It’s not only you: AI startups are securing substantial seed funding, thereby complicating the process for those seeking funding at even the pre-seed phase. We’ve explored this trend comprehensively, and during TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, we aim to assist pre-seed founders who are now facing expectations typically reserved for seed-stage ventures. 

With AI accelerating the creation of a minimum viable product like never before, is there any hope for a founder with a strong concept but no tangible proof to present? This is what our panel titled “Winning Pre-Seed Without a Product” aims to address. 

Moreover, it’s just one of the many sessions you can anticipate at our well-loved Builders Stage during Disrupt 2026. This is where our most focused discussions and workshops are held, addressing everything from operational decisions, fundraising, go-to-market strategies, and other crucial topics. 

You can join in by securing your ticket to attend Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco at Moscone West from October 13-15, at the most favorable prices available for the rest of the year. 

Regarding this particular session, we’ve assembled an excellent trio of speakers to share their expertise on this complex and significant subject. 

Sandhya Venkatachalam: Founder, Managing Partner, Axiom Partners 

Venkatachalam has a wealth of knowledge regarding successful exits and understands what investors are seeking when committing to companies poised for eventual acquisitions. She currently oversees the newly established Axiom Partners, an early-stage, $52 million venture fund designed to connect founders with elite AI practitioners, aiming to foster AI that leads to tangible improvements in the real world. 

Previously, she was a GP at Khosla Ventures and Social Capital, where she first invested in Groq and led funding into GalileoAI, ForethoughtAI, and FirefliesAI, all of which have either been acquired or attained unicorn status. 

Puneet Agarwal: Managing Partner, True Ventures 

True Ventures has established itself as a cornerstone of the startup ecosystem, focusing on early-stage companies dating back to 2005. Agarwal has been part of the team for nearly that entire duration, joining in 2008 and now ascended to managing partner, with a keen focus on the evolution of enterprise infrastructure and applications in the AI age. 

If you seek expert insights into what VCs desire, Agarwal is at your service. True Ventures is more than just a fund; it encompasses 12 funds, fostering partnerships with over 500 companies and 1,050 founders leading to more than 60 acquisitions and seven IPOs. 

Austin Clements: Managing Partner, Slauson & Co. 

Slauson & Co. may not match the scale of True Ventures, yet their mission and Clements’ contributions are especially noteworthy for the founders in attendance. They emphasize economic inclusion and empower small businesses, with Clements initiating an accelerator within the firm to advance this mission even further.  

His efforts to expand the founder community through inclusive initiatives are reflected in his role as the founding chair of PledgeLA, an initiative that collaborates with the Annenberg Foundation and the Los Angeles mayor’s office to enhance diversity within the tech sector.  

Readers may recognize one of Slauson & Co.’s successful investments: Glīd!, the victor of Startup Battlefield 2026. 

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Learn from experts, embrace the excitement of Disrupt 2026 

These speakers are just the tip of the iceberg as we unveil the programming for Disrupt 2026, leading up to our kickoff on October 13 in San Francisco.  

Let the highlight of Battlefield serve as a reminder that Disrupt encompasses not only valuable insights and sessions but also celebrates the community, helps you learn from their achievements and challenges, and prepares you for the next phase of your journey. Whether you are a founder, investor, or wear any number of crucial hats in the startup ecosystem, now is the perfect moment to secure your ticket for Disrupt 2026!