Announcing the top judges for the final round of Startup Battlefield 200, only at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025

The excitement is reaching a fever pitch as TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 approaches, where finalists of the Startup Battlefield 200 will compete for a lucrative $100,000 equity-free prize. The ultimate decision on who walks away as the champion will be made by a panel of distinguished judges, comprised of some of the most influential investors in the venture capital landscape. Among the prominent judges is Kirsten Green, the founder and managing partner of Forerunner, a firm renowned for nurturing innovative companies that are reshaping their industries. Since launching Forerunner in 2012, Green has successfully raised nearly $3 billion in assets under management. Her extensive experience spans over 25 years, during which she has made pivotal investments in both nascent startups and established enterprises, including well-known brands like Warby Parker and Hims & Hers. Another key judge is Kevin Hartz, co-founder and general partner at A*. Hartz was instrumental in the creation of Eventbrite, where he served as CEO for over a decade, and he has a notable track record in technology investment, backing companies such as PayPal and Airbnb from their early stages. Aileen Lee, founder of Cowboy Ventures and the innovator behind the term “unicorn,” will also be on the judging panel. With a rich background that includes leadership roles at Kleiner Perkins and significant investments in companies like Dollar Shave Club, Lee is a celebrated figure in the venture capital community, recognized for her contributions to advancing women in tech. Kevin Rose, a partner at True Ventures and former CEO of Digg, brings his wealth of experience as both an entrepreneur and investor to the panel. His impressive portfolio includes early investments in high-profile companies like Uber and Facebook, along with accolades from major publications for his contributions to the tech industry. As the competition heats up, this is a final call for attendees to secure their passes for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. Ticket prices will increase when doors open on October 27, so now is the time to register and witness firsthand the intensity of startup pitches at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 27–29.