Startup Battlefield 200: Apply by May 27 for $100K Prize
Founders building early-stage companies have less than three weeks remaining to submit their applications for the Startup Battlefield 200. The window for entries closes on May 27, marking the final stretch for startups seeking to compete for a $100,000 equity-free prize and significant industry visibility.
Criteria for selection
The competition is open to startups globally across all industries. While the program primarily targets pre-Series A companies, Series A startups may be considered on a case-by-case basis. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate a functional MVP and a clear product demo. The selection process prioritizes founders who exhibit strong vision, effective execution, and the potential to create significant market impact.
What finalists gain
Selected companies receive a range of resources designed to accelerate growth and secure venture capital interest. The benefits for the 200 selected startups include:
- Global exposure to the TechCrunch audience
- A complimentary exhibit table for the duration of the three-day event
- Four all-access passes to Disrupt
- A dedicated profile in the event application
- Opportunities for lead generation and access to press lists
- Participation in exclusive founder masterclasses
- Direct feedback from prominent venture capitalists
- The opportunity to pitch live on the Disrupt Stage
- Competition for $100,000 in equity-free funding
Historical context
The Startup Battlefield has served as a launchpad for numerous companies that have achieved major scaling success, including Dropbox, Discord, Fitbit, Trello, and Mint. Each year, thousands of startups apply for the 200 available spots. From that cohort, 20 finalists are chosen to pitch on the main stage, with one ultimately winning the competition.
