TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026: Doors open 9 a.m. ET in Boston, discounted registration ends

Doors open at 9 a.m. ET today at the SoWa Power Station in Boston for TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026, drawing founders, investors, and startup leaders for a full day dedicated to strategies, insights, and connections that help startups scale faster and smarter. The 9 a.m. opening also marks the end of discounted registration, with prices increasing to full rates as the event begins.

The agenda spans fundraising, product-market fit, AI innovation, and enterprise growth, offering actionable advice from experienced founders, investors, and operators. The summit delivers practical insights for founders raising capital, refining go-to-market strategy, validating product-market fit, or preparing for their next stage of growth. Registration and Expo Hall hours run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET, while breakout sessions are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and roundtables from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A Networking Lounge powered by Braindate operates from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for one-on-one and small-group meetings.

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.https://t.co/cKpfzwwelp

— https://x.com/TechCrunch/status/2103165346987299211

Featured Speakers and Breakout Sessions

Programming includes an AMA with Toast co-founder Steve Fredette on building a lasting company, a session with Amulya Vishwanath of Techable Ventures exploring next-generation AI opportunities, and a panel on fundraising trends featuring Kristen Craft of Fidelity Private Shares, Jennifer Neundorfer of January Ventures, and Darren Ross of The.Team. Other breakouts cover distribution strategy with Hunter Worland of NEA, product-market fit with Kent Bennett of Bessemer Venture Partners, enterprise relationships with Yossi Hayut of Wix Ventures and Evan Schnidman of Fidelity Labs, and pitching with Dave Balter of True Ventures alongside Jonny Boyarsky of FirstGlance, Shruti Gupta of PollSee, Sunmin He of PitchIN, Chirag Shah of Define Ventures, and Simran Suri of Maveron. Other sessions include Rudina Seseri of Glasswing Ventures on when to scale and when to hit the brakes, Chase Garbarino of HqO on the Boston Founder Playbook, and Tina Tosukhowong of TDK Ventures on identifying category winners. Jennifer van Dijk of Boston Legacy FC also joins the enterprise relationships discussion, while Dave Balter separately leads a session on earning the next conversation in a pitch.

Expo Hall and Networking Opportunities

The Expo Hall showcases exhibiting startups bringing solutions to help accelerate scaling, while the Braindate-powered Networking Lounge facilitates scheduled meetings among founders, investors, and operators throughout the day. Attendees can pick up badges, connect with partners, and explore the hall throughout the day. Interactive roundtable sessions led by experienced scaling leaders dive into topics ranging from fundraising and launching to AI and beyond.

Discounts Expire as Event Pricing Adjusts

ET saved up to $100 on their pass and received a second pass free, but discounts ended when doors opened. Those still able to join can access a full day of startup-focused content, investor perspectives, and conversations designed to accelerate company growth through 4:30 p.m.