Tattd gave four TechCrunch writers tattoos at Startup Battlefield

At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, excitement surged as attendees were treated to an unexpected experience: tattoos right on the convention floor. Senior Producer Maggie Nye proudly displayed her new pixelated cursor tattoo, while fellow TechCrunch writer Becca Szkutak opted for a matching design. Meanwhile, Theresa Loconsolo chose a cheerful moon tattoo, showcasing a unique bonding experience among the trio. Contrary to what one might expect amidst the bustling atmosphere of startup showcases and technology talks, these tattoos were not the result of a trip to a trendy San Francisco parlor. Instead, they were inked on-site by Tattd, a startup that transformed their booth into a mini tattoo studio. The platform aids tattoo enthusiasts in connecting with artists who align with their desired styles, utilizing generative AI to create design mockups tailored to individual tastes. Founder Laura Schaak explained the innovative approach, highlighting that the AI-generated designs undergo a reverse image search to link clients with artists whose portfolios match the aesthetic. “If you go to ChatGPT and say something like, ‘I want to see a butterfly in a Japanese traditional style with heavier lines,’ they don’t know what that means,” she remarked, underscoring the importance of human artistry in the tattooing process. As the event unfolded, TechCrunch Deputy Managing Editor Karyne Levy joined the tattoo trend with an escape key inked on her arm. With a background in operations for two startups and a passion for the arts, Schaak's journey to founding Tattd is rooted in her personal connection to tattoos. She emphasized the significance of being genuinely invested in the industry, stating, “There is a number of people that have tried to enter the tattoo industry without tattoos, and they have all failed.” With a network of nine hundred artists, Tattd is not only focused on creative expression but also collaborates with third parties to provide healthcare and financial guidance for artists. Over the course of the three-day event, approximately thirty individuals chose to commemorate their TechCrunch experience with a tattoo. While a flash sheet featured the TechCrunch logo, no attendees opted for that branding as their body art, preferring to keep their ink personal and unique.