No product? No problem. This Disrupt 2026 session shows how to get pre-seed funding with conviction, storytelling

Startup funding expectations are shifting. Many pre-seed founders now face pressure to meet requirements previously reserved for seed-stage companies. The rise of AI allows for faster product development, but it also forces founders to compete with higher benchmarks earlier than in previous years. The upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 event in San Francisco aims to address this gap.

The event features a dedicated session titled Winning Pre-Seed Without a Product. This panel focuses on securing funding through conviction and storytelling when a concrete product does not yet exist. The Builders Stage at Disrupt serves as the primary location for these tactical discussions and operational workshops throughout the three-day event.

Three speakers anchor this session, providing perspectives from different corners of the venture capital market. Sandhya Venkatachalam of Axiom Partners brings experience from successful exits and AI investments at firms like Khosla Ventures. Puneet Agarwal from True Ventures offers insights gained from nearly two decades of tracking enterprise infrastructure shifts and startup lifecycles. Austin Clements of Slauson and Co. adds a focus on economic inclusion and founder diversity to the conversation.

These experts will examine how founders can communicate their vision to investors effectively. The goal is to provide actionable strategies for those working on early-stage ideas. Attendees can participate in these sessions at Moscone West from October 13 to 15. The event schedule covers fundraising tactics and go-to-market planning for teams at various stages of growth.

Beyond this specific panel, Disrupt 2026 hosts various workshops for founders and investors. The event continues its tradition of showcasing new startups and connecting the community. Early registration is open for those planning to attend.