From the Stage to Success: Where Are Startup Battlefield’s Alumni Now?

Have you ever wondered what happens after the confetti falls at TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield? Some of the most impactful tech companies in history didn't launch with a splashy fundraising announcement—they started with a pitch. Dropbox demoed to skeptical audiences, and Discord was once just a scrappy game developer called Hammer & Chisel. All these companies, along with over 1,700 others, have competed on the Startup Battlefield stage, raising billions in funding and generating numerous exits—including acquisitions by Microsoft, Google, Yahoo, Salesforce, Twitter, Uber, and Amazon.

Startup Battlefield isn’t just a competition; it’s a launchpad. More than 250 exits have been generated from the alumni network. This year, due to intense demand, the application deadline has been pushed back to June 8, so you can still apply here.

About Build Mode: The Founder Survival Guide

Each season of Build Mode, TechCrunch’s podcast for founders at every stage, dives deep into a different aspect of startup life. Season 1 covered go-to-market strategies, while the current Season 2 is all about building your team. Mark your calendars; Season 3 will drop in June and tackle fundraising—always the most requested topic we’ve ever gotten.

The Champions and Runners-Up

Kevin Damoa - Glīd (Startup Battlefield 2025 Champion)

Kevin’s journey from military logistics to the Startup Battlefield champion is a testament to the unexpected paths founders can take. His story is featured in Build Mode, offering valuable insights into building under pressure.

Listen to Kevin's Build Mode episode

Capella Kerst - geCKo Materials (2024 Runner-Up)

Capella Kerst didn’t set out to reinvent adhesion; she aimed to solve a problem that had stumped engineers for decades. geCKo Materials has since developed cutting-edge adhesive technology with applications in extreme environments, including the International Space Station.

Listen to Capella's Build Mode episode

How Forethought AI Found Product-Market Fit Before It Was Obvious

Deon Nicholas - Forethought AI (2018 Winner, Acquired by Zendesk)

The story of Forethought AI is a complete arc. Deon took the stage believing in AI’s potential to transform customer support before it was obvious. His Build Mode episode is essential listening for anyone looking into fundraising strategies.

Listen to Deon's Build Mode episode

Top 20 Finalist Stories

The Danger of Fundraising Before Finding Product-Market Fit - David Park (Founder of Narada)

Finding product-market fit is crucial. David’s lessons on raising funds too early can be invaluable to aspiring founders.

Listen to David's Build Mode episode

Using AI to Hire for Compatibility - Sarah Lucena (Founder of Mappa Skills)

Sarah is using AI to hire not just skilled candidates, but compatible ones. Her approach challenges traditional hiring practices.

Listen to Sarah's Build Mode episode

More from the Startup Battlefield Alumni Community

These founders competed on the Startup Battlefield and shared their stories on Build Mode. Listen to them for inspiration.

• Anna Sun of Nowadays and Hala Jalwan of Rivio - Family Businesses in Tech
• Kyle Rudolph and Jon Walburg, Co-founders of Alltroo - Networking as a Go-to-Market Strategy
• Jas Schembri-Stothart of Luna and Andre Peart of Untapped Solutions - Serving Underserved Markets

Every generation of Startup Battlefield alumni adds a new chapter to the same story. The stage matters, the community lasts, and the milestone is real.

Join the Community Now!

If you’re building something that deserves a stage, this opportunity is yours. Applications for Startup Battlefield 2026 are still open until June 8. If you know a founder who’s ready for the spotlight, investors and operators can nominate companies directly.

Apply before the June 8 deadline

Nominate a founder

Not ready to apply yet? Build Mode is where we meet you. Season 2 is live now, and Season 3—focused on fundraising—drops this summer.

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