Tech (Without Compromising): M&A Insights for Founders and Builders
Aklil Ibssa , head of corporate dev and M&A, Coinbase ; and Yonas Beshawred , co-founder and CEO, StarSling
Get an insider’s perspective on preparing for acquisition, outreach, and deal execution—from presenting your financials to planning integration—so your company achieves top results without losing its core mission.
Fundraising Pitfalls That Can Derail Your Round (and How to Prevent Them)
Kamila Khasanova , founder and CEO, On Top Strategy ; Sam Li , co-founder and CEO, Thoropass ; Ashley Paston , partner, General Catalyst ; and Dr. Richard Munassi , Managing Director, Tampa Bay Wave
Four experts—from communications, founding, VC, and accelerator backgrounds—break down the mistakes that can kill a deal (unclear messaging, wrong metrics, poor targeting) and the habits that lead to successful fundraising.
Fundraising Process Workshop with TC editor turned VC Josh Constine
Josh Constine , venture partner, SignalFire
A hands-on session dissecting your fundraising process: narrative structure, key evidence, data room setup, and outreach strategy—straight from a former TC editor who’s reviewed thousands of pitches.
AI at the Brink: A Strategic Guide for National Security
Daniel Hendrycks , executive director, Center for AI Safety
Where advanced AI risks meet real-world consequences. Get actionable frameworks for assessing, stress-testing, and governing high-stakes systems when failure isn’t an option.
Startup Lessons You Won’t Find in a Playbook
Santi Subotovsky , general partner, Emergence Capital ; and Melissa Wong , co-founder and CEO, Zipline
Candid insights from scaling both enterprise software and consumer operations. Expect honest advice on executive hiring, managing slow sales cycles, and surviving when plans go off track.
Agentic AI for Startups: Automate, Adapt, and Accelerate Growth
Anmol Rastogi , head of product management, AI & ML – Amazon Business ; and Anjali Mann , technical program manager, Microsoft
Discover where AI agents excel (and where they fall short). Learn how to implement agents in operations, support, and sales while ensuring humans remain involved for quality assurance.
Leading for Impact: Engineering at the speed of AI
Eno Reyes , CTO, Factory ; and Andrew Berman , CEO, Runlayer ; Suraj Patel , vp ventures and corporate development, MongoDB , Dima Dzhulgakov , co-founder, Fireworks AI
See how engineering founders are redefining leadership, driving product-led growth, and developing the skills needed to guide their startups toward lasting success, with insights from Factory, Fireworks, and Runlayer leaders.
Image Credits:Slava Blazer PhotographyTransforming Healthcare Workflows with AI
Zubair Ahsan , co-founder and CEO, Max AI; Kanyi Maqubela , managing partner, Kindred Ventures ; and Varun Krishnamurthy , co-founder and CEO, Assured Health
This session explores how healthcare organizations are reimagining workflows after the adoption of AI documentation and the end of manual scribes, revolutionizing intake, billing, credentialing, and patient care.
Inside the Family Office Playbook: How the Wealthiest Invest in Startups and Venture Funds
Mariane Bekker , managing partner, Founders Bay ; Amanda Daniels , founder, vice president, and investor, 5840 Holdings ; Brett Horton , chief investment officer, Paris-Roubaix Group; and Daniel Idzkowski , CIO, I.D.I.T. Family Office
A look inside family office mandates, due diligence, and investment pacing—so founders and new managers know how and when to approach this expanding source of capital.
CVC: What Sets Them Apart? What’s Their Unique Advantage?
Nicolas Sauvage , president, TDK Ventures
TDK Ventures president Nicolas Sauvage breaks down the modern CVC landscape, showing how to spot the top 20% that deliver both strategic and financial benefits, move quickly, and help founders succeed.
Startups, Stories, and the Battle for Attention
Jenna Birch , founder, SISU ; Allie Cefalo , partner, marketing, Kleiner Perkins ; and Chantelle Darby , founder, Darby PR
Stand out from the crowd using earned, owned, and partner channels. Learn to craft a story that grows across PR, social media, and community without wasting resources.
Embracing AI for a Better Digital Future
Meghana Dhar , tech advisor and investor; and Matt Madrigal , CTO, Pinterest
Realistic strategies for implementing AI that users truly appreciate: tracking results, ensuring safety, and understanding how AI transforms every aspect—from discovery to commerce.
Being Heard in the Age of AI
Qianwen Chen , CEO, EchoHer ; Fay Kallel , chief product and design officer, Headspace ; and Chenxi Wang , general partner, Rain Capital
In a world flooded with AI-generated content, how can brands, creators, and products maintain a human touch? Learn strategies for building trust, standing out, and achieving measurable impact.
Powering AI: The Race to Scale Gigawatts of New Energy
Mike Schroepfer , founder and partner, Gigascale Capital ; and Garth Sheldon-Coulson , co-founder and CEO, Panthalassa
This discussion will highlight how the largest new energy platforms can support AI and share insights on scaling clean technology from research to commercialization.
AI & Agents: Transforming How We Build, Live & Connect
Patrick Murphy , co-founder and CEO, Maket ; Alyx van der Vorm , founder and CEO, Clyx ; and Jeremiah Owyang , general partner, Blitzscaling Ventures , and Thomas Foley , revenue leader, Composio
Explore real-world applications of agents in building tools, real estate, and social platforms—plus the infrastructure and product choices that turn innovation into everyday solutions.
Discovery to Disruption: Turning Research into Venture-Backable Companies
Pratik Nimbalkar , CEO, Plaid Semiconductors ; Jared O , co-founder and CEO, SirenOpt ; Chon Tang , managing partner, Berkeley SkyDeck Fund ; Asad Tirmizi , CEO, T-robotics
A practical guide to translating research into startups: validating markets, securing non-dilutive funding, and structuring milestones so deep tech can attract VC support without losing its scientific edge.
SOSV: The Future of Deep Tech (Beyond AI)
Westley Dang , principal, Philipp Sander , investment analyst, Po Bronson , general partner, and Sierra Brooks , senior scientist and analyst, SOSV
IndieBioSF investors share how deep-tech founders can turn groundbreaking science into scalable, impactful companies in biomanufacturing, materials, energy, and healthcare.
Secure your spot before rooms fill up and prices rise at the door
Step into the sessions where startups advance. Disrupt’s exclusive breakout sessions are open to all passholders on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your place now, save up to $444 before prices go up on October 27, and grab 60% off a second pass while the offer lasts. Register today.
