TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Key Breakout Sessions Revealed

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 has unveiled its comprehensive breakout session agenda, offering attendees a deep dive into the operational, financial, and technical challenges defining the current startup landscape. The program spans from the mechanics of AI integration to advanced fundraising tactics for founders.

AI Integration and Strategic Infrastructure

A significant portion of the agenda focuses on the practical application of artificial intelligence. Sessions include:

• From Vibes to Velocity: Tim Rogers of GitHub Copilot explores how AI agents can optimize the software development lifecycle without compromising security.
• Agentic AI for Startups: Amazon Business’s Anmol Rastogi and Microsoft’s Anjali Mann break down how to deploy agents in operations, sales, and support.
• Powering AI: Mike Schroepfer (Gigascale Capital) and Garth Sheldon-Coulson (Panthalassa) address the critical infrastructure challenge of scaling energy for compute-heavy AI systems.
• AI at the Brink: Daniel Hendrycks from the Center for AI Safety discusses risk management and governance for frontier models.

Fundraising and Financial Growth

For entrepreneurs navigating capital markets, the event features tactical workshops on securing funding and managing exits:

• Fundraising Mistakes: A multi-perspective panel featuring Kamila Khasanova (On Top Strategy), Sam Li (Thoropass), Ashley Paston (General Catalyst), and Dr. Richard Munassi (Tampa Bay Wave) analyzes common deal-killers.
• Workshops: Former TechCrunch editor and current SignalFire venture partner Josh Constine will conduct a hands-on session on pitch refinement and data room preparation.
• M&A Insights: Aklil Ibssa (Coinbase) and Yonas Beshawred (StarSling) provide a roadmap for founders looking to navigate acquisition processes while maintaining their mission.
• Alternative Capital: Experts from Founders Bay, 5840 Holdings, Paris-Roubaix Group, and I.D.I.T. Family Office demystify the family office investment playbook.

Scaling and Operational Excellence

Beyond capital, the sessions address the nuances of building resilient companies:

• Build First, Fund Later: Tarun Raisoni (Gruve) shares strategies for achieving capital efficiency and early revenue before seeking external investment.
• Startup Lessons: Santi Subotovsky (Emergence Capital) and Melissa Wong (Zipline) discuss the realities of scaling enterprise software and navigating complex sales cycles.
• Deep Tech Frontiers: Investors from SOSV, including Po Bronson and Westley Dang, discuss commercializing breakthroughs in biomanufacturing and energy.
• Healthcare Innovation: A panel featuring Zubair Ahsan (Max AI), Kanyi Maqubela (Kindred Ventures), and Varun Krishnamurthy (Assured Health) explores the transformation of clinical workflows through AI documentation.

Building Brand and Authority

The agenda also prioritizes the human element in a tech-saturated market. Discussions on narrative building include:

• Being Heard in the Age of AI: Qianwen Chen (EchoHer), Fay Kallel (Headspace), and Chenxi Wang (Rain Capital) offer strategies for maintaining trust and brand authenticity.
• Startups and Attention: Jenna Birch (SISU), Allie Cefalo (Kleiner Perkins), and Chantelle Darby (Darby PR) provide tactics for compounding narratives across owned and earned media channels.

The full list of speakers and session times is available via the official event portal. Attendees are encouraged to register early to secure their spots as sessions reach capacity.