Next five VCs judging Startup Battlefield 200 at Disrupt 2026

TechCrunch says Startup Battlefield 200 is nearly complete as it prepares for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, with a judging panel close to final. In the coming weeks, 200 selected startups will gather at the event to exhibit, meet investors, and compete for advancement to the live competition. Only a smaller group will then pitch on the Disrupt Stage before thousands of founders, investors, media, and customers, facing questions from experienced technology investors and operators. The article names several judges, including Caleb Appleton of Bison Ventures, Sara Deshpande of Maven Ventures, and Aatish Nayak of Kleiner Perkins, with more judges revealed so far referenced via the Disrupt agenda. The finalists compete for a $100,000 equity-free prize and the Disrupt Cup.