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17 October, 2024
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With TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 right around the corner, we’re thrilled to introduce the companies hosting Side Events that will extend the buzz and excitement to the thousands of attendees and Silicon Valley locals alike.
Whether it’s a fun happy hour, insightful panels, or energizing morning runs, Disrupt Week — happening from October 26 to November 1 — offers an exciting array of Side Events organized by a diverse group of participating companies.
Registering/RSVPing to a Side Event does not grant you access/ticket/badge to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, taking place October 28-30.Each event is organized and operated solely by a host (not Yahoo or any of its affiliates or brands, including TechCrunch).Attendance is 18+ minimum and some venues are 21+ only.Side Events are open to the public unless specified.Please register/RSVP for any of the Side Events you want to attend.
Hosted By: Llama Lounge: The AI Startup Event Series
Time: October 28, 2024, 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Description: Llama Lounge is one of the longest-running AI startup event series in San Francisco. Ten AI startups will be on the demo floor, where you’ll hear remarks from the hosts. Hundreds of AI founders and VCs will be present. Come network with the long-running SF AI community at this exclusive event partnered with Disrupt. Organized by Jeremiah Owyang, speaker at Disrupt.
Register Here
Hosted By: Rezoomex
Time: October 28, 2024, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Description: What’s one of the biggest hurdles for visionary organizations aiming to bring their ideas to market? It’s turning those big ideas into something INVEST’able — Independent, Valuable, Estimable, Small, and Testable. Successful organizations delight users, clients, and stakeholders by embracing Agile values, principles, and practices. They align their teams to transform visions into reality. This innovative workshop is designed for anyone eager to turn their ideas into reality. Attendees will engage in hands-on exercises with Rezoomex’s AI assistants. Learn to break down big ideas into smaller, manageable pieces for your teams to understand, deliver, and validate.
Register Here
Hosted By: Women Founders Bay
Time: October 30, 2024, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Description: Join us for Women Founders Bay Happy Hour at Novela! We will have a selection of food and drinks as well as activities for the group! Some fun surprises and giveaways as well.
Register Here
Hosted By: Women in Tech
Time: October 28, 2024, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Description: San Francisco! Calling all women in tech, allies, friends, and partners!
Join our Women Tech Meetup + Panel — an incredible gathering of women in technology, female founders, entrepreneurs, community builders, and other professionals! Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks, engaging conversations, networking, and a beautiful venue. Additionally, we will host a panel discussion on fundraising, venture capital, and the challenges that founders face on their journey to building successful companies, along with strategies to overcome them. We highly encourage you to bring a friend, co-worker, or ally with you!
Register Here
Hosted By: USF Startup Club
Time: October 26, 2024, 3:30 – 6:30 pm
Description: USF Startup Club + MS Entrepreneurship & Innovation program will be hosting a brunch on campus, including our graduate students, alumni, Silicon Valley operators, and investors.
Register Here
Hosted By: Flamme AI — The Couples App
Time: October 27, 2024, 12:00–1:30 p.m.
Description: Kick off TechCrunch Disrupt with a healthy start — a fun social workout! Come connect with some of the best founders and investors while sweating out the weekend’s indulgences. Hosted by Ankit Nayal (ex-bodybuilder, founder of Flamme.app). Difficulty level: Beginner/Intermediate
Register Here
Hosted By: Climate Quest
Time: October 27, 2024, 12:00–6:00 p.m.
Description: An afternoon of collaborative climate action — addressing carbon capture storage, circular economy, clean energy transition, and climate finance. Hosted by a climate founder and angel investor.
Register Here
Hosted By: AQ22
Time: October 29, 2024, 7:30–8:30 a.m.
Description: Start your morning off right with a fun networking run designed for founders, investors, and innovators. Whether you’re looking to talk about your next big idea, secure an investment, or simply get some fresh air with like-minded professionals, this is your sign to register. Expect a casual, friendly atmosphere — no pitch decks required! But have your elevator pitch ready (in case of an interested investor).
Register Here
Hosted By: DNV Ventures
Time: October 28, 2024, 4:00–7:30 p.m.
Description: Join us for the launch of DNV Ventures’ Energy Transition Outlook, an invite-only networking event tailored to corporate venture capitalists and VCs. This event will showcase DNV ventures and its portfolio companies around a dynamic panel on the business opportunity that the energy transition represents. Connect with industry leaders and gain insights into the future of the energy transition.
Register Here
Hosted By: Andrews Cooper
Time: October 29, 2024, 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Description: Come connect with other attendees from TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 at the HardTech After Party hosted by Studio 45, Andrews Cooper, and informal! We will have food, drinks, and music.
Register Here
Hosted By: BrainCloud
Time: October 29, 2024, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Description: Speak Easy with BrainCloud at our Hosted Happy Hour. In addition to talent services, BrainCloud supports startups with all kinds of free resources and the free resources of the day are bar bites and drinks! The Pawn Shop is — wait for it — a pawnshop up front, but it’s a swanky speakeasy and tapas bar in the back. So come speak easy with fellow startup folks on Tuesday — just down the street from where Disrupt 2024 will be at Moscone West!
Hosted By: Bubbl
Time: October 29, 2024, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Description: Shared Travel, Shared Success: Connecting Entrepreneurs Through Smart Accommodation! Join us for a Happy Hour and short panel discussion on how shared travel experiences foster connections, optimize costs, and create business opportunities. Hear from travel tech innovators and entrepreneurs on leveraging platforms like Bubbl to simplify group travel, reduce expenses, and enhance networking at events. Expect insightful stories, practical tips, an audience Q&A, and exclusive offers for group stays at future conferences. Plus, one attendee will win a free Bubbl experience for a future tech conference within our portfolio! Transform how you travel and connect.
Register Here
Hosted By: Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC)
Time: October 28, 2024, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Description: Join us for an exclusive gathering as we propel climate tech innovation forward. This event is dedicated to promoting technologies that reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and minimize waste, all while fostering clean energy and sustainable practices. The event will feature remarks from XTC co-founders Young Sohn and Bill Tai, rapid pitches from the Top 30 XTC Startup Cup Semifinalist, and a networking reception with 200+ corporates, VCs, founders, ecosystem builders, and public sector stakeholders.
Register Here
Hosted By: Love Soul AI
Time: October 29, 2024, 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Description: Gaming, Film & Interactive Media Tech Terrace Investors & Networking Party Overlooking San Francisco Bay
Register Here
Hosted By: McDermott Will & Emery
Time: October 29, 2024, 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Description: Join us for an exclusive cocktail reception designed to bring together dynamic startup players, venture capitalists, and lawyers from McDermott’s capital markets, mergers & acquisitions, and venture capital practices. You’ll enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and invaluable networking opportunities against the beautiful backdrop of San Francisco Bay.
Register Here
Hosted By: MELT
Time: October 28, 2024, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Description: We’re bringing together 150 top 1% of founders, from pre-seed to Series D, along with active VCs and angel investors.
Register Here
Hosted By: Pre-seed to Succeed (AltaIR Capital, Yellow Rocks!, Smart Partnership Capital, I2BF Global Ventures)
Time: October 28, 2024, 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Description: Calling all founders looking for investment opportunities to Pitch&Drink with P2S.vc! Connect with a community of like-minded individuals and VCs and gain insights into your next fundraising venture in a relaxed and fun environment.
Event Format: Venture (founders and investors) speed dating. Founders will have 2 to 3 minutes to present their elevator pitch (no presentation) directly to the investors, followed by a 6- to 7-minute Q&A session. After 10 minutes, the gong sounds and the founders change their places.
Register Here
Hosted By: Startup Grind
Time: October 28, 2024, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Description: Startup Grind understands how exciting the first day of a big startup conference is. Just a breezy 5-minute walk from TechCrunch in the heart of SF, our stunning happy hour venue awaits. Unwind, mingle with fellow founders, and enjoy a well-earned beer or glass of wine, plus some tasty finger food. See you there!
Register Here
Hosted By: SWITH
Time: October 29, 2024, 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Description: Beyond the main stage of TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, join us for a night of pitching and networking with deep tech Korean startups. Connect and discover where ideas spark! Meet and mingle with 8 startups of the event. Food and drinks on SWITH. RSVP only.
Register Here
Hosted By: w.tech
Time: October 28, 2024, 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Description: We are planning to dive deep into the world of tech funding, featuring leading voices in the industry. Hosted by the dynamic Wtech team, this is more than just a meetup — it’s a rare opportunity to connect with top women in tech. Expect insightful panel discussions, inspiring success stories, and invaluable networking opportunities with key players in the tech world.
Register Here
Hosted By: Well Now! & Love Soul AI
Time: October 28, 2024, 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Description: Health tech and wellness tech, investors, and networking party on the terrace overlooking the San Francisco Bay.
Register Here
Hosted By: Presence
Time: October 29, 2024, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Description: Join us for Operationalizing Success: A Panel on Scaling Startups + Happy Hour, where you’ll gain actionable insights for turning strategy and big ideas into market capture and growth. Top women executives will share real stories of how they turned startup challenges into scalable solutions. Enjoy an open bar and hors d’oeuvres, and mingle with an exclusive guest list of approved tech executives. It’s an evening of high-level learning, strategic networking, and connecting with industry peers — all in a relaxed, collaborative setting.
Register Here
Hosted By: Vently
Time: October 29, 2024, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Description: Wine tasting happy hour with the Vently team! Join us as we gear up to launch our social network for events app for an evening full of networking, socializing, and getting exclusive previews of our app! Raffles and giveaways are included.
Register Here
Hosted By: OpenSphere
Time: October 29, 2024, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Description: Get ready to network and meet vetted immigrant founders, investors, and operators at Immigrant Founders Networking hosted by Young Entrepreneurs Hub, OpenSphere, and Qlay. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a fellow founder, or just curious about the future of the Immigrant Founder ecosystem, this is the place to be. Immigrant Founder? Apply to pitch.
Register Here
Hosted By: Pilot
Time: October 29, 2024, 6:00–9:30 p.m.
Description: Come socialize with fellow founders and investors for a casual event to bring tech founders and investors together. No overt pitching or selling allowed — just fun conversation and genuine connection. Why come? Find your next investment or investor, make friends and future referrers or partners, and have fun and enjoy a night off.
Register Here
Hosted By: Zebra Public Relations
Time: October 29, 2024, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Description: Begin your evening with a private networking session for reporters and VIP guests. Enjoy the intimate atmosphere and make meaningful connections. Engage in our interactive “Business Card Bingo” during the general networking session, making it fun and easy to meet potential collaborators. Panel discussion — “What the Media Wants”: Gain insider knowledge from our esteemed panel of journalists, including a leading business magazine journalist, a top online tech publication reporter, a prominent lifestyle editor, and a freelance writer specializing in entrepreneurial stories.
Register Here
Hosted By: Germ Network
Time: October 28, 2024, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Description: Conferences get packed, but connecting stays hard. Meet other founders, funders, and conference attendees at Germ Network x Citizens’ evening of mingling, including an hour of speed networking to help you find your people. We’ll have pitchers ready at 6:30, speed networking kicks off at 7! Come join us if you’re working on privacy, security, the future of communications, or healthier social media.
Register Here
Hosted By: SignalFire
Time: October 29, 2024, 8:00–11:00 p.m.
Description: After TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, join top-ranked founders and builders for a private, official after-party at one of San Francisco’s premier penthouses. Hosted by former TechCrunch editor-at-large and current SignalFire VC, Josh Constine. Come meet fellow founders, AI researchers, and investors while enjoying live musical performances, craft cocktails, delicious food, and special activations in a multistory penthouse and heated rooftop decorated by Restoration Hardware.
Register Here
Hosted By: Brick & Mortar Ventures
Time: October 30, 2024, 5:30–7:00 p.m.
Description: Calling all founders, investors, operators, and individuals interested in construction tech! Join us for a happy hour to mingle with peers in the construction tech space. This event is hosted by Brick & Mortar Ventures, the first sector-focused venture capital firm focusing on the construction industry. Our portfolio exits include PlanGrid, Building Connected, Fieldwire and Levelset.
Register Here
Hosted By: Hustle Fund
Time: October 30, 2024, 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Description: Founder Friends is a fireside chat and networking event where we gather 100-400 founders to connect over pizza and non-alcoholic beverages to hear from a notable founder who has been through the wringer and come out the other side. This event will feature Eric Bahn, GP and co-founder at Hustle Fund, and Yin Wu, CEO and founder of Pulley. Founder Friends does a great job of promoting an intimate gathering focused on honest conversations, with a mainly founder and VC audience, including enthusiasts and experienced entrepreneurs.
Register Here
Hosted By: Slovak PRO
Time: October 30, 2024, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Description: Silicon Valley meeting the most interesting startups from Slovakia and Europe.
Register Here
Hosted By: Fondo
Time: October 31, 2024, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Description: Calling all brave founders and startups! Join Fondo for a ghoulishly good time at TechCrunch Disrupt’s spookiest side event — Founders Fright Fest. Sip, snack, and swap “frightening” stories that will send shivers down your spine: from the terror of missing tax deadlines to haunting missed tax credits, and the bone-chilling horror of inaccurate books. No need to face these nightmares alone! The Fondo team will be there to share how to turn those fears into distant memories. Costumes are optional, but getting your financials in order? Absolutely necessary! Don’t miss this chance to mix, mingle, and banish your startup’s accounting and bookkeeping nightmares!
Register Here
Hosted By: Beewise
Time: October 31, 2024, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Description: Join Beewise for an in-person beekeeping class featuring our AI and robotics-powered beehive, the BeeHome™. Attendees will meet the bees up close in an urban garden and learn how technology can help reduce colony losses by more than 70%. Connect with other sustainability and green tech leaders over light refreshments and a tasting featuring BeeHome™ honey.
Register Here
Hosted By: Bootstrappers Breakfast
Time: October 31, 2024, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Description: Come join entrepreneurs who eat problems for breakfast®. At a Bootstrappers Breakfast®, we have serious conversations about growing a business based on internal cashflow and organic profit. This is for founders who are actively bootstrapping a startup. The other attendees will all be in startups. It will be a chance to compare notes on operational, development, and business issues with peers. Now in our 14th year in Silicon Valley.
Register Here
Hosted By: JETRO, in collaboration with Japan Innovation Campus, AlchemistX, and Digital Garage
Time: October 30, 2024, 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Description: Explore the intersection of technology, art, and innovation with industry leaders. Meet our panel of experts in design thinking, food engineering, space tech, sustainable materials, museum tech, AI, and more.
Key discussion topics:
Emerging technologies driving future productsThe role of creativity in tech-driven innovationHow companies are leveraging tech to create more sustainable, user-centric productsRegister Here
Whether it’s a sophisticated cocktail party, a casual happy hour, a niche meetup, or a skill-building workshop, “Disrupt Week” offers you the flexibility to host a Side Event that truly represents your brand.
Take advantage of this opportunity to increase your brand visibility in front of over 10,000 TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 attendees and the vibrant Bay Area tech scene.
Apply for free by September 6.
Amplify your impact: Connect with thousands of Disrupt 2024 attendees and the surrounding tech community. We’ll promote your Side Event across multiple platforms to ensure it reaches our expansive and diverse audience:
Disrupt 2024 Side Event page.Disrupt 2024 Agenda.Disrupt 2024 Mobile App Agenda.Disrupt 2024 attendee emails.Disrupt 2024 articles.
Discount perks for you and your connections: As a Side Event host, you’ll receive a unique discount code for Disrupt 2024 tickets. Share it with your team and network to ensure everyone benefits from this special offer.
Looking to make a big impact at one of the biggest tech events of the year? Get started on your free application and submit it by September 6 to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.
The application is simple. Submit a short proposal detailing your event’s vision, objectives and logistical requirements. Upon approval, the TechCrunch Disrupt team will collaborate with you to support your event’s success. You’ll be responsible for the planning, execution and associated costs, including registration and communications.
Apply today to make a splash during “Disrupt Week” and enhance your brand’s presence.
Get ready for a prime week of savings at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 with the launch of Disrupt Deal Days! From now to July 19 at 11:59 p.m. PT, we’re going back to early-bird ticket prices, allowing attendees to save up to $800 on their passes. This limited-time offer is the perfect opportunity to secure your spot at one of the most anticipated tech events of the year.
Grab your passes here.
Whether you’re looking to learn, share, or grow, TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 offers unparalleled opportunities to expand your knowledge and network:
Connect with 10,000 startup leaders through 1:1 or small-group Braindates.Get your questions answered in one of the 300+ sessions, roundtables or breakouts.Rub elbows with Silicon Valley’s best at one of the 100+ Side Events happening during Disrupt Week.And so much more.
Also, we’re hosting some of the top thought leaders at Disrupt, offering you the chance to gain insights from a few of the most influential figures in the tech industry.
Alex Pall, Producer, The Chainsmokers and Investment Partner, Mantis Venture Capital.Arian Simone, CEO and Founding Partner, Fearless Fund.Dayna Grayson, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Construct Capital.Denise Dresser, Chief Executive Officer, Slack.Mary Barra, Chair and CEO, General Motors.Navin Chaddha, Managing Partner, Mayfield Fund.Peter Beck, Founder and CEO, Rocket Lab.Vinod Khosla, Founder and Partner, Khosla Ventures.
Don’t miss out, and book your pass today during our Disrupt Deal Days event and pocket some major ticket savings.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 in San Francisco is fast approaching, and we’re seeking highly motivated volunteers to support our events team.
If you dream of becoming a startup founder, marketer, or event coordinator, this experience offers an invaluable glimpse into the inner workings of a top-tier tech startup conference.
Volunteers will assist in plenty of fun tasks that include, but are not limited to:
Registration check-in.Line or traffic control.Directional/customer support.Expo setup support.General event setup.
Complete your volunteer shift and receive a free General Admission ticket for all three days — October 28-30, valued at up to $1,500.
Network with 10,000 startups and 1,200 VC leaders. Expand your network and engage in small-group Braindates.
Immerse yourself in thought-provoking insights from influential tech, startup, and investment leaders. Hear their stories and learn best practices, how-tos, and tips.
Watch startups compete in the Startup Battlefield 200 for the Disrupt Cup and a $100,000 equity-free prize.
Join startups in the 100+ side events that they will be hosting in a variety of styles such as workshops, cocktail parties, happy hours, and meetups.
Attend the Disrupt Career Fair on October 30 to explore job roles in AI, software development, design, human resources, finance, data and analytics, and more. You’ll find a diverse range of companies from tech enterprises to new startups.
Complete a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer time during Disrupt 2024.Attend a mandatory orientation in person on Sunday afternoon on October 27 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Be 18 years or older to apply.Local San Francisco or Bay Area residents are preferred but not required.
We are accepting applications. Learn more about volunteering at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 and get started on your application.
We’re so excited to announce that we’ve added a dedicated AI Stage presented by Google Cloud to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. It joins Fintech, SaaS and Space as the other industry-focused stages — all under one big roof.
We couldn’t possibly host TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 without a huge deep dive on all things artificial intelligence. So, here is our first sneak peek at the AI Stage agenda, happening all day on Wednesday, October 30. As a classic TechCrunch stage, we have some of the nascent industry’s heavy hitters, like Alexandr Wang and Aravind Srinivas, alongside our partners like Nebius AI and others!
Check the prelim agenda below and keep checking back for updates — we have a lot more to add to the AI Stage.
with Aravind Srinivas (Perplexity)
Perplexity‘s AI-powered search engine might be the next stage of interacting with the web and knowledge in general — or not. But the company is certainly risking it all to manifest that future, even if it ruffles a few feathers along the way. Hear from the CEO how the company plans to take on all comers in this new category of tech.
with Pamela San Martin (Oversight Board), Imran Ahmed (CCDH), and speakers to be announced
As generative AI tools become more widely available — and become cheaper, or even free, to use — they’re being abused by an array of actors, including state actors, to create deepfakes and sow disinformation online. In this session, we’ll hear from experts about the types of deepfakes now circulating the web and some possible ways to combat the threat.
with Ali Farhadi (Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence), Irene Solaiman (Hugging Face), and speakers to be announced
There’s a war brewing in the AI industry between companies in support of “open” AI models (models released under permissive licenses that can be fine-tuned and repurposed for a range of applications) and closed source models (models gated behind paid services and APIs). Is one approach better than the other? The answer isn’t as clear-cut as you might think. In this talk, we’ll investigate the differences between open and closed source models, as well as the subtle but important flavors of open-model licenses.
with Sarah Myers West (AI Now), Jingna Zhang (Cara), and Ben Zhao (University of Chicago)
AI’s meteoric rise has created new ethical dilemmas and exacerbated old ones, while lawsuits drop left and right. This threatens both new and established AI companies, and the creators and workers whose labor feeds the models. A panel of experts in AI, copyright, and ethics take on this complex and fast-moving problem space.
with Mikey Shulman (Suno), Amit Jain (Luma AI), and other speakers to be announced
Generative AI is increasingly capable of creating video, music, and other media on demand. But who actually wants it, and why? This panel of AI startups will discuss the growing markets for generative media and how they can be served without harming or displacing the artists they claim to empower.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is where you’ll find innovation for every stage of your startup journey. Whether you’re a budding founder with a revolutionary idea, a seasoned startup looking to scale or an investor seeking the next big thing, TechCrunch Disrupt offers unparalleled resources, connections and expert insights to propel your venture forward. Over 10,000 startup leaders will be attending this year’s event on October 28-30 in San Francisco.
We can’t wait to hear from these AI leaders at this year’s show. Purchase your tickets here
We’re so excited to announce that we’ve added a dedicated AI Stage presented by Google Cloud to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. It joins Fintech, SaaS and Space as the other industry-focused stages — all under one big roof.
We couldn’t possibly host TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 without a huge deep dive on all things artificial intelligence. So, here is our first sneak peek at the AI Stage agenda, happening all day on Wednesday, October 30. As a classic TechCrunch stage, we have some of the nascent industry’s heavy hitters, like Alexandr Wang and Aravind Srinivas, alongside our partners like Nebius AI and others!
Check the prelim agenda below and keep checking back for updates — we have a lot more to add to the AI Stage.
with Aravind Srinivas (Perplexity)
Perplexity‘s AI-powered search engine might be the next stage of interacting with the web and knowledge in general — or not. But the company is certainly risking it all to manifest that future, even if it ruffles a few feathers along the way. Hear from the CEO how the company plans to take on all comers in this new category of tech.
with Alexandr Wang (Scale AI)
In 2016, when Scale AI was founded, few people could have predicted that the company, which builds tools to train, test and maintain generative AI models, would eventually grow into a $14 billion business. In hindsight, it seems almost inevitable that Scale would, well, scale quickly, given the dramatic growth many of its early customers, including OpenAI, experienced. In a conversation with Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang, we’ll discuss the company’s journey so far and the role that Scale AI now plays in the generative AI ecosystem.
with Pamela San Martin (Oversight Board), Imran Ahmed (CCDH), and speakers to be announced
As generative AI tools become more widely available — and become cheaper, or even free, to use — they’re being abused by an array of actors, including state actors, to create deepfakes and sow disinformation online. In this session, we’ll hear from experts about the types of deepfakes now circulating the web and some possible ways to combat the threat.
with Ali Farhadi (Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence), Irene Solaiman (Hugging Face), and speakers to be announced
There’s a war brewing in the AI industry between companies in support of “open” AI models (models released under permissive licenses that can be fine-tuned and repurposed for a range of applications) and closed source models (models gated behind paid services and APIs). Is one approach better than the other? The answer isn’t as clear-cut as you might think. In this talk, we’ll investigate the differences between open and closed source models, as well as the subtle but important flavors of open-model licenses.
with Sarah Myers West (AI Now), Jingna Zhang (Cara), and Ben Zhao (University of Chicago)
AI’s meteoric rise has created new ethical dilemmas and exacerbated old ones, while lawsuits drop left and right. This threatens both new and established AI companies, and the creators and workers whose labor feeds the models. A panel of experts in AI, copyright, and ethics take on this complex and fast-moving problem space.
with Mikey Shulman (Suno), Amit Jain (Luma AI), and other speakers to be announced
Generative AI is increasingly capable of creating video, music, and other media on demand. But who actually wants it, and why? This panel of AI startups will discuss the growing markets for generative media and how they can be served without harming or displacing the artists they claim to empower.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is where you’ll find innovation for every stage of your startup journey. Whether you’re a budding founder with a revolutionary idea, a seasoned startup looking to scale or an investor seeking the next big thing, TechCrunch Disrupt offers unparalleled resources, connections and expert insights to propel your venture forward. Over 10,000 startup leaders will be attending this year’s event on October 28-30 in San Francisco.
We can’t wait to hear from these AI leaders at this year’s show. Purchase your tickets here
Get ready for a prime week of savings at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 with the launch of Disrupt Deal Days! From now to July 19 at 11:59 p.m. PT, we’re going back to early-bird ticket prices, allowing attendees to save up to $800 on their passes. This limited-time offer is the perfect opportunity to secure your spot at one of the most anticipated tech events of the year.
Grab your passes here.
Whether you’re looking to learn, share, or grow, TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 offers unparalleled opportunities to expand your knowledge and network:
Connect with 10,000 startup leaders through 1:1 or small-group Braindates.Get your questions answered in one of the 300+ sessions, roundtables or breakouts.Rub elbows with Silicon Valley’s best at one of the 100+ Side Events happening during Disrupt Week.And so much more.
Also, we’re hosting some of the top thought leaders at Disrupt, offering you the chance to gain insights from a few of the most influential figures in the tech industry.
Alex Pall, Producer, The Chainsmokers and Investment Partner, Mantis Venture Capital.Arian Simone, CEO and Founding Partner, Fearless Fund.Dayna Grayson, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Construct Capital.Denise Dresser, Chief Executive Officer, Slack.Mary Barra, Chair and CEO, General Motors.Navin Chaddha, Managing Partner, Mayfield Fund.Peter Beck, Founder and CEO, Rocket Lab.Vinod Khosla, Founder and Partner, Khosla Ventures.
Don’t miss out, and book your pass today during our Disrupt Deal Days event and pocket some major ticket savings.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 in San Francisco is fast approaching, and we’re seeking highly motivated volunteers to support our events team.
If you dream of becoming a startup founder, marketer, or event coordinator, this experience offers an invaluable glimpse into the inner workings of a top-tier tech startup conference.
Volunteers will assist in plenty of fun tasks that include, but are not limited to:
Registration check-in.Line or traffic control.Directional/customer support.Expo setup support.General event setup.
Complete your volunteer shift and receive a free General Admission ticket for all three days — October 28-30, valued at up to $1,500.
Network with 10,000 startups and 1,200 VC leaders. Expand your network and engage in small-group Braindates.
Immerse yourself in thought-provoking insights from influential tech, startup, and investment leaders. Hear their stories and learn best practices, how-tos, and tips.
Watch startups compete in the Startup Battlefield 200 for the Disrupt Cup and a $100,000 equity-free prize.
Join startups in the 100+ side events that they will be hosting in a variety of styles such as workshops, cocktail parties, happy hours, and meetups.
Attend the Disrupt Career Fair on October 30 to explore job roles in AI, software development, design, human resources, finance, data and analytics, and more. You’ll find a diverse range of companies from tech enterprises to new startups.
Complete a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer time during Disrupt 2024.Attend a mandatory orientation in person on Sunday afternoon on October 27 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Be 18 years or older to apply.Local San Francisco or Bay Area residents are preferred but not required.
We are accepting applications. Learn more about volunteering at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 and get started on your application.
We’re so excited to announce that we’ve added a dedicated AI Stage presented by Google Cloud to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. It joins Fintech, SaaS and Space as the other industry-focused stages — all under one big roof.
We couldn’t possibly host TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 without a huge deep dive on all things artificial intelligence. So, here is our first sneak peek at the AI Stage agenda, happening all day on Wednesday, October 30. As a classic TechCrunch stage, we have some of the nascent industry’s heavy hitters, like Alexandr Wang and Aravind Srinivas, alongside our partners like Nebius AI and others!
Check the prelim agenda below and keep checking back for updates — we have a lot more to add to the AI Stage.
with Aravind Srinivas (Perplexity)
Perplexity‘s AI-powered search engine might be the next stage of interacting with the web and knowledge in general — or not. But the company is certainly risking it all to manifest that future, even if it ruffles a few feathers along the way. Hear from the CEO how the company plans to take on all comers in this new category of tech.
with Alexandr Wang (Scale AI)
In 2016, when Scale AI was founded, few people could have predicted that the company, which builds tools to train, test and maintain generative AI models, would eventually grow into a $14 billion business. In hindsight, it seems almost inevitable that Scale would, well, scale quickly, given the dramatic growth many of its early customers, including OpenAI, experienced. In a conversation with Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang, we’ll discuss the company’s journey so far and the role that Scale AI now plays in the generative AI ecosystem.
with Pamela San Martin (Oversight Board), Imran Ahmed (CCDH), and speakers to be announced
As generative AI tools become more widely available — and become cheaper, or even free, to use — they’re being abused by an array of actors, including state actors, to create deepfakes and sow disinformation online. In this session, we’ll hear from experts about the types of deepfakes now circulating the web and some possible ways to combat the threat.
with Ali Farhadi (Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence), Irene Solaiman (Hugging Face), and speakers to be announced
There’s a war brewing in the AI industry between companies in support of “open” AI models (models released under permissive licenses that can be fine-tuned and repurposed for a range of applications) and closed source models (models gated behind paid services and APIs). Is one approach better than the other? The answer isn’t as clear-cut as you might think. In this talk, we’ll investigate the differences between open and closed source models, as well as the subtle but important flavors of open-model licenses.
with Sarah Myers West (AI Now), Jingna Zhang (Cara), and Ben Zhao (University of Chicago)
AI’s meteoric rise has created new ethical dilemmas and exacerbated old ones, while lawsuits drop left and right. This threatens both new and established AI companies, and the creators and workers whose labor feeds the models. A panel of experts in AI, copyright, and ethics take on this complex and fast-moving problem space.
with Mikey Shulman (Suno), Amit Jain (Luma AI), and other speakers to be announced
Generative AI is increasingly capable of creating video, music, and other media on demand. But who actually wants it, and why? This panel of AI startups will discuss the growing markets for generative media and how they can be served without harming or displacing the artists they claim to empower.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is where you’ll find innovation for every stage of your startup journey. Whether you’re a budding founder with a revolutionary idea, a seasoned startup looking to scale or an investor seeking the next big thing, TechCrunch Disrupt offers unparalleled resources, connections and expert insights to propel your venture forward. Over 10,000 startup leaders will be attending this year’s event on October 28-30 in San Francisco.
We can’t wait to hear from these AI leaders at this year’s show. Purchase your tickets here