TechCrunch has opened applications for side events at Disrupt 2025—offering startups, investors, industry groups, and tech communities the chance to host specialized gatherings that complement the main conference program. Scheduled to run alongside Disrupt’s core sessions (October 27–29 in San Francisco), these side events provide a platform to dive deep into niche topics, foster targeted networking, or showcase emerging trends that may not fit the main stage agenda. From intimate roundtables on AI ethics to hands-on workshops for early-stage founders, side events are designed to expand Disrupt’s impact and let the community shape the conversation.

This year’s side event program marks a return to TechCrunch’s commitment to community-driven content, after a 2024 pilot that drew over 50 applications and resulted in 22 sold-out sessions. Feedback from last year’s attendees and hosts highlighted side events as a “hidden gem” of Disrupt—offering a more intimate setting than the main stage (typically 50–150 attendees vs. thousands) and the flexibility to tailor content to specific audiences. For 2025, TechCrunch is expanding the program, with dedicated spaces at the Moscone Center (Disrupt’s venue) and extended time slots (from 90 minutes to 3 hours) to accommodate diverse formats.

What Qualifies as a Disrupt 2025 Side Event?

TechCrunch welcomes applications for side events that align with Disrupt’s focus on startups, innovation, and tech ecosystem growth—but with a narrow, audience-specific angle. Eligible formats and topics include:

• Niche Industry Deep Dives: Sessions focused on specialized sectors, such as “AI for Climate Tech: Scaling Carbon Removal Solutions” or “SaaS for Manufacturing: Solving Supply Chain Pain Points.”
• Founder-Focused Workshops: Hands-on sessions with actionable takeaways, like “How to Negotiate a VC Term Sheet” or “Building a Remote Team That Actually Collaborates.”
• Investor Roundtables: Intimate discussions for LPs, VCs, and founders, such as “Early-Stage Investing in Emerging Markets” or “Balancing Profit and Purpose in Impact VC.”
• Community Gatherings: Events that celebrate underrepresented groups in tech, like “Women in AI Founders Mixer” or “LGBTQ+ Tech Entrepreneurs: Building Inclusive Teams.”
• Demo Days for Emerging Startups: Curated showcases for pre-seed or seed-stage companies (outside the main Startup Battlefield 200) to pitch to a targeted audience of angels and micro-VCs.

Not all ideas will qualify: TechCrunch will prioritize events that are non-commercial (no hard selling of products or services), interactive (not just lectures), and complementary to the main program (avoiding direct overlap with scheduled main-stage sessions). For example, a side event on “AI Startup Fundraising” would be approved if the main stage already has a broader session on “VC Trends in 2025”—but a side event that duplicates the main stage’s “AI Governance” talk would not.

How to Apply—and What Hosts Receive

The application process is open now through September 10, 2025, and requires submitting a short form (available on the Disrupt 2025 website) with details including:

• Event title, format, and target audience (e.g., “early-stage founders in fintech,” “LPs focused on cleantech”).
• A 200-word description of the event’s purpose, key topics, and expected takeaways.
• Names and bios of speakers or facilitators (hosts must secure speakers before applying).
• Preferred date and time (within October 27–29, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. PT).

Selected hosts will receive significant support to ensure their events succeed:

• Complimentary Venue Space: A dedicated room at the Moscone Center, equipped with AV, seating, and Wi-Fi (capacity based on event size).
• Promotion to Disrupt Attendees: Listing in the official Disrupt app and website, plus shoutouts in TechCrunch’s pre-event newsletters (reaching 3 million+ subscribers).
• Ticketing Support: Integration with Disrupt’s ticketing platform, letting attendees register for side events for free (or at a host-set fee, with proceeds going to the host).
• On-Site Assistance: A TechCrunch event coordinator to help with setup, troubleshooting, and crowd management on the day of the event.

Hosts are responsible for securing speakers, developing the event agenda, and promoting the session to their own networks—but TechCrunch’s support team is available to answer questions throughout the process.

Why Host a Side Event?

For startups and organizations, side events offer unique benefits that extend beyond the main conference:

• Targeted Visibility: Reach a highly engaged audience of potential customers, investors, or partners. For example, a B2B SaaS startup hosting a workshop on “Streamlining HR Operations” could connect directly with HR leaders from mid-sized companies.
• Thought Leadership: Position your team as experts in a niche area. A VC firm hosting a roundtable on “Deeptech Investing” can showcase its domain knowledge and attract promising startups to its portfolio.
• Community Building: Strengthen relationships with existing networks and attract new members. A tech community group hosting a “Founder Mixer” can grow its audience and foster long-term connections.

Last year’s side event hosts reported tangible results: one fintech startup generated 15 new leads from its workshop, while a VC firm secured two new LP commitments from its investor roundtable. “Hosting a side event let us cut through the noise of the main conference and talk directly to the founders we care about,” said a partner at a 2024 side event host firm. “It was more valuable than any booth or sponsorship.”

Key Dates and Tips for Applicants

TechCrunch has outlined a clear timeline for the side event program:

• Application Deadline: September 10, 2025 (11:59 p.m. PT).
• Notification of Acceptance: September 20, 2025.
• Agenda Finalization: October 5, 2025 (hosts must submit finalized agendas and speaker lists).
• Event Dates: October 27–29, 2025.

To increase the chances of approval, TechCrunch recommends:

1. Be Specific: Avoid broad topics (e.g., “Startup Growth”) in favor of narrow, actionable themes (e.g., “Startup Growth for Pre-Revenue SaaS Companies”).
2. Prioritize Interaction: Design sessions with Q&As, group discussions, or hands-on activities—passive lectures are less likely to be approved.
3. Leverage Diverse Voices: Include speakers from underrepresented groups or non-traditional backgrounds to reflect Disrupt’s commitment to inclusivity.
4. Align with Main Stage Themes: Check the published main stage agenda (released August 31) to ensure your side event fills a gap, not duplicates content.

Who Should Apply?

The side event program is open to any organization or individual with a stake in the tech ecosystem, including:

• Early-stage startups, growth-stage companies, and enterprise tech firms.
• VC firms, angel investor groups, and LP networks.
• Tech communities (e.g., Women Who Code, Black Founders Matter).
• Industry associations (e.g., AI ethics groups, cleantech coalitions).
• Educational institutions and research labs focused on tech innovation.

Applications from first-time hosts are strongly encouraged—TechCrunch’s support team will provide guidance to ensure a smooth experience.

Ready to Apply?

Applications are available now on the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 website. For questions, hosts can reach out to the side event team at sideevents@techcrunch.com.

“Side events are where Disrupt’s community comes alive,” said Alex Osborne, Disrupt Event Director. “They let founders, investors, and builders lead the conversations that matter to them—not just the ones we plan. We can’t wait to see the creative, impactful events this year’s applicants propose.”

For anyone looking to make their mark at Disrupt 2025—beyond the main stage—hosting a side event is the perfect opportunity to connect, educate, and shape the future of tech