From the stage to the future: Where are Startup Battlefield’s alumni now?

Many of the most influential companies in the tech industry began not with grand announcements, but rather with a simple pitch. Dropbox faced skepticism when it first presented its concept, while Cloudflare introduced its vision before edge networking was widely understood. Discord, initially a gaming company named Hammer & Chisel, is another example. Notable names like Mint, Trello, Forethought, and N26 all share a common origin: they participated in TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield. The significance of Battlefield extends far beyond competition; it serves as a powerful launchpad. To date, over 1,700 companies have showcased their innovations on this stage, collectively raising an impressive $32 billion in funding and achieving more than 250 exits, including acquisitions by giants such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. The network is so robust that alumni have even acquired one another, as seen when Dropbox purchased DocSend in 2021. For countless founders, competing in the Battlefield has become a pivotal moment in their entrepreneurial journey, marking the point at which they attract global attention. We recently caught up with several recent alumni, many of whom have shared their experiences on 'Build Mode: The Founder Survival Guide,' TechCrunch's podcast tailored for entrepreneurs at all stages. They discussed their ongoing projects and aspirations, highlighting the realities of startup life. Kevin Damoa, who won in 2025, transitioned from military logistics to entrepreneurship, a background that equipped him with the skills to thrive under pressure. His journey to the Startup Battlefield championship exemplifies the diverse paths that lead to impactful leadership. Capella Kerst, the 2024 runner-up and founder of geCKo Materials, focused on creating innovative adhesion solutions for extreme conditions. The technology, inspired by gecko feet, has applications ranging from industrial settings to the International Space Station, underscoring that being a runner-up can be a significant credential. Deon Nicholas, who co-founded Forethought AI and won in 2018, believed in the transformative power of AI for customer support before it became mainstream. His company was recently acquired by Zendesk, showcasing the potential that can be ignited from the Battlefield stage. Other alumni, like David Park of Narada and Sarah Lucena of Mappa Skills, shared their insights on navigating the complexities of fundraising and the hiring process, respectively. Their experiences reflect the lessons learned and the challenges faced in the startup ecosystem. The Startup Battlefield has continued to evolve, with each graduating class contributing new stories and milestones. As applications for Startup Battlefield 2026 open, aspiring founders are encouraged to seize this opportunity. For those not ready to apply, 'Build Mode' remains an essential resource, with Season 2 currently available and Season 3 focusing on fundraising set to launch this summer.