TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 Names Startup Battlefield Judges

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 has announced five prominent venture capital judges who will evaluate the startups competing in the Startup Battlefield 200 competition. This selection marks a critical stage in the event, which has already processed thousands of applications and hundreds of hours of review to identify 200 promising early-stage companies. The judges will play a pivotal role in determining the ultimate winners from this curated group.

The five venture capitalists selected to judge the Startup Battlefield 200 are: Sarah Guo, General Partner at Greylock Partners; Aaref Hilaly, Partner at Sequoia Capital; Theresia Gouw, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Aforementioned Ventures; M.G. Siegler, General Partner at 500 Global; and Mary Meeker, Partner at Bond Capital. These individuals bring extensive experience and a deep understanding of the venture capital landscape, having invested in numerous successful technology companies across various sectors.

Sarah Guo of Greylock Partners is known for her investments in enterprise software and cybersecurity. Aaref Hilaly at Sequoia Capital has a strong track record in consumer internet and enterprise technology. Theresia Gouw, a prominent figure in venture capital, focuses on early-stage investments in technology and fintech. M.G. Siegler of 500 Global is recognized for his broad investment thesis and active involvement in the startup ecosystem. Mary Meeker, a long-standing influential investor, is renowned for her annual Internet Trends report, which provides critical insights into digital economy developments.

The Startup Battlefield 200 is a flagship competition at TechCrunch Disrupt, designed to showcase innovative startups to a global audience of investors, media, and industry leaders. The 200 selected companies represent a diverse range of industries and technological advancements, having undergone a rigorous selection process. The competition culminates in pitches to the judging panel, with finalists presenting on the main stage for a chance to win significant prizes and gain widespread recognition. The event is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, with the judging panel's expertise expected to provide valuable feedback and guidance to the participating startups. TechCrunch Disrupt is a premier technology conference that brings together founders, investors, and innovators to discuss the future of technology and business.