Do startups still need Silicon Valley? Hear from the founders and funders challenging old assumptions at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

As the startup community converges in San Francisco for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, scheduled from October 27 to 29 at Moscone West, a pressing question emerges: does launching in Silicon Valley still provide a competitive advantage? With over 10,000 startup founders and venture capitalists expected to attend this pivotal event, discussions surrounding access, geography, and opportunity are more relevant than ever. A highlight of the conference will be a session on the Builders Stage, featuring industry experts like Anh-Tho Chuong from Lago, David Hall of Revolution, and Heather Doshay from SignalFire. This session is a must for those eager to navigate the evolving landscape of startups. The rise of distributed teams, regional hubs, and global fundraising has prompted many founders to reconsider the significance of their geographical location. Does residing in the Bay Area still unlock opportunities? Or has the startup ecosystem become more equitable? The panel will explore what access means in 2025, the evolution of remote collaboration in a post-pandemic world, and where emerging founders can find genuine opportunities. Anh-Tho Chuong, the mind behind Lago—an open-source billing platform used by AI innovators including Mistral and Together—brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, which include scaling Qonto and working with Weebly and McKinsey. David Hall has spent the past decade demonstrating that innovative companies can thrive outside Silicon Valley. As the Managing Partner of Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, he has cultivated a diverse portfolio that supports daring founders in regions often overlooked by traditional coastal VCs. Heather Doshay, a Partner at SignalFire and former VP of People at Webflow, has valuable insights into building people-centric organizations. Having observed shifts in the hiring landscape for startups beyond Silicon Valley, she understands what it takes to create exceptional teams in a distributed environment. No matter where you are based—be it a bustling city, a quaint town, or anywhere in between—this session promises to provide new perspectives on the true sources of startup success. Attendees will learn what remains crucial, what has changed, and how to effectively expand their networks regardless of their location. Don’t miss this engaging panel on the Builders Stage at Disrupt 2025, happening from October 27 to 29 in San Francisco. Tickets are selling quickly, and prices will rise after July, so secure your spot now to save up to $675.