Apply to Speak at
TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026

The Audience Choice program is your chance to take the stage at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026! We review all applications and select the finalists who advance to the Audience Choice round, where TechCrunch readers and your followers vote for the sessions they’re most excited about. The top-voted roundtable sessions earn a spot at this year’s event.

Up to two speakers facilitate a 30-minute interactive discussion with up to 40 attendees, fostering organic, in-depth conversations—no AV, just real engagement. You may have the opportunity to lead this same roundtable discussion twice during Disrupt.

Take a look at last year’s TC Founder Summit (formerly known as TC All Stage) agenda for inspiration on the topics that resonate with attendees.

Main tracks have included the challenges and best practices for founders to scale a business, from seed to IPO:

• Fundraising education
• Pitch training and competition
• Product-market fit and MVP development
• AI and tech integration
• Team building and hiring 
• Go-to-market strategy
• M&A as an exit strategy and IPO readiness
• Hardtech and climate – Boston strength

Before applying, we recommend reviewing the application in full. To streamline the process, have the following ready:

• Session Title (Max 125 characters, including spaces)
• Session Description (Max 650 characters, including spaces)
• High-resolution color headshot of the speaker (shoulders and above)

Preparation ensures a smooth application process.

• Applications Open: February 9, 2026
• Applications Close: April 17, 2026
• Applicants Notified: April 24, 2026
• Audience Choice Voting: April 27 – May 1, 2026
• Winners Announced: The week of May 11, 2026

You can submit your session in this Call for Content application.

Yes! We welcome as many cutting-edge topic proposals that will leave our attendees with valuable takeaways.

We will pick up to 8 roundtable finalists.

Four roundtable spots are available.

We do not collect applications for any of our breakout stages.

Speakers are not compensated, and TechCrunch does not cover any expenses related to participation, including travel, hotel, meals, or visa costs.

Yes, as a speaker, you will have a speaker pass to the entire event.

Yes, all speakers can bring up to two guests.

Yes, you will be promoted on the TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 website as a speaker, and your session will be listed on the event app.