Unveiling the next wave of Startup Battlefield 200 VC judges at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

The excitement surrounding Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is palpable, with the event set to take place from October 27-29 at San Francisco’s Moscone West. Competing for a staggering $100,000 prize, the top 20 early-stage startups must shine on stage, showcasing their innovations to a panel of discerning venture capital judges. These seasoned investors will not only evaluate the pitches but will also challenge the founders with probing questions, drawing on their extensive experience to separate the standout concepts from the rest. This competition offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs looking to refine their pitches and for investors seeking promising startups to add to their portfolios. The event promises an exhilarating atmosphere as the top 20 startups, handpicked by TechCrunch, vie for the prestigious Disrupt Cup, alongside the allure of an equity-free cash prize. Attendees can register now to witness this highly anticipated pitch-off, with opportunities to save on passes by opting for team bundles. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce the latest group of judges joining the competition. With one more wave of judges yet to be revealed, the anticipation is building. Among the notable judges is Allison Baum Gates, a general partner at SemperVirens, a venture fund that invests in healthcare, fintech, and enterprise SaaS. Gates has a remarkable track record, having raised hundreds of millions and invested in over 70 companies, including nine unicorns. Her expertise has been recognized in leading publications, and she imparts her knowledge as a lecturer at Stanford GSB. Another prominent judge is Katelin Holloway, a founding partner at 776, the venture capital firm of Alexis Ohanian. With over two decades of experience from companies like Pixar and Reddit, Holloway is known for her commitment to backing startups that aim to expand human potential and tackle significant societal challenges. Miloni Madan, a general partner at Institutional Venture Partners, is also among the judges, bringing a focus on purpose-driven innovation. Madan seeks out companies that address real-world problems with sustainable solutions. Additionally, Sara Ittelson, who joined Accel last year, focuses on early-stage consumer, enterprise, and AI ventures, leveraging her background in strategic partnerships. Rinki Sethi, chief security officer at Upwind Security and co-founder of Lockstep, rounds out this impressive panel. With a rich history of leadership in security at major firms, Sethi is well-equipped to influence the direction of emerging startups. As the startup community gears up for this electrifying event, the stakes have never been higher. With past success stories like Discord and Trello emerging from the Disrupt stage, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Register now to secure your spot before prices rise!