In response to the tightening pre-seed funding environment driven by high expectations for AI startups, TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will host a specialized panel titled 'Winning Pre-Seed Without a Product.' This session is designed to equip founders with strategies to secure investment based on conviction and storytelling rather than established products. The panel features industry experts Sandhya Venkatachalam, Puneet Agarwal, and Austin Clements, who will offer insights based on their significant experience in venture capital and founder support. The conference, taking place in San Francisco from October 13-15, serves as a hub for community networking and professional development for startup ecosystem participants.

In response to the tightening pre-seed funding environment driven by high expectations for AI startups, TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will host a specialized panel titled 'Winning Pre-Seed Without a Product.' This session is designed to equip founders with strategies to secure investment based on conviction and storytelling rather than established products. The panel features industry experts Sandhya Venkatachalam, Puneet Agarwal, and Austin Clements, who will offer insights based on their significant experience in venture capital and founder support. The conference, taking place in San Francisco from October 13-15, serves as a hub for community networking and professional development for startup ecosystem participants.