The Builders Stage brings practical strategies for scaling startups to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

The Builders Stage is returning to TechCrunch Disrupt, bringing together founders, startup operators, and investors for practical conversations on what it takes to build and scale.

Chamath Palihapitiya raises $135M Series A for his AI coding startup, takes CEO role

VCs remain thirsty to fund AI coding startups. This one, founded by investor, Chamath Palihapitiya, is no exception.

Pocket raises $11M in bet on rising demand for AI note-taking devices

Pocket sells a $129 credit card-shaped puck, which sticks to the back of your phone, and promises unlimited recordings, transcriptions, and to-do items.

Omen AI’s plan to optimize data centers is all wet

Omen AI raised a $31 million Series A to monitor chip coolant and stop bacterial outbreaks in data centers.

Early Bird pricing ends tonight for TechCrunch Founder Summit

Save up to $190 on your pass to TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026. Early Bird pricing ends today, at 11:59 p.m. PT, after which rates increase. Register now.

General Intuition’s $2.3B bet that video games can train AI agents for the real world

General Intuition has raised $320 million to scale AI trained on millions of hours of gameplay, betting action data can help AI develop something closer to human intuition.

2 days left to save up to $190: Join 1,000+ founders and investors at TechCrunch Founder Summit

2 days left to lock in your spot at TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 and save up to $190 before Early Bird rates expire on June 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Register here.

3 days left to save up to $190 on your TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 pass

You have just 3 days left to save up to $190 on your pass to TechCrunch Founder Summit 2026 before Early Bird rates end on June 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Register here.

After betting the firm on Anthropic, Menlo Ventures raises victorious $3B fund

Menlo has created a solid rep for itself as an AI investor, all based on one gutsy $750 million move in 2024.

HaloBraid raises $7M from Seven Seven Six to end the six-hour hair salon appointment

HaloBraid aims to help salons speed up braiding with its first device, slated to launch later this year, that acts as a braiding assistant for professional stylists.