Next TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield Slated for May 5 7 in NYC

Startup Battlefield is TechCrunch’s premiere startup launch competition and the next one will be held at TechCrunch Disrupt NYC, May 5-7. The companies selected to compete will pitch on-stage in front of some of the biggest names in tech and compete for a $50,000 prize.

Last year, judges included partners from Sequoia, Kleiner Perkins, Founder Collective and SV Angel. Companies receive coaching for their pitch from the TechCrunch staff, an exhibit area in the Disrupt Startup-Alley, and invites to VIP events.

It’s all free to benefit contestants in terms of press, partner and investor attention. To date, 508 contestants have raised $4.4B and 65 have exited. Applications are open through March 31.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the event:

At the time of application, companies must have a functional prototype to demo to the selection committee. In selecting final contestants, TechCrunch will give preference to companies that launch for the first time to the public and press through the competition. 

Companies that are in closed beta, private beta, limited release or generally have been flying under the radar are eligible. Hardware companies can have completed crowdfunding but those funds should have been directed to an earlier product prototype. Companies launching new feature sets do not qualify. Startups from around the globe are welcome to submit their startups for consideration.

Prior to the conference, your team is required to participate in a minimum of two pitch coaching sessions. These sessions ensure that companies are prepared to effectively communicate their product and vision. For the most part, TechCrunch will travel to you, but in some cases rehearsals will require you to travel to a nearby city/state as coaching in person is most effective. (Usually San Francisco or NYC). The day prior to the event includes a required on-site technical check to ensure your product, demo and team look great on-stage.

In the Battlefield, your company will pitch on-stage (6 min) followed by Q/A (6 min). Of the 30 participants, 5 will be selected to compete in the finals on the last day of the conference. The finalist companies do the same pitch (6 min) followed by Q/A (12 min). The pitches are livestreamed on Techcrunch.com and recorded for future use. A TechCrunch writer will cover your company and release a post during Disrupt.

You will also have free tickets for your founders, a booth in a designated section of Startup Alley for the Battlefield, invites to the TechCrunch VIP Dinners, Party and Battlefield swag. 

No, TechCrunch does not charge companies to participate or require them to pay for tickets to Disrupt. However, if NYC is not your home city, your company is responsible for getting to/from the conference as well as any required rehearsals.

Not really. TechCrunch occasionally interviews startups when they need more information or would like to see a live demo. However, you do not have to have an interview to be selected for the Battlefield.

All submissions are confidential to TechCrunch Review Committee unless otherwise permitted by applicants.

TechCrunch generally takes about one month from the close of submissions to select and notify participants. All companies will be notified regardless if they are selected. If you worried about missing early-bird pricing for Startup Alley, go ahead and purchase the booth. If selected for the Battlefield, they will refund you the cost.

A video is required to provide an opportunity to see your product in action. Do not worry about production quality, camera phones or screen captures are more than enough. The important thing is that you show them some functional hardware or software. The organizers understand that your product might have limited features or not be the final prototype but show it anyway.

To learn more or to apply visit the Startup Battlefield website.