Pre-Series A founders and anyone who knows a startup worth funding: nominations for Startup Battlefield 200 are now open, and the strongest teams are already stepping up. If your startup has been nominated, treat that as the starting line—not the finish. Get your application in and put your company in the running.
This isn’t another generic pitch submission that disappears into a void. Startup Battlefield 200 is designed to put early-stage companies in front of the people who can change the trajectory of a business: experienced venture capitalists, a massive live audience of more than 10,000 attendees, and a global community watching closely. You’ll compete, receive real-time feedback from top investors, and prove—on a major stage—that your startup belongs in the conversation.
If you’ve been debating whether to apply or nominate someone, waiting is the fastest way to lose momentum. Founders who act early give themselves more time to prepare, refine their story and demo, and increase their chances of standing out during the selection process. The smart move is simple: nominate, then complete the submission by applying.
Which startups should apply?
Startup Battlefield 200 is looking for early-stage startups building ambitious, innovative, and potentially category-defining products. Applications are open worldwide and across industries. Most selected companies are pre-Series A, and some Series A startups may be considered case by case.
There are a few non-negotiables. You need a functional minimum viable product and a clear product demo. Beyond that, the focus is on what matters most: strong founders and ideas that can create real impact.
This is the same arena where companies like Dropbox, Discord, Fitbit, Trello, and Mint gained early visibility and proved they were built to scale. Every year, thousands of startups apply. Two hundred are selected to participate. From there, 20 make it to the final round to pitch live on the Disrupt Stage. One company wins it all.
What selected startups receive
Selected teams don’t just get a logo on a list—they get meaningful opportunities to build traction during the event, meet the right people, and generate leads. Benefits include global exposure, a free exhibit table for all three days, four all-access event passes, a featured startup profile in the event app, press list access and lead-generation opportunities, exclusive founder masterclasses, a chance to pitch live on the main stage, and direct feedback from top-tier VCs. There’s also a shot at $100,000 in equity-free funding.
Key dates and location
The event takes place in San Francisco, California, from October 13–15, 2026. Applications close May 27.
Apply to Startup Battlefield 200
The deadline is firm, but the founders who rise to the top don’t wait until the last minute. They move early, sharpen their pitch, and take their shot before the field gets even more competitive.
If you’re building something that could define a category—or you know a founder who is—this is the moment to step into the arena. Nominate the startup. If nominated, submit the application. Don’t sit on the sidelines and wonder what could have happened.
