Topic: early-stage startups
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2026 Startup Battlefield 200: See the full list
TechCrunch revealed the 2026 Startup Battlefield 200, a curated list of the world’s most promising early-stage startups selected from thousands of applications, who will exhibit at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 (October 13–15, Moscone West, San Francisco). The cohort spans 20+ categories, including AI,...
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Startup Battlefield 200: The 2026 Roadmap Revealed
The TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200 is a highly selective global competition for early-stage startups, offering participants free exhibit space, expert training, and direct exposure to top investors and press at the TechCrunch Disrupt event. Alumni of the program, which includes companies like...
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Apply for Startup Battlefield 200 by May 27
The nomination window for TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield 200 program is open, with a final application deadline of May 27, 2026, targeting early-stage startups with a functional MVP. Selected companies gain a direct path to present at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, receiving global exposure, feedback...
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Ashton Kutcher exits Sound Ventures, launches new VC firm with Morgan Beller
Ashton Kutcher is leaving Sound Ventures, the VC firm he co-founded, to launch a new investment vehicle with Morgan Beller, focusing on early-stage AI infrastructure, energy, and deep tech. The split is amicable and not due to underperformance; Sound Ventures remains strong with investments in Op...
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Startup Battlefield 200 applications close in 3 days
Startup Battlefield 200 application deadline is June 8 at 11:59 p.m. PT, giving founders three days to apply for the chance to pitch at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco. Selected startups receive a free exhibit table, four Disrupt passes, press exposure, founder masterclasses, and a shot ...
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LUMO Fund Secures €6M Investment from Spain's SETT
The LUMO Fund, a €100 million impact venture capital fund, has secured a €6 million public investment from Spain's SETT to boost early-stage tech startups in Spain and Europe, focusing on UN Sustainable Development Goals. The fund will invest in 30-35 deep tech startups from pre-seed to Series A,...
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Final Extension: Startup Battlefield Australia Deadline July 20
The application deadline for Startup Battlefield Australia has been extended to July 20 as a final opportunity, with no further extensions available. Since 2017, the program has produced 26 alumni companies that raised over $147 million, with three acquisitions and backing from top venture capita...
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VCs Need Storytelling: Day One Ventures' Masha Bucher Explains Why
Masha Bucher founded Day One Ventures to invest in startups while providing integrated PR support, believing this hybrid model creates more impact and better returns than traditional PR alone. She critiques the standard PR retainer model as too slow and costly for startups, instead embedding PR i...
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AI-Powered Go-to-Market Strategies for Success
In the AI era, a unique go-to-market strategy is critical for startups, as technical advantages are fleeting and a distinctive market entry approach is the most sustainable competitive edge. Startups should focus on mastering one or two primary channels for efficient resource allocation and lever...
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Dubai's Global Platform: Fund Your Startup and Scale Worldwide
Expand North Star in Dubai is a premier global event for startups seeking international expansion and investment, organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, with the 2025 edition taking place from October 12th to 15th at Dubai Harbour. The event ...
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From Startup to Family Business: The Evolution
Building a company with a spouse or sibling offers strong trust and commitment but also concentrates entrepreneurial risk within a single household, requiring intentional structure to manage both the business and personal relationship. Co-founders in familial partnerships emphasize the need for c...
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