Overview
TechCrunch Founder Summit is a full-day gathering in Boston on November 4 where founders across all stages connect with top VCs and experienced entrepreneurs to gain tactical insights on building and scaling their companies.
For the founder looking to get in the weeds during a one-day crash course, Founder Summit is an ideal place to get a head start on plans.
Before you dig in on the event details, you can get info on all of our tickets, which are available for a $200 discount for investors and founders, right here.
Target Audience
All founders end up wrestling with the complicated mechanics of building a company from the ground up, covering fundraising, hiring, legal, marketing, PR, and leadership.
Founder Summit offers a way to address challenging questions with community members who have navigated constructive failure and success.
Location and Schedule
The event takes place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the SoWa Power Station in Boston, accessible via public transportation.
Image Credits:TechCrunch / Getty Images
Agenda Highlights
This year’s agenda and speakers lean into fundraising, AI-native building, and leadership.
The New Rules of Raising Capital: Brian Devaney, partner at Underscore, breaks down what investors look for now.
The CEO Job Never Gets Easier: HubSpot co-founder and Sequoia partner Brian Halligan discusses how the CEO role changes at each stage of growth.
Built for AI From Day One: 7AI co-founder and CEO Lior Div addresses what changes when AI is the foundation of a company rather than a bolt-on feature.
Not Every Dollar Is Equal: Cogent Security co-founder and CEO Vineet Edupuganti evaluates investors and cap-table trade-offs beyond valuation.
How to Spot the 'King of the Hill' Company: TDK Ventures investment director Tina Tosukhowong unpacks a framework for evaluating startups on economics, scalability, and timing.
Your Company Is Who You Hire: NEA partner Melissa Taunton discusses early hiring decisions that shape a startup’s culture and execution.
The Boston Founder Playbook: HqO co-founder and CEO Chase Garbarino speaks on building a category-defining company outside Silicon Valley.
Finding Product Market Fit Before You Scale: Bessemer Venture Partners' Kent Bennett focuses on validating demand before scaling.
Event History
Founder Summit was formerly known as Early Stage and All Stage, retaining the same mission under a new name.
Networking and Additional Activities
In addition to main panels, the event includes breakout sessions for intimate discussions on vital community topics.
Networking is supported via the Braindate app to connect investors with founders facing similar challenges.
Founder Summit week takes place November 1-7, featuring community Side Events.
Image Credits:Halo Creative
Ticketing and Registration
Pricing tiers include Investor for $399, Founder for $199, and students for $149, with additional discounts available for group purchases.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer roles are available to help staff the event in exchange for free access to programming.
Registration Details
Attendees can access full event logistics, up-to-date speaker lists, and ticket information online.
